Major General Jim Molan (1950-2023) was a distinguished Australian military officer and later politician with an impressive career spanning several decades:
Military Career:
- Served as a Major General in the Australian Army
- Had a 40-year military career
- Most notably served as Chief of Operations in Iraq (2004-2005) under General David Petraeus
- His Iraq role was particularly significant during a critical period of the Iraq War
Political Career:
- Became a Liberal Party Senator for New South Wales (2017-2019, 2021-2023)
- Was known for his strong views on national security and defense policy
- Advocated for increased Australian defense spending and preparedness
“Danger on Our Doorstep” (2019):
- The book focuses on Australia’s strategic environment and defense challenges
- Argues that Australia faces increasing security threats, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region
- Emphasizes the need for greater defense preparedness and strategic thinking
- Warns about potential conflicts involving China and regional security challenges
Molan was respected for his practical military experience and direct communication style, though his views on defense policy were sometimes controversial. His military background gave significant weight to his assessments of contemporary security challenges.