Great address.

There were some really good points in this, and facing the reality of near peer war is an imperative. However, I think we may have missed something. Our young people are the key to enabling us to use the technology on which we have become dependent, namely space and cyber.

If the entire Army were infantry, we would loose any conflict quickly, which is why we have different Corps, because we need them. And we need access to space and cyber more than ever, and without them the Infantry can't communicate or maintain situational awareness.

The nostalgia for simpler times does not help manage the current complexity. Our need for junior officers to be invested and capable in hardening and securing of our systems has never been higher. Nor has the risk of us loosing those capabilities whilst an adversary maintains them.

I commend that you eluded to the alleged war crimes - seems like a missed opportunity to talk about the royal commission as well. Good mental health and well being leads to good character and trust. And it has the benefit of reducing the likelihood of needing to use discipline measures.

Thenks Sir, appreciated your input especially about the need for character and virtue ethics - “trust those beside you as they trust you”. I will think more about character being intrinsic (agreed) and values extrinsic (although I think values are also very personal and applied individually as well as organisationly). I plan to quote and discuss your advice with LTs: “As Officers seek support from peers not validation from troops”. Your penultimatr closing comment “Just be yourself and let your soldiers be who they are” and adopt a humble curiosity when it comes to intercultural engagement was confidence-building too.

Really good address to the graduating class - keeping in mind its about celebrating their successes, inspiring them and encouraging them to be the best and lead the Army into the future - not a platform for politics or push agendas - a platform to celebrate and inspire.