DIFFICULT DAYS AHEAD FOR OUR SOLDIERS

EXPOSING Australian soldiers accused of committing war crimes in Afghanistan is a shameful but absolutely necessary pill we as a country must swallow. What began as rumour and innuendo has culminated in a damning report that could now see some soldiers not only stripped of their medals but facing criminal charges.

It’s no stretch to say that the redacted report, when it’s released in coming days, will be difficult reading for many, especially our current serving soldiers, and this is the point being made by our federal MP and former soldier Phil Thompson.

Mr Thompson is right when he says that while the government and ADF must act, consideration needs to be given to the mental wellbeing of our current and former servicemen and women.

The recent national suicide monitoring of serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force personnel found that from 2001 to 2017, there were 419 suicides in serving, reserve and ex-serving ADF personnel who have served since 2001.

Break this down again, and compared with Australian men, the ageadjusted suicide over this period was 18 per cent higher for ex-serving men.

It is also higher for ex-service women. Many ex-service men and women struggle day-to-day with what they have seen in the field and with what they have had to endure.

Being human in a sometimes inhumane environment is not easy.

So in the wash up of this report and investigation it can’t be forgotten that the 99 per cent of men and women who served their nation did it with pride, valour and by the book.

What we as a media and community need to do is remember is that the ones caught doing the wrong thing are in the minority.

The rest of our ex-servicemen and women, from World War I to the present, are heroes.

They have put their lives on the line so we can live a privileged lifestyle in a very Lucky Country.

The last thing we need is for this inquiry to cast a shadow of doubt across the entire cohort of Diggers.

Living in a garrison town we in Townsville should be even more aware. If you have a friend who is currently serving or has retired from Defence check in on them.

Ask if they are OK because there might be some tough times ahead.

Lest we forget.