The illegal actions of a few have affected the reputation of the whole Army. Graphic by David Sibley, Army newspaper

Do the right thing

CA LT-Gen Peter Leahy has urged all members of the Australian Army to do the right thing and uphold the reputation of the Army.

“We are part of a disciplined and proud force with an enviable reputation at home and abroad,” he said.

“You all know our Australian values, you know our Army values and you are well aware of civil and military laws and regulations.”

Last week six soldiers from 10FSB were each fined $2000 after pleading guilty for cruelly treating, by torturing and killing, four kittens in Townsville at Lavarack Barracks.

Two of the soldiers also had their driver’s licence disqualified for 12 months.

After sentencing, these members gave undertakings to do 100 hours each community service for the RSPCA in Townsville.
This offer was rejected by the RSPCA.

In a separate incident, four corporals from the School of Infantry have been stood down following allegations of slapping, kicking, throwing objects and the use of threatening and abusive language against trainees.

The allegations also include the conduct of non-programmed training activities and group punishment.

In the Townsville incident, concerned soldiers raised the alarm after discovering the cruel acts.

“I am pleased that other soldiers recognised the seriousness of the illegal acts and reported it to the unit for immediate action,” Lt-Gen Leahy said.

The investigation in Singleton began when a trainee raised the issue with his father, who then contacted the Army through the Fair Go hotline.

Within a day of receiving the call, action had been taken to investigate the allegations.

Lt-Gen Leahy said the actions of these concerned soldiers more accurately reflected the values that exist within the Army.

But he was concerned that matters, such as that at the School of Infantry, were still taking some time to be detected or reported, leaving soldiers, and particularly trainees exposed to unacceptable and unlawful conduct over a period of time.

“Raising serious issues that you are concerned about is not dobbing people in,” he said.

“You are upholding the standards of the entire Army.

“Each one of us has a duty to protect the institution we proudly serve.

“This means holding people to account.

“I congratulate those that stand up for what is right.

“Each one of us must take responsibility for the Army and for others.”

Lt-Gen Leahy said the past 12 months had seen a wide range of enhancements to not only the School of Infantry, but all training establishments.

“We have instituted a comprehensive campaign to improve the education, support and supervision of instructors and trainees in all its Army schools,” he said.

“As well as a dedicated Rehabilitation Centre for injured trainees, we have increased the preparation given to instructors, increased the level of supervision in Army schools, reduced the workload on commanders and their key advisers, and dramatically increased the awareness of the standards that are required.

The Army’s campaign to assure the safety of trainees was an enduring feature of its approach to leadership.

Training Command continued to make the safety and welfare of trainees its highest priority. Army’s values of Courage, Initiative and Teamwork underpined this campaign.

“You know what we expect from you,” he said.

“Do the right thing.

“I can ensure you that behaviour contrary to the law and to Army values will not be tolerated.”

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