What’s the difference between a soldier and a warrior? And in what environment is the distinction in danger of being lost?
If Kerry Stokes wants to get involved he is entitled to – but, if he does, he should also step aside from his role at the Australian War Memorial.
The significance of the difference and distinction in the alleged war crimes of SAS soldiers in Afghanistan is apparently due to a significant difference in the chain of command.
The Defence Inquiry into the allegations found Australian national leadership “did not have the degree of command and control over Special Operations Task Force Group” but were instead accountable to the International Security Assistance Force Special Operations Command which effectively meant the Americans.
Most people would assume the definition of a soldier is just someone who serves in an Army. Yet when we look at historical definitions the emphasis is on concepts such as service, acting in particular ways. Even 500 years ago, as the OED cites, being soldier-like was based on the notion (if not always the reality) of being appropriate to, worthy of, becoming, or befitting a soldier. Warrior in contrast is simply someone who is warlike.
For many civilians, the distinction probably seems irrelevant or perplexing but to a modern professional army, it represents the difference between being disciplined, focussed, and professional and behaving like a Viking on a smash and grab expedition to gather some more slaves.
Ironically, it is in the US Army where the warrior emphasis is strongest, despite only 10% of their forces ever seeing combat. On top of that, there are US staff who are ‘at war’ although actually at war from air-conditioned comfort in the US while executing drone strikes on perceived enemies as if playing a video game.
People who have served with US troops are familiar with being told that the US Army is the greatest fighting force in history although, despite easy initial ‘victories’ in Iraq and Grenada, they have not actually won any other of their post-WWII wars.
The culture, language, and behaviour of US troops is conditioned by this warrior-like approach. It is also compounded by a willingness to use massive indiscriminate force in an attempt to subdue an enemy. In Vietnam Australian troops patrolled constantly and, while using airstrikes and artillery, sought to engage with the VC and NVN troops.
In contrast, the US military was more likely to target a map grid square for a B52 airstrike along with the constant bombing of civilians in North Vietnam.
All of this in no way excuses any crimes allegedly committed by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan. But it does make it more comprehensible when we put it in the context of the different tactical and strategic approaches of the two militaries. It also has to be put in the context of using special operations troops in frequent rotations in situations where mainstream units might have been better employed.
It is all made harder by the fact that nearly all recent Australian military operations, other than some peace-keeping operations have been conducted in conjunction with US forces and there is increasing emphasis on inter-operability.
One of the most disturbing elements of the alleged crimes is the apparent role of NCOs. It appears there were fewer problems with officer led units which is the usual practice with Commando groups.
It’s disturbing because, while officers are critically important to leadership, NCOs have been the backbone of the Australian Army. Every young officer has at some stage or other been eternally grateful for the support of an experienced NCO.
Equally disturbing is the attitude of the Australian War Memorial Chair, Kerry Stokes, vowing to help any soldiers accused of war crimes. He has already extended a $1.9 million loan to Ben Roberts-Smith to cover his legal costs in possible legal actions.
The Australia War Memorial’s role is to commemorate sacrifice and service and to help us remember. It is not to glorify war and war toys as with its planned expansion. Nor is it the role of the Chair, any Council member or former Director, such as Brendan Nelson, to effectively insert themselves into the chain of command by attempting to influence the outcome – and make no mistake money supporting legal costs can be a significant influence – of legal actions against soldiers.
Australian soldiers have committed atrocities in the past and recently lots of references have been made to Harry ‘Breaker’ Morant although he was unlucky to be punished as an example given the many atrocities committed by British troops during the Boer War let alone the official policy of setting up concentration camps.
Nevertheless, while honour, service, leadership, respect are often thought of as old-fashioned words in an era of Trump and lying, corrupt Australian politicians the Australian military has sought to live by those standards – as when they told the inconvenient truth about the children overboard.
The legal processes should be allowed to continue without interference in any way. If Kerry Stokes wants to get involved he is entitled to – but, if he does, he should also step aside from his role at the Australian War Memorial.
Noel Turnbull is retired and blogs at http://noelturnbull.com/blog/
Declaration of interest: The author served in the Royal Australian Artillery in Vietnam.
Noel Turnbull has had a 50-year-plus career in public relations, politics, journalism and academia. He blogs at http://noelturnbull.com/blog/
Comments
5 responses to “Soldiers vs warriors: a distinction between Australian and US troops and Kerry Stokes!”
Godfree,
You are spot on.The Soviet Armies paid a shocking price in loss of troops and civilians in World War II, a fact that is conveniently omitted by most western historians. They effectively destroyed Hitler’s Armed Forces aided by idiotic Nazi planning and the weather . Noel , as a Vietnam Vet myself , I am absolutely horrified by the extravagant waste of money on the AWM Extension. I have, since the announcement of the ‘refurbishment’ , refused to visit or take visitors to the AWM, despite living in Canberra. I don’t believe Kerry Stokes has ever seen active service. Ex Politicians, unless they have seen overseas service, should never be be associated with its administration or planning .Finally, Richard I support your opinion .
Breaker Morant was a scape-goat suitable to the British gutter press, who would have made it too hot for the government if too many British soldiers were executed. The hero of the Boer War was Henry Campbell-Bannerman who described British policy as “methods of barbarism”. Kerry Stokes is clearly a gutter-press barbarian ready to use his power against any politician who sticks his head up on the matter. One wonders if the Victoria Cross was part of the cover-up.
Thanks Noel.
I hope that one outcome of these war crimes becoming public is an end to the planned extension of the AWM, with its increased emphasis on ‘war toys’ and, by extension, glorification of war. It must be now clear to virtually everyone involved that this is absolutely the last thing we need.
A tribute to subordination Noel?
Nor did they win WWII. That war was won by Russia and China, with the US playing a supporting role.