SGT M has served nearly 20 years in the ADF, the vast majority of which has been in the Corps of RAEME and within Special Operations Command (SOCOMD). SGT M has deployed numerous times with both Forces Command and SOCOMD and in 2020 was awarded an Army Silver Commendation.

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.