One of the leading voices in civil-military relations, Risa Brooks, has underscored the importance of the military earning the respect of society. Speaking at the 2025 Chief of Army Symposium in Australia, Brooks highlighted that the role of the Army in society is both critical and frequently overlooked. Her remarks came during her tenure as the 2025 Keogh Visiting Chair, an initiative organized by the Australian Army Research Centre (AARC).
Brooks’ keynote address was centered on the theme of the Army in Society. She urged attendees to look beyond mere tactical skills and consider the broader implications of military service. Brooks cautioned against what she termed “blind reverence” and “superficial admiration” for the military, advocating instead for a framework of “respectful scrutiny.” This perspective encourages society to appreciate the military’s contributions while also holding it accountable for its actions.
During her address, Brooks remarked, “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.” Her emphasis on accountability is particularly relevant in democratic societies, where she asserted that “no military can thrive without robust accountability for its actions.”
Brooks also stressed the value of trust and transparency between military and civilian leadership. She noted that sharing personal experiences can help demystify military life, enriching the public’s understanding of the military’s role. “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,” she stated. “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.”
The Keogh Chair initiative aims to elevate discussions surrounding land warfare issues in Australia, fostering public engagement through lectures and events. Luisa Powell, Director of the AARC, reflected on the success of the 2025 program, expressing hope that the Army members would leave with enhanced knowledge and a desire for critical thinking and research.
The AARC actively encourages contributions from both domestic and international military and academic communities. Their publications can be accessed at the Australian Army Research Centre website: researchcentre.army.gov.au.
Brooks’ visit and her insightful address highlight the ongoing need for dialogue regarding the military’s role within society, emphasizing that respect must be earned through excellence and accountability. As military personnel engage more with civilian life, they can help build a deeper understanding of their responsibilities and challenges in the modern context.
