The Taliban captured Kabul on 15 August, 2021. Just days later, thirteen US service members and about 170 Afghans were killed in a suicide bomb attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport’s Abbey Gate.

Developed by Gilmour Space Technologies, Gold Coast, a last-minute issue halted the launch from a purpose-built pad in Bowen, north Queensland —highlighting the challenges of emerging space capability and the need for careful systems testing.

This milestone makes Australia the first international F-35 customer to implement this advanced training capability, lowering costs and significantly bolstering the global readiness and interoperability of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter fleet.

Lasting success in complex environments demands practical teamwork—shared planning, mutual respect, and software-driven solutions that unite land and sea operations at every level. Collaboration must begin early, remain constant and relationships influence career progression.

The US Marine Corps are close to having a complete, modern fighter jet fleet. The problem is the jets are still equipped with 1980s-era weapons technology—AI will play a crucial role in fixing that.

Finland maintains national stockpiles of critical supplies. A culture of preparedness—based on shared responsibility and long-term planning—offers practical insights for how Australia, both public and private, might handle crises with more resilience and foresight.

Because we can’t predict the future, our best bet is to prepare for it—sharpen internal resources within our control that will help us make the best of it. Enter mindset, agility, and creativity.

Australia’s aid budget is steady but, globally the trend is downward. Our aid strategy must shift quickly—facing global cuts and the impact of artificial intelligence, bold, focused decisions that prioritise and simplify are needed.

This article asserts that if the Houthis had managed to shoot down the F-35, it would have been more of an indicator of the shortcomings of the military operation, rather than the aircraft itself.

Not belonging isn’t a flaw, it’s a different psychological orientation. From the moment we are born, we are wired for connection, but standing apart can be a form of integrity—not isolation.