This is the question retired Major-General Jim Molan will discuss at the Goulburn Soldiers Club tomorrow (Saturday) at 2.30pm. 

In a talk titled 'The Australian Experience of War – The first 100 years', General Molan will call on his extensive knowledge of the armed services in Australian society to detail the changes that have occurred since Gallipoli.

His talk will be an insight to his views on war, Australia’s perception and experiences of war and what history tells us about our involvement in war, and what our country's future role may be in world conflicts.

General Molan believes the Australian experience is not simply defined by the Anzac spirit, but by unpreparedness, which has been overcome by the Anzac spirit in historical events.

General Molan has served in a number of Army roles throughout his 40 years of service, including as infantryman, helicopter pilot, commander of the Australian Defence Colleges, and as a commander of army units ranging from 30 to 15,000 soldiers.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for command and leadership in action in Iraq while Chief of Operations. He has also received the Legion of Merit from the United States Government.

General Molan recently donated military equipment, clothing, badges and military medical equipment to the Rocky Hill War Memorial Museum in Goulburn from his service in Iraq in 2004.

He retired from the Australian Army in 2008 and has since published a book, worked as a commentator on security and defence in Australian and international media, and was recognised as ‘Australian Thinker of the Year' in 2009.

The Australian Experience of War – The first 100 years will be in the Merino Room at the Goulburn Soldiers Club on February 6 from 2.30pm. Entry is by gold coin donation.

RSVP via email to museums@goulburn.nsw.gov.au