# Army Storytelling Competition Explores the Power of Camaraderie# Army Storytelling Competition Explores the Power of Camaraderie The Australian Army is inviting its members to participate in the second Army Storytelling Competition, which focuses on the theme of “Moments of Camaraderie.” This expanded competition encourages submissions not only in written stories but also in creative works and photography. Camaraderie, as defined by Colonel Chris Kitchin of the Directorate of People and Culture, is a fundamental aspect of the Army’s identity and culture. It fosters bonds between service members during training, deployment, and combat. The competition aims to capture the moments that forge these invaluable connections. Colonel Kitchin emphasizes that camaraderie encompasses both joyful and challenging moments. “It’s the little moments, the funny ones, the quiet ones, the difficult ones – it’s all part of the concept of camaraderie,” he explains. This year, the competition seeks diverse submissions, including drawings, comics, and other creative expressions. The organizers encourage participants to interpret the theme in their unique styles. Winners will be selected from each category and receive a trip to the Chief of Army Symposium in Melbourne and a Chief of Army Coin. The competition runs from July 1st to August 9th. Colonel Kitchin encourages Army members to share their stories of camaraderie. “So I simply ask you, what is your moment?” he concludes.
The Army is inviting members to share what camaraderie means to them as part of the second Army Storytelling Competition.
Following its success in 2023, the competition is now expanding its reach, encouraging written stories, creative work and photography based on the theme of ‘Moments of Camaraderie’.
According to Colonel Chris Kitchin, Directorate of People and Culture, camaraderie is an essential part of the Army’s identity and part of its core culture.
“It’s our comrades who stand beside us in training, on the job, and on the battlefield; that’s such an important part of why we all continue to serve in the military. The moments that build camaraderie are what we want to see from participants,” said Colonel Kitchin.
“Not all moments are going to be happy. It’s those little moments, the funny ones, the quiet ones, the difficult ones – it’s all part of the concept of camaraderie, and as the Chief of Army says, how we live our values every day.
“This year we don’t just want to read stories, we want to see photography and creative work. People can send in a drawing or a comic; we’re curious to see what comes to mind when people think of camaraderie,” he said.
One winning entry will be selected from each category.
Winners will receive a return trip to the Chief of Army Symposium in Melbourne in September and a Chief of Army Coin.
“So I simply ask you, what is your moment?” said Colonel Kitchin.
The Army Storytelling Competition runs from July 1st to August 9th.
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