In this week's episode, we sit down with our regular co-host LTCOL Steve Young to explore the challenging realities of age in war. Drawing on historical context, we delve into the physical and psychological toll large-scale combat takes on the human body, particularly during intense missions like those in the Pacific theatre during World War II. The average age of commanding officers pre-WWII was 48 years old; however, in 1945 it had dropped to just 30 years old, meaning there were some officers commanding entire battalion groups while in their twenties. We reflect on how the unique demands of the Pacific campaign played a role in this change and how younger leaders were thrust into positions of responsibility during a time of all-out-war. Additionally, LTCOL Young takes us through a pivotal moment in Australian political history: the 1938 vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Joseph Lyons. In response, Menzies outlined his government’s significant achievements in preparing Australia for the impending war, underscoring the extraordinary demands placed on both political and military leadership at the time. Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of age, leadership, and resilience in wartime, as we look at how the realities of large-scale conflict demand more than ever from the soldiers and officers that fight in it.