16 June 2025
An essay about the hazards of the ADF becoming dependent on contractors and industry, and a paper on the necessity of a framework that sets behavioural norms for space traffic, are the latest winners of the annual Air Force writing awards.
The writers were presented their awards last month by the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, and Warrant Officer of the Air Force, Warrant Officer – Air Force Ralph Clifton, at a ceremony at Russell Offices, ACT.
Warrant Officer Clifton presented the Corporal Margaret Clarke Award to Corporal Matthew Thornton for his submission, Multinational Mercenaries: the dangers of private sector operational environment.
Corporal Thornton, who is currently posted to the RAAF School of Technical Training, said it was important to discuss the sorts of topics encompassed by the award.
“The Margaret Clarke Award is all about getting people, especially enlisted, involved in these kinds of lunchroom discussions,” he said. “It has been a great day and I am just chuffed to be here.”
Air Marshal Chappell presented the Wrigley Prize to Flight Lieutenant Edwin Betar for his submission, Space Traffic Management is Critical for National Security.
'I was impressed with the range of topics and the discussion [the entries] generated and encourage each of the participants to continue to engage as thought leaders into the future.'
Flight Lieutenant Betar is a Reserve member who works for Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group and 1 Space Surveillance Unit. In his civilian role, he works for the Australian Space Agency and is passionate about all things space.
The Wrigley Prize encourages personnel from the military, academia and other professional disciplines to consume, contribute and contest contemporary air power and space power issues and to research, analyse and debate possibilities of air power and space power beyond the future force.
The Corporal Margaret Clarke Award encourages air power and space power engagement and analysis from within the enlisted aviator workforce and provides an opportunity to think and write about air and space power contemporary and future issues.
Director General Strategy and Planning Air Commodore Michael Durant noted the many strong entries to the 2024 competition, with submissions from all services and the public sector.
“I was impressed with the range of topics and the discussion [the entries] generated and encourage each of the participants to continue to engage as thought leaders into the future,” Air Commodore Durant said.
Both awards are facilitated and supported by the Air and Space Power Centre.
To read Multinational Mercenaries: the dangers of private sector operational environment, visit airpower.airforce.gov.au/blog
For Space Traffic Management is Critical for National Security, visit ciasp.scholasticahq.com
Entries for the 2025 Writing Awards close on December 31. For more information, see airpower.airforce.gov.au
