Neil is a Director of the Institute of Integrated Economics Research, and the consultancy Collaborative Outcomes. He is an Engineering Executive and Deputy Chair of the Engineers Australia College of Leadership and Management. Through Engineers Australia, Australian Security Policy Institute and other NGOs, Neil has led policy development on energy security, humanitarian engineering, resilience, and the advancement of indigenous engineering. Neil served in the Australia Defence Force for 30 years with operational service in Iraq and Timor Leste.

The authors of this articles composed the content during their time at the Australian Defence Force Academy under the guidance and ingenuity of their Officer Commanding, Major Newham. The authors are all history students across the Army, Navy, and Airforce and have since graduated the Academy in 2022.

CAPT Costello is a member of the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. His postings have included the 1st Signal Regiment, the 1st Recruit Training Battalion, and Headquarters Joint Operations Command. CAPT Costello is currently studying a Master of Strategy and Security via the University of New South Wales and is interested in grand strategy, international relations, security policy, and hybrid-threats.

Lieutenant Jacob Masina is a Troop Commander of 23 Battery, 9 Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery.

Major Duncanson is an officer in the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Business. Major Duncanson has deployed as the Commander of the Force Support Team supporting Operation Queensland Flood Assist in Western Queensland and as the Force Support Group Liaison Officer on Operation Bushfire Assist in Melbourne. He was appointed as Officer Commanding 37th Force Supply Company in 2023.