SPOTLIGHT: The leading edge of defence and law enforcement study

Joint-capabilities
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By: Robyn Tongol

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Liam Garman sits down with Sibel Aktim, a Macquarie University graduate and intelligence officer, to explore postgraduate courses that are available to assist people with their careers in defence and law enforcement.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Liam Garman sits down with Sibel Aktim, a Macquarie University graduate and intelligence officer, to explore postgraduate courses that are available to assist people with their careers in defence and law enforcement.

Inspired by a lecturer, Aktim pursued a master of intelligence, finding a practical bridge between academic study and real-world intelligence work.

The pair discuss major international experiences undertaken during the course of study at Macquarie University, including research in Fiji and the United States.

They also discuss one of the biggest professional takeaways from postgraduate study, the principle of “BLUF” – bottom line up front – which focuses on concise, decision-ready intelligence without unnecessary “fluff”.

Closing out the podcast, Aktim credits Macquarie University’s intelligence program with preparing her for the demands of front-line intelligence work, from managing biases and working collaboratively with international peers to providing clarity under pressure.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: SPOTLIGHT: Building mass, capability and trust with autonomous and uncrewed systems, with Michael Mitchell, Elysium EPL director
Episode 10: PODCAST: Defence policy, domestic manufacturing and military culture, with Senator Malcolm Roberts
Episode 9: SPOTLIGHT: LAND 156, counter-drone warfare and electronic warfare capability, with Department 13’s Ben Westgarth
Episode 8: PODCAST: Australia’s first 3D printed autonomous USV, with Josh Wigley and Harry Hubbert
Episode 7: PODCAST: Australia’s shipbuilding future, landing craft pipeline and autonomous vessels, with Austal CEO Paddy Gregg
Episode 6: CONTESTED GROUND: Assessing the fallout and implications of the latest Trump–Xi meeting for Iran, Taiwan and Australia
Episode 5: PODCAST: Missile manufacturing, Collins LOTE upgrades and submarine base east
Episode 4: PODCAST: Aerobatics, military aviation and Australian air shows, with Paul Bennet
Episode 3: CONTESTED GROUND: Australia and the West must ask themselves new questions in the face of the modern world, with Robbin Laird
Episode 2: PODCAST: Black Hawk capability, B-21 bomber debate, and upcoming budget

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