Chief backs troops
CA rejects media criticism

By Cpl Cameron Jamieson

RECENT media criticism of the Army’s reputation has been met head-on by the leaders of the Army.

Among them, CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy has been quick to stand against sensational journalism that has sought to tarnish the Army by spreading the wrongful actions of a few over the entire organisation.

The CA has expressed his disgust for those who choose to exhibit immoral behaviour, saying that their action painted the Army in a bad light.

“These are people who are acting illegally, immorally and irresponsibly, and not only the Army community but the Australian community abhors this sort of behaviour – it’s regrettable and it’s not tolerated,” the CA was quoted as saying.

“[But] I just find this small number of incidents a total aberration of what [soldiers] are doing day-to-day and in operations overseas.”

Lavarack Barracks has received particular media attention following a number of unrelated incidents this year, leading to speculations about the broader military community.

But the CA has hit back, and in a recent letter to the editor of the Australian newspaper he wrote of how people should remember the proud legacy that the soldiers of Townsville have given their country.

“Units based at Lavarack Barracks have a distinguished role of honour,” the CA wrote.

“Their officers and soldiers have made the nation proud.

“They have won international praise for their professionalism, compassion and humanitarian work.”