Few of us truly understand what drives modern soldiers, how they are trained, how they respond, and what they think about Defence hierarchy and its demands. Fewer, still, understand the terror that frontline servicemen and women experience while on deployment: the sudden rushes, cold fear, physical violence, mental trauma and tragedy.

What most Australians recognise are the solemn intonations imparted by Defence leaders and politicians in support of servicemen and women: the well-rehearsed messages focusing on nobility of duty, discipline and ultimate service to the nation. These are honourable ideals, vital for furthering peace, security and the rule of law.

Loading

Just as important, though, are the insights of soldiers courageous enough to call out wrongdoing when they see it: the soldiers who, by reporting dubious and potentially illegal actions in war, are upholding and reinforcing the finest humanitarian ideals. In recent years, some of the nation’s most elite combatants – members of the Special Air Service Regiment who were deployed repeatedly to the same rugged and hostile region in Afghanistan – have detailed gross breaches of the rules of war by Australian servicemen, including murder and assault of civilians.

In their view, ethical guidelines have at times dissolved on the front line in Afghanistan, and many SAS members believe Defence has failed to respond effectively following incidents in which soldiers have lost or ignored their moral compass.