The Principles of War - Lessons from Military History on Strategy, Tactics, Doctrine and Leadership.

This episode continues our Kokoda Campaign Podcast series. This episode is Part 5 of our interview with Dr with Dr Adrian Threlfall, an expert in how the Australian Army learned to learn about combat in the jungles of Malaya, Singapore, Papua, New Guinea, and many other islands to the north of Australia. This episode looks at the introduction of the Jungle Scales Division into the Australian Army, the development of the Owen Gun and finally how the Japanese adapted to Australian tactically improvements in Jungle Warfare. Check out the show notes for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.

This episode continues our Kokoda Campaign Podcast series. This episode is Part 4 of our interview with Dr with Dr Adrian Threlfall, an expert in how the Australian Army learned to learn about combat in the jungles of Malaya, Singapore, Papua, New Guinea, and many other islands to the north of Australia. This episode discusses the development of the Jungle Warfare Training Centre, Canungra, the role that it played in preparing soldiers for combat in the Jungle and the legacy it created for the Australian Army as experts in jungle warfare. Check out the show notes for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.

This episode continues our Kokoda Campaign Podcast series. This episode looks at Jungle Warfare Doctrine Development, with Dr Adrian Threlfall, an expert in how the Australian Army learned to learn about combat in the jungles of Malaya, Singapore, Papua, New Guinea, and many other islands to the north of Australia. We look at how the soldiers prepared for combat in the Jungle against the Imperial Japanese Army. What were the barriers to the lessons learnt process? We look at the British Army and allies in Burma, the Marines on Guadalcanal and the Australian Army in New Guinea. Check out the show notes for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Adrian Threlfall, an expert in WWII doctrine development and author of Jungle Warriors, shares insights on how the Australian Army adapted to jungle warfare. He reveals the challenges of initial unpreparedness against Japanese forces and the critical need for effective training and resources. The conversation delves into the informal adjustments made by soldiers to improve camouflage and logistical solutions amid chaos. Threlfall emphasizes the importance of learning and adapting strategies to succeed in complex environments.

Dr. Adrian Threlfall, an expert on Australian jungle warfare, dives into the unique challenges faced by the Army during World War II. He unpacks the crucial transition from desert to jungle combat, revealing the intense training struggles and communication hurdles soldiers encountered. The episode sheds light on the logistical nightmares in dense jungles and the lessons learned from the Malayan campaign, emphasizing how past experiences shaped evolving tactics and doctrines. It's a fascinating glimpse into military adaptation in extreme environments.

In this insightful discussion, Sam Bendett, a UAS combat expert from the Center for a New American Security, delves into the rapidly changing dynamics of drone warfare in Ukraine. He explores how both Ukrainian and Russian forces utilize drones, highlighting Ukraine's advanced communication strategies. The conversation touches on the integration of electronic warfare, the need for traditional artillery support despite drone effectiveness, and the evolving role of FPV drones. Bendett also discusses the innovative tactics and AI applications emerging within the Ukrainian army's drone corps.

How did air power influence the Kokoda Campaign? We review the employment of air power and compare it with the Milne Bay operation, where Air Power's effect was described as 'decisive' by both MAJGEN Clowes and LTGEN Rowell. The episode picks up the story with the elevation of Les Jackson to CO of No 75 Squadron after the death of his brother, John. We discuss the importance of training pilots for the responsibilities for Squadron Command and the requirement for a panel of potential candidates, before looking at the Battle of Milne Bay. This is Part 18 of our series looking at the Kokoda Campaign, focusing on the combat performance of battalions on the Kokoda Track and the fourth and final episode as we look at Air Power, RAAF Leadership and doctrine development during the Kokoda Campaign. Check out the show notes for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.

What was RAAF Leadership like in No. 75 Squadron at Port Moresby. We look at the career and Leadership of Squadron Leader John Jackson, a great RAAF pilot who lead from the front. We look at the tactics that he developed to fight the more agile Japanese Zeroes and what was it that caused him to ignore his own tactics on the day that he was shot down and killed. This is Part 17 of our series looking at the Kokoda Campaign, focusing on the combat performance of battalions on the Kokoda Track and how the militia were prepared for combat at the tactical, operational and strategic level. This episode looks at the combat leadership of John Jackson. Check out the show notes for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.

How did the P-40E compare against the Japanese Zero? We look at how Australia was prepared for the war in the air over Port Moresby. How well were the pilots prepared and how well was the squadron bought up to operational standard? This is Part 16 of our series looking at the Kokoda Campaign, focusing on the combat performance of battalions on the Kokoda Track and how the militia were prepared for combat at the tactical, operational and strategic level. This episode looks at the first combats fought over the skies of Port Moresby and how the Squadron Leader of No 75 Squadron, John Jackson, took the fight to the Japanese. Check out the show notes for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.

It was 900 days from the declaration of war against Germany in 1939 to the bombing of Darwin. When Darwin was bombed, there were no RAAF fighters to defend, and it was three weeks before Darwin was had fighter coverage (and they were US fighters). We look at how the RAAF was prepared for war, prepared for war for Japan and prepared to defend Australia. This is Part 15 of our series looking at the Kokoda Campaign, focusing on the combat performance of battalions on the Kokoda Track and how the militia were prepared for combat at the tactical, operational and strategic level. This episode looks at how No 75 Squadron contributed to the Joint Battle during the Kokoda Campaign. We focus on how the RAAF looked to mobilise and scale up. We discuss EATS, Check out the show notes for the podcast for all of the information that we cover in this episode as well as the images and other details that didn't make it into the podcast.