Australian war hero Ben Roberts-Smith said he would not encourage potential recruits to join the armed forces because of the lack of support veterans receive.

The former soldier believes the heads of the Australian Defence Force are putting themselves ahead of servicemen and not providing the assistance that veterans need.

The 41-year-old told The Daily Telegraph he would not endorse young people going into the military without a major shakeup in leadership.

'My opinion is the Australian Defence Force needs good young Australians… but when you look at what is happening at the moment it gives me pause to think, ''Is it a good option for somebody to do that'', knowing that at any point you could be injured, leave and not be supported in a way that is expected and that you should be supported because you have chosen to serve,' Mr Roberts-Smith said.

Australian war hero Ben Roberts-Smith (pictured) said he would not recommend potential recruits to join the armed forces because of the lack of support veterans receive.

'My opinion is the Australian Defence Force needs good young Australians … but when you look at what is happening at the moment it gives me pause to think, ‘Is it a good option for somebody to do that,’ knowing that at any point you could be injured, leave and not be supported in a way that is expected and that you should be supported because you have chosen to serve,' Mr Roberts-Smith said. (stock image)

'So from my perspective at the moment, it would take serious consideration before you would be advising people to (join the ADF).'

Mr Roberts-Smith spent 20 years in the Australian Defence Force from 1996-2015 and is the country's most decorated servicemen, having earned a Victoria Cross and Medal of Gallantry.

He believes the Australian military is being let down by a culture of self-protection from senior advisers.

Mr Roberts-Smith claims veterans needs are being neglected by bosses whose greater concern is protecting their own careers.

Veterans are prone to conditions such as post traumatic stress disorder and subject to suicide after spending time in dangerous settings within the force.

Mr Roberts-Smith says authorities should have a duty of care for people who have offered to pay the ultimate price for their country.

'They should be leading the military in a way that the men and women who are serving this country deserve,' Mr Roberts-Smith said.