Deepening military ties among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are challenging US defence strategies. The US may need to prepare to fight multiple adversaries across various theatres, and re-evaluate long-held strategic assumptions.

This United States Army article, published in three parts, explores twelve foundational principles of military leadership, incorporating historical insights, practical applications, and key examples to foster effective leadership among NCOs. Topics range from leading from the front and teamwork to decisiveness and moral courage.

The article recounts the 1914 Christmas Truce, when British, German, and French soldiers spontaneously ceased fighting on the Western Front, exchanging gifts and singing carols, reflecting a brief moment of peace amidst World War I.

Russia has used a new hypersonic missile in Ukraine. The missile's capabilities are not fundamentally new, but rather a combination of existing technologies, with the strike intended as a symbolic message to the West.

Economic sanctions often fail to change the policies of authoritarian regimes. Sanctions can reduce food consumption and quality of life—while elites often remain insulated—and sanctions can foster nationalist solidarity.

Aligning with Belt and Road Initiative goals, the smaller, targeted, Pacific investments strengthen local ties and influence and foster public goodwill. Scholarships and training offered to Pacific officials could improve perceptions of China.

Part of the Integrated Investment Program, eight Landing Craft Heavy vessels will be built from 2026 in WA to support littoral manoeuvre, long-range strike, troop deployment, logistics, and disaster relief. Self-defence weapons and military communications included.

The ‘Pacific Way” includes intra-regional support, most often in the form of disaster relief, strengthening regional independence and solidarity. Fiji frequently receives intra-regional disaster aid and Papua New Guinea provides the most bilateral aid.

Launched in June 2024, the US Air Force's experimental NIPRGPT was developed under the Dark Saber software platform and requires Common Access Card authentication. Aims to explore secure generative AI applications.

The Cold War, Soviet-era Su-25 has significant air-to-ground armament, a radar jammer and advanced avionics. Used in Afghanistan as well as Ukraine, but it appears vulnerable to Stinger missiles. Ukraine has reportedly downed multiple aircraft.