The Cove Podcast

Captain Andrew Dunn-Lobban from the Land Combat College’s Remote and Autonomous Systems Cell joins The Cove to explore how drones and robotic systems are changing land warfare. Drawing on lessons from Ukraine and Army’s own experimentation, we discuss the emerging Drone Combat System, new training pathways, how drone teams may operate across the force, and what soldiers and junior commanders need to understand about fighting in an increasingly RAS-enabled battlespace.

Lieutenant Oliver Douglas talks with John Hardgrave on The Cove Podcast to discuss his experience serving with the Oxford University Officers’ Training Corps while studying as a Rhodes Scholar. Drawing on his time inside both the Australian and British Army systems, he explores the cultural differences between the two forces and explains how the British UOTC model gives young people a rapid, low-commitment introduction to military service. The episode considers whether a similar approach could strengthen Army recruitment, officer development and public understanding of service in Australia

In this episode of The Cove Podcast, John Hardgrave talks with Dr Aaron Pegram and Major Craig Foreman from Unrecovered War Casualties – Army explain the painstaking work involved in locating, recovering and identifying Australia’s missing service personnel. They discuss the historical research, forensic science and investigative expertise behind each case, before taking listeners inside the recent search in Korea for Corporal William Murphy, who has remained missing since the Battle of Kapyong in 1951.

In this episode of The Cove Podcast, host John Hardgrave sits down with Jonathan Lane—a veteran, psychiatrist, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ first Chief Psychiatrist—to unpack the powerful intersection of military culture, identity, and mental health. Jon shares his unconventional journey from infantry soldier to senior clinician, including operational deployments and frontline experience in military psychiatry.

The conversation explores how cultural conditioning in Defence shapes behaviour, identity, and purpose—and why this becomes critical during transition to civilian life. Drawing on both clinical expertise and lived experience, Jon highlights the gaps in traditional mental health approaches for veterans, the importance of peer-led models, and the role of shared experience in recovery. This episode offers a grounded, insider perspective on why understanding military culture is essential to supporting those who serve, both during and after their time in uniform.

In this episode of The Cove Podcast, host John Hardgrave is joined by the Deputy Chief of Army to examine the return of positional warfare through the lens of Ukraine. The discussion explores reconnaissance-strike systems, drones, elastic defence, contested movement, sustainment, and the enduring requirement for soldiers to seize and hold ground. It also considers how these lessons may apply beyond Europe, including the implications for land, sea and littoral operations in Australia’s region.