21/10/2025
The Tactical Research Unit Bond University turns 10 and what a ride. The infographic shows just some of the stats and the pictures some of the fun. Built on a capability of just 1.2 FTE (3 x 0.4 FTE) the work by the TRU has led to changes in training approaches and policies, equipment design, and veteran care. BUT all this could not have been done without a lot of support. While there is a long list, thanks are definitely due to Professor Rodney Pope who was a cofounder of unit. Professor Helen Chenery who threw her full support behind our concept from the start and Professor Nick Zwar who has supported and guided the TRU's growth. To Professor Wayne Hing for the quiet guidance and mentorship and Professor Suzanne Gough for unwavering support and championing our cause. To Tanya Forbes who all our PhD students credit for their sanity and Peter Marendy who we credit for ours. Then comes our 250+ collaborators, foremost amongst the group are Dr Jay Dawes, Dr Robert Lockie, and Dr Filip Kukic. To the end users who got us started and kept pushing us to help their agencies Mick Stierli, Shane Irving, Richard Gorey, Charlie Kornhauser, Ryan Holmes, Jason Semple, Ben Hinton. To industry giants who fostered innovation and collaboration, most notably Australian Defence Apparel and LEGEAR Australia. To the NSCA for fostering learning in a tactical space. Finally, to the team Rob Orr, Ben Schram, Elisa Canetti and Lizzie Marsh (Cooper) for the late nights, early mornings, and the copious burgers.
