Air Power Scholars
The Air Power Scholars program is a cooperative endeavour between the Sir Richard Williams Foundation and the Air and Space Power Centre. It aims to develop a small group of Air Force Officers with the intellectual skills, theoretical knowledge and practical experience to engage credibly in the global air and space power dialogue. PhD candidates are supported by the Air and Space Power Centre and the Williams Foundation. The Williams foundation supports scholars financially with up to $20,000 per PhD candidate over the course of their research.
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In December 2019, GPCAPT Jarrod Pendlebury was the first to complete his PhD with the support of the program. The PhD is titled The Dawn Horizon: Constructing an Air Force Identity During Initial Officer Training in Australia, The United States and The United Kingdom. Williams Board members extend their congratulations to GPCAPT Pendlebury.
Sir Richard Williams Foundation Scholars
Completed PhDs
GPCAPT Jarrod Pendlebury
The Dawn Horizon: Constructing an Air Force Identity During Initial Officer Training in Australia, The United States and The United Kingdom.
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Completion December 2019, University of Sydney
Abstract: Many of the arguments supporting diversity in the military focus on the instrumental benefits available to an organisation that embraces difference. Viewed through this lens, there is a risk of diversity becoming another ‘to do,’ and prioritised according to available resources. Arguing for diversity primarily from the perspective of a capability-based argument also fails to challenge the tension between a military’s combat effectiveness, and its adherence to the values and laws of the state it protects. This thesis seeks to reframe the diversity debate by arguing that a diverse military reflective of the demography of society is a fundamental requirement in a Western liberal democracy.
AIRCDRE Steve Edgeley
Creating A Potent Joint Force: The Practical Evolution of Inter-Service Cooperation
Completion December 2021, University of Sydney
Abstract: That recent changes in the operational environment have required the RAAF to focus on the application of joint effects, this change in operational focus has led to cultural and organisational changes that make it an imperative to embrace jointness.
Current Scholars
Squadron Leader Andrew Lloyd
A Contemporary Study of Aerial Delivery in the Australian Context
Expected completion date: 2025
Abstract: A first principles approach to investigate the ADF use of Aerial Delivery Equipment (ADE) has not previously been conducted. Aerial Delivery is a potent capability that is underutilised due to logistical complexities and a lack of defined mission assuredness. In particular, the use of Aerial Delivery methods involving parachutes can be cumbersome and may be unnecessarily complex after considering technical and safety risks.
High cost precision airdrop capabilities have had extensive research and their emergence has yielded an expansive literature basis. Conventional airdrop using parachutes is also a well-established research area. There is, however, an opportunity to explore alternate means of Aerial Delivery to achieve the same or similar end states. To date, adopted methods to dissipate energy are limited to the use of cardboard Energy Dissipating Material (EDM). This product is optimised for a particular rate of descent and limited research exists to inform alternative methods of energy dissipation or non-parachute systems to retard the rate of descent.
Planned to undertake Williams Foundations Sponsored dedicated study period at ASPC in 2023.
Squadron Leader Sally-Ann Knox
A new psychology of military leadership
Expected completion date: December 2023, University of Queensland
Abstract: Elucidating the processes by which catastrophic consequences of military operational errors are reduced and avoided, primarily by exploring the group’s ability to internalise highly reliable behaviour as part of a shared social identity that is cultivated and embedded by purposeful, military-specific identity leadership.
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Completed Williams Foundation Sponsored dedicated study period at ASPC in 2021
Squadron Leader Kate Yaxley
Behaviour shaping and influence of cognitive swarming systems
Expected completion date: 2022/23 depending university assessment timelines
Abstract: An example of a naturally occurring swarm is a flock of sheep. Together, sheep work together to achieve the goal of survival, relying on high visual and aural acuity to avoid potential risks. By introducing an external agent perceived as a threat, such as a sheepdog or drone, the presence of the external agent induces behaviour changes and influences towards a known goal to the external agent, yet unknown to the flock of sheep. The influence applied by the external agent is a result of triggering a predation risk response, whereby the flock responds to the presence of the dog with behaviours that ensure survival. The purpose of this research is to more accurately reflect the behaviour shaping and influence of cognitive swarms in a simulation environment. Such agent-based models have the potential to support machine education curriculums for autonomous system development.
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Completed Williams Foundation Sponsored dedicated study period at ASPC in 2021
AIRCDRE Jason Begley
Soft Options for a Hard Issue
University of New South Wales
Abstract: Assess the degree to which Air Force effectively projects soft power and whether there are viable opportunities for it to improve.
GPCAPT Trav Hallen
The Swedish Profile: The Evolution of the Swedish Air Force in Response to Swedish Cold War Strategic Policy
Expected completion date: December 2030, Deakin University/Swedish Defence University
Abstract: The Swedish Air Force was the cornerstone of Sweden’s security during the Cold War. The ability to defend Swedish airspace and deny the ability of both NATO and the Warsaw Pact to operate in it was assessed as critical to the credibility of Sweden’s strategy of non-alignment. Between 1945 and 1992, the Swedish Air Force adapted to shifts in Swedish strategic policy. This included the closer integration with Sweden’s aviation industry, the fielding of innovative aircraft designs optimised for Swedish conditions, and the development of new tactics and procedures. By the end of the Cold War, Sweden had one of the most advanced and tactically innovative air forces in Europe. This research explores how this evolution unfolded and identifies the factors that enabled a small, neutral country become a world leading air power nation.
Program background
Photo: Department of Defence
The Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies, AO, CSC launched the five year pilot Air Power Scholar program as part of the 2016 Air Power Conference in Canberra.
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The Williams Foundation awards a scholarship of up to $20,000 each year of the program to the candidate undertaking the full-time study. This payment assists scholars with expenses associated with their academic program and will contribute to consultancy fees for a program mentor.
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This five year pilot program will support the five selected Air Force officers to undertake PhD studies. The agreement with the Air Force enables the Foundation to formally support scholars in their further education and strengthen the level of debate on military aviation issues.