What does it take to fundamentally change the way the Australian Army fights? In this episode of The Grey Man Podcast, Harley Fox sits down with WO2 Aaron Johnston, a man whose career spans across Army Signals, the RAAF, and 2 Commando Regiment. A retired veteran of the Australian Regular Army, Aaron’s distinguished military career spans deployments to East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He is a former member of the elite 2nd Commando Regiment and a certified Special Forces Close Quarter Fighting Supervisor. His instructional legacy includes foundational leadership roles such as the inaugural Sergeant Major of the 7th Brigade Combat Behaviour Centre, Vice President of the ADF Martial Arts Association, and President of the Integrated Combat Club Brisbane. Aaron was awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) in 2022, honouring his outstanding contributions as Senior Instructor and Subject Matter Expert in Army Combatives. His dedication to excellence has continued within Black Dragon Kai, where his influence and commitment have been formally recognised. In 2023, Aaron received the prestigious Gold Kai Award, presented alongside the Black Dragon Kai BJJ Student of the Year, marking a dual celebration of leadership and personal growth within the community. As the originator of the Point of Impact Training philosophy, Aaron continues to pioneer approaches that equip martial artists and combat professionals to maintain composure under pressure, regulate fear responses, and make ethical decisions in high-stakes environments. His programs transcend physical technique, fostering psychological resilience and moral fortitude to ensure individuals act with integrity when it matters most. Follow The Grey Man Podcast: Instagram: @thegreymanpodcast Facebook: @greymanpodcast Website: www.thegreyman.au#TheGreyManPodcast#AaronJohnston#ArmyCombatives#2Commando#ArmySignals#ADF#CombatBehaviours#SpecialForces#MilitaryTraining#VeteranStories
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