Newest ADF leaders told they need to rebuild public trust following Afghanistan war crimes
abc– The Governor-General has told the military’s latest graduates they will need to “reassure and reaffirm” the relationship with the Australian public following last month’s explosive Afghanistan war crimes report.
Retired General David Hurley, who served as Chief of Defence between 2011 and 2015, acknowledged the damning findings of the inquiry while delivering a graduation speech for officers at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) in Canberra.
“[The ADF has] an enormous task of protecting our country while reassuring and reaffirming its relationship with the Australian people following the findings of the Brereton inquiry,” General Hurley said.
“Bringing the Australian people along with the ADF will be an enormous part of your work in the future.”
A four-year-long inquiry by Justice Paul Brereton recommended 19 soldiers be investigated by police for the alleged murder of 39 Afghan prisoners and civilians, and the cruel treatment of two others.
General Hurley told the audience they were “extremely well equipped to make an important contribution to your country” but needed to ensure as military leaders they listened to their troops.
“Leadership is not easy — I think you’ve learnt that by now — you’ll have to make decisions that have consequences for people and often make those decisions under pressure,” he said.
“The good lord gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason: listen.”
Many veterans of the war in Afghanistan have expressed frustration that no senior officer has yet accepted any responsibility for the wrongdoings which occurred during the 12-year conflict.
Anger is also growing over a decision by Defence Chief General Angus Campbell to revoke the Meritorious Unit Citation for members of the Special Operations Task Group who served after 2007.
Any recommendation to revoke the military honour would have to be made to the Governor-General, meaning General Hurley could strip the citation from numerous soldiers who served under him.
In total 316 Navy, Army and Air Force trainee officers, as well as 24 international graduates, took part in Sunday’s graduation at the ADFA Parade Ground, following the three years of study at the military academy in Canberra.
