Army Chief Stresses Mastery of Military Profession

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Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart has called on Australian Army personnel to focus on mastering their profession to meet the demands of national defence. In a statement released on August 9, 2025, Stuart said that the Army’s mission to fight and win wars requires high levels of skill, discipline, and readiness.

His remarks follow the completion of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, the largest in the exercise’s 20-year history. The training, held from July 13 to August 4, involved approximately 43,000 participants from 19 nations. It featured activities across multiple domains, including land, sea, air, cyber, and space, to test interoperability and operational readiness.

Stuart outlined that mastering the Army profession involves rigorous training, professional military education, and leadership development. He noted that realistic combat training is essential to prepare soldiers for the evolving nature of warfare, which includes challenges in both conventional and emerging domains.

The Chief of Army also highlighted the role of advanced military systems in maintaining operational capability. As part of Talisman Sabre 2025, the Australian Army demonstrated equipment such as the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), which is designed to deliver precision firepower over long ranges. Stuart said that integrating such technology into training and operations is a key step toward maintaining a modern and capable force.

A cohesive structure between regular and reserve soldiers was another focus of Stuart’s message. Reservists make up around one-third of the Australian Defence Force’s total workforce, and their integration into exercises and operations remains a priority. Programs such as the Boss X immersion allow civilian employers to observe reservists performing their military roles, promoting understanding of the skills they bring to both sectors.

Stuart’s directive aligns with the priorities outlined in the 2024 Defence Strategic Review, which emphasizes building a combat-ready force to address current and future challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. He called for continuous improvement and adaptability to ensure the Army is prepared for any potential conflict scenario.

“The Army’s role is to defend the nation, a duty that demands excellence in every facet of our work,” Stuart said. “Our nation expects us to be ready, and we must deliver.”

The Australian Department of Defence continues to develop training programs, invest in new capabilities, and enhance interoperability with allied forces. These efforts aim to ensure that Army personnel maintain the professional mastery needed to safeguard Australia’s security interests.