Studying military theory and contemporary conflicts, and solving scenario-based problems helped personnel develop critical thinking and judgement during the inaugural Apex program.

Launched in late March, the program strengthens the intellectual foundations of land power and examines moral and ethical dimensions of warfare.

Directed by the Chief of Army and led by Michael Evans, the program brings together selected senior non-commissioned officers and junior officers for five weeks of remote study, followed by a residential phase at the Royal Military College – Duntroon in Canberra.

“One of the major emphases of this course is helping our people understand the difference between the nature and the character of war and how the character of war is constantly changing,” Professor Evans said.

Syndicate Director Colonel Helen Mammino said Apex was an investment in junior leaders, challenging them to understand the strategic environment and translate complex ideas into practical action.

“We’re not asking them to solve Army’s problems, just to understand what’s within their control at the unit level,” Colonel Mammino said.

Course participant Sergeant Matthew Carlson, of Headquarters Regional Force Surveillance Group, said the course stood apart from traditional career training through its academic depth and exposure to leading military thinkers.

From an intelligence perspective, Sergeant Carlson said the course strengthened understanding of how traditional doctrine could be applied to modern and emerging battlefields, including lessons from Ukraine and developments in AI. 

“If it gives you a new way of thinking about a problem or adapting current procedures, then that’s a win,” Sergeant Carlson said.

“It’s a well‑tailored, well‑targeted course, but you need to be ready for the reading.”