BODY BLOW TO NATION
THERE is a national shame in the shocking and appalling revelations contained in Justice Paul Brereton’s report into alleged war crimes by special forces soldiers. Prime Minister Scott Morrison last week warned Australians to prepare for what would be one of the most significant reports in our defence force’ s history.
But it still didn’ t help ease the body blow that the findings delivered to a nation of people who hold in the highest of respects those heroes who give service, and many their lives, to their country.
The report released in Canberra yesterday revealed the shocking extent of misconduct alleged to have been carried out by the nation’s most elite fighting unit, the Special Air Service Regiment.
Nineteen current or former members of Australia’s special forces will be referred to the police after a report found “credible information’’ our troops were involved in up to 39 unlawful killing s including 23 murders between 2005 and 2016.
The report found junior soldiers were ordered to kill Afghan is to“blood ’’ them.
It also found soldiers then placed “throwdown” weapons or other military equipment next to the bodies of the deceased to falsely represent them as having posed a military threat.
If a jury accepts the circumstances in which the killings occurred, they would constitute“the war crime of murder ’’.
While the report cleared AD F high command of involvement or knowledge of the alleged war crimes, Defence Force chief General Angus Campbell said there was a “warrior culture” uncovered in the report that“speaks to as low deviation from normal and good culture in a military environment ”.
It’s a huge moment in Australian Defence Force history because it shows that military forces, even in the bloodiest combat, are not above the law. It’s also a huge moment in ADF history because the findings have the potential to stain the reputation of others who have served dutifully.
If this report has disgusted Australians one can only imagine the disappointment and hurt borne by innocent veterans or currently serving soldiers. The vast majority of AD F personnel have served with honour.
These matters will be taken through the court system where, if found guilty, those responsible must be held to account.
But the hierarchy and the source of the problematic culture must also be dissected so that veterans, ordinary Australians and, indeed, the world can keep faith that Australia is a nation that will not look past its ownatrocities.
It’s also important that present or former ADF personnel who are struggling with their mental health reach out for help. There are services out there that understand the problems veterans face.