Veterans and advocates are pushing for a significant overhaul of the defence honours and awards system to address issues of abuse and low morale within the military. They argue that the current system allows senior officers to receive prestigious honours without battlefield experience, while frontline soldiers are often overlooked or face challenging processes for recognition.
The controversy surrounding former defence chief Angus Campbell stripping the Meritorious Unit Citation from Afghanistan veterans has sparked outrage and demands for an apology. Despite the decision being overturned, the community remains divided over the handling of the situation, especially when Defence Minister Richard Marles revoked distinguished service awards for some commanders following the Brereton Inquiry.
During a Senate inquiry, veterans expressed their frustration with the system, branding Campbell as a “traitor” for his actions. They emphasized the need for a fair and transparent process that recognizes merit and ensures that soldiers are acknowledged for their sacrifices on the battlefield.
Concerns were raised about the awarding of medals to senior officers as part of their salary packages, leading to a devaluation of the honours and awards system. The sentiment echoed by many was that frontline soldiers who risked their lives were often overshadowed by officers who were distanced from the actual combat situations.
Calls for reform included suggestions to make the system merit-based, eliminate biases favoring senior ranks, and ensure that awards are given to those who truly deserve them. The need for an independent review of nominations, especially for Special Operations Task Group, was highlighted to prevent further discrepancies and restore trust in the recognition process.
Witnesses at the inquiry emphasized the detrimental impact of a flawed system on morale and recruitment within the military. They urged for a comprehensive review and redesign of the honours and awards system to restore integrity and ensure that recognition is based on genuine merit.
The Senate inquiry shed light on the existing two-tier system that undermines the sacrifices of soldiers and damages morale within the military. The testimonies presented highlighted the urgency for a complete overhaul of the recognition system to prevent abuses and restore faith in the process.
As the debate continues, the push for reform in the defence honours and awards system remains a critical issue that requires immediate attention to address the concerns raised by veterans and advocates. The outcomes of the Senate inquiry are eagerly awaited as stakeholders seek meaningful changes to rectify the existing flaws and uphold the sanctity of military recognition.
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