Manila’s ‘assertive transparency’ exposing Chinese aggression in the South China Sea has failed to deter Beijing. Instead, it risks escalation, tests U.S. credibility under the Mutual Defence Treaty, and highlights limits of reputation-based deterrence.

As AI-driven operations push data to the tactical edge, protecting mission-critical information at rest is essential. Traditional OS encryption is insufficient; multi-layer, NSA-certified approaches like CSfC ensure resilience against advanced threats and adversaries.

The US Army will launch over 100 high-altitude balloons in the Indo-Pacific to test swarming, payload diversity, and autonomous control. The exercise aims to validate cost-effective ISR and communications against denied or degraded space assets.

Reservists with private-sector software expertise can help accelerate military technology development, but the US Marine Corps must modernize employment models to harness this talent effectively and strengthen warfighting capability, before the next conflict.

Skilled migrants face barriers that limit their potential—hurting economic growth and weakening Australia’s reputation abroad. Better recognition systems could transform wasted talent into a lasting advantage for regional ties, in the national interest.

Senior military colleges should become AI-driven battle labs where students and faculty co-develop knowledge for AI systems; strengthening decision-making, planning, and analysis to build the Army’s cognitive edge in algorithmic warfare.

The UK’s NCSC and allied agencies accuse Chinese tech firms of aiding state-backed cyberattacks under ‘Salt Typhoon’, targeting global infrastructure and enabling China’s security forces to access sensitive communications and movement data.

Accountability can be blocked when people hide their mistakes because they are shamed by them. Owning our mistakes, flaws, and transgressions is not easy, but managers can help subordinates through greater self-awareness and support.

Investment in global military activities represents around 2.5% of GDP. Investors are now focussing on the defence industry—which is expanding in reaction to global threats—causing increased attention on government defence budgets.

The author of this article claims that Australian Government reforms are notoriously slow to implement. Defence needs timely reform and innovation to maintain a strategic edge. Defence managers have a critical role in championing reform.