One of the world’s pre-eminent experts on civil-military relations said Army’s role in society was an integral, yet often under-appreciated, concept of the modern soldier.

Risa Brooks, Professor of Political Science at Marquette University, Wisconsin, has returned home after a two-week Australian Army tour as the 2025 Keogh Visiting Chair, an initiative of the Australian Army Research Centre (AARC).

Professor Brooks’ keynote address at the 2025 Chief of Army Symposium on the theme of Army in Society challenged attendees to consider the deeper implications of military service, beyond tactical proficiency.

Her address explored the risks of ‘blind reverence’ and ‘superficial admiration’ for the military, urging instead for ‘respectful scrutiny’, a stance where society appreciates the military’s role while holding it accountable.

Professor Brooks warned that “romanticising the military and its history can obscure and distract from addressing contemporary problems".

“Perhaps most importantly, the military must seek to win the peoples’ respect through its excellence and performance. Having society's adoration is not the same as earning its respect,” Professor Brooks said.

She also highlighted the importance of mutual trust and transparency between the military and civilian leadership, noting that “no military in a democratic society can thrive without robust accountability for its actions”.

'Sharing your own experiences with others can help de-mystify military life, and doing so can be deeply rewarding.'

Professor Brooks said understanding the military’s role in society should be a priority for all military personnel.

“I've encountered, over and over in my career, that by the time senior officers become senior officers, they haven't thought at all about civil-military relations because that's not within their job description on the day to day,” she said.

“They should be thinking about the military's role in society; its relationship to society; being a good ambassador in society; and, trying to connect with people, because people don't know much about the military.

“Sharing your own experiences with others can help de-mystify military life, and doing so can be deeply rewarding.”

The Keogh Chair initiative is designed to increase the profile of debate on land warfare issues in Australia, through public engagement and speaking events.

Director of the AARC Luisa Powell said the 2025 program was a tremendous success.

“The AARC facilitates the Keogh Chair in the hopes that by the time they leave Australia, our Army is more knowledgeable about the relevant matters of the day, and that perhaps our members are inspired to partake in their own critical thinking and research,” she said.

AARC welcomes contributions from domestic and international military, academic communities, and the public. Its publications are accessible at The Australian Army Research Centre: researchcentre.army.gov.au

More information can be obtained here:
Keogh Chair Program 
The Australian Army Journal 
Early Access Articles