$3.40THEMONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2019 @PublishedAGE in Melbourne since 1854 theage.com.au INDEPENDENT. ALWAYS.

TIME TO KIWIS TESTED ‘WE DON’T SLEEP IN AND BESTED GIVE UP’ Call for later Australia romp to victory over White Island search goes school starts New Zealand in Perth on as death toll rises EDUCATION PAGE 20 SPORT PAGE 48 NEWS PAGE 8

‘AFGHAN EXECUTED’ Photo: AAP Melbourne driving New AFP growth in economy probe of EXCLUSIVE Shane Wright Senior economics correspondent

Melbourne is driving national eco- nomic growth on the back of bur- war hero geoning finance, construction and health services, with forecasts it will challenge Sydney as the econo- EXCLUSIVE served with coalition forces in Af- my’s most important city. Nick McKenzie ghanistan. Areporttobereleasedtoday Chris Masters Multiple official sources who also shows the drought is taking a cannot be identified have con- huge economic toll on parts of The Australian Federal Police firmed that both federal police Queensland, NSW and Victoria, have begun a second war crimes taskforces have separately widening the gap between them investigation into Australia’s most obtained sworn witness state- and urban Australia as Sydney and decorated living soldier, former ments from SAS soldiers or sup- Melbourne draw away from rural special services corporal Ben port staff who allege they directly areas and regional centres. Roberts-Smith. saw Mr Roberts-Smith commit SGS Economics and Planning The new police investigation is war crimes. found that during 2018-19, the Mel- looking into allegations that Mr The new inquiry is looking into bourne economy alone accounted Roberts-Smith is implicated in the the alleged execution of an Afghan for 40 per cent of Australia’s total summary execution of a man at a man who was confronted by the growth. Melbourne gross domestic compound in southern Afghani- SAS during an operation in the vil- product reached $369 billion com- stan in April 2009. Two separate lage of Kakarak in southern Af- pared with regional Victoria’s teams of federal police detectives ghanistan on Easter Sunday 2009. $76 billion. are now investigating Mr Roberts- The man was in a compound the Australian GDP expanded by Smith over his alleged involvement SAS named Whiskey 108 and 1.9 per cent but Melbourne’s own in the murders of unarmed men, which was the subject of an assault GDP lifted by 4 per cent. Sydney one of them a detainee. by several SAS patrols, including AMERICAN GDP at $461 billion grew by 2.6 per It makes the Victoria Cross and one in which Mr Roberts-Smith cent, its lowest rate since 2012-13, Medal of Gallantry recipient the was deputy commander. to account for a third of national subject of more serious war crimes The compound was thought to BEAUTY growth. inquiries than any special forces be hiding several militants and was Tiger Woods led the US to a 16-14 comeback win in the Adelaide’s GDP, though much veteran in the Commonwealth. struck by a bomb before Mr Presidents Cup over Ernie Els’ Internationals. smaller than Sydney’s, grew The former soldier is among the most decorated veterans to have Continued Page 6 SPORT PAGE 48 Continued Page 4 Farmer leads action over Roundup Surplus plan on track

EXCLUSIVE turer Monsanto, of repeatedly ig- ence evidencing its knowledge of Shane Wright remains on track to deliver a sur- Cameron Houston noring and concealing evidence of the inherent dangers of the use and plus in 2019-20 – the first surplus in the carcinogenic impact of glypho- exposure to its Roundup Treasurer Josh Frydenberg will 11 years – despite a hit to company A former Victorian farmer will sate – the active component in its products,’’ the writ claims. stand by the Morrison govern- tax and lower GST which will leave lead a major class action against top-selling herbicide – in a Su- Mr Maisano owned farms in ment’s promise of a budget surplus the states and territories worse off. German pharmaceutical giant preme Court of Victoria writ Lower Crawford, Carngham and in his mid-year update of the The budget, released in April, Bayer over claims that long-term lodged on December 10. Clarkefield, where he used Round- nation’s finances even as the forecast a surplus this financial exposure to the popular weedkiller ‘‘Monsanto and Bayer are in pos- up since 1976 to rid his properties drought and spending-averse con- year of $7.1 billion to be followed Roundup can cause non-Hodgkin session of a substantial body of in- of thistle, build fire-breaks and re- sumers cut federal revenue. by an $11 billion surplus the follow- lymphoma. ternal and external studies, labor- move weeds from his vegetable Mr Frydenberg will today use ing year. Nando Maisano, 77, also accuses atory test results, documents, re- the mid-year economic and fiscal Bayer, and the original manufac- ports, surveys and correspond- Continued Page 4 outlook to confirm the government REPORT Page 4

Change the course Mum says she of a child’s life doesn’t want me to this Christmas. grow up poor like her. DONATE NOW Help a child like Beth* break the cycle of poverty. The Smith Family *Names have been changed to protect the identity of the child and their family. NATAGED2 A001 6 THE AGE MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2019 NEWS SPECIAL REPORT Second war crimes investigation into ex-corporal Ben Roberts-Smith From Page 1

Roberts-Smith’s patrol entered. Federal police are investigating witness testimony from SAS members that has implicated Mr Roberts-Smith in the execution of an unarmed Afghan man with a prosthetic leg who was found at the entrance to Whiskey 108. Defence sources have confirmed at least three SAS members have agreed to testify against Mr Roberts-Smith in a criminal prosecution, alleging the famous soldier executed the man. Under the laws of war, if the man did not pose a threat he should have been detained. Aphotoofthedeadman obtained by The Age shows him lying on his back with no weapon in sight. In September, The Age revealed that another AFP taskforce was investigating Mr Roberts-Smith over allegations he kicked a handcuffed and innocent detainee, Ali Jan, off a cliff in the village of Darwan in September 2012. The Darwan taskforce has also obtained co-operation from SAS witnesses and support staff willing Under investigation: (clockwise to testify on oath against the from main) Ben Roberts-Smith, decorated soldier. the body of an Afghan killed in Defence and Afghan based 2009, and Ali Jan’s widow and sources said their testimony was brother Bibi and Abdul Ahmad. supported by Afghan witnesses Main photo: Sitthixay Ditthavong who earlier this year gave sworn statements to the AFP in Kabul.

Mr Roberts-Smith denies all AFGHANISTAN AFP confirms investigation Richmond fa the winning wrongdoing, has a separate Police probe hero Photos: Chris account of the day in question and over ‘war crimes’ says his accusers are jealous rivals. SAS hero EXCLUSIVE citing an ongoing investigation, has jurisdiction to investigate Victoria Cross claims of unlawful acts by Australi- recipient Ben Nick McKenzie an soldiers serving overseas. Roberts- Sources from the special forces Chris Masters This is the second major inquiry Smith. to begin probing the famous for- Federal Police have launched a mer special forces corporal over major investigation into Austra- allegations he committed war subject of said that, in the case of the Darwan lia’s most decorated former sol- crimes in Afghanistan. dier, Ben Roberts-Smith, over al- Aquasi-judicialinvestigation legations he committed war launched by the Defence crimes in Afghanistan. Inspector-General in 2016 and led incident, Mr Roberts-Smith was The AFP began investigating by NSW Court of Appeal judge the Victoria Cross recipient in Paul Brereton is separately invest- June over his alleged actions while igating Mr Roberts-Smith along serving with a special forces patrol with a small number of other spe- during Australia’s longest war. cial forces soldiers. war crime relying on the testimony of an SAS In a statement to The Age sent Since The Age first detailed seri- last night, an AFP spokesperson ous allegations about Mr Roberts- said: ‘‘The Australian Federal Po- Smith, he has vehemently denied lice (AFP) received a referral to any wrongdoing in Afghanistan, in- soldier who claimed it was he who investigate allegations of war sisted he has a “spotless record” crimes committed by Australian and insisted those making claims soldiers during the Afghanistan about him are disgruntled or jeal- conflict.’’ ous liars. shot Ali Jan because he was a It is understood that both the The AFP recently began collect- Chief of the Defence Force, ing witness statements from mem- inquiry Lieutenant-General Angus Camp- bers of the Special Air Service Re- bell, and the Inspector-General of giment in Perth after quizzing the Australian Defence Force, them about Mr Roberts-Smith, ac- hostile insurgent posing a risk to which is conducting its own in- cording to defence insiders. EXCLUSIVE quiry, have been briefed on the po- It is understood Mr Roberts- lice referral, though it is unclear if Smith has not yet been interviewed Nick McKenzie SECRETS either is the source of it. by the AFP, although the agency Australian soldiers. The police probe into Mr would not comment on the details Chris Masters Roberts-Smith – one of the most of its inquiry. Typically, people of OF WAR secretive investigations in the interest in a police inquiry are not nation – is the most serious inquiry interviewed until its later stages. Australia’s most highly decorated But multiple special forces ever conducted by the police into Mr Roberts-Smith’s supporters former SAS soldier, Ben Roberts- W alleged war crimes. have repeatedly said that, despite Smith, is being investigated by The AFP, which declined to Tigers f insiders have said that claim is provide any detailsThe of its probe, AgeContinued Page, November 12 29, 2018 federalThe police forAge allegedly, kicking September a to federal police about 23, the treatment 2019 contradicted by witnesses who say they saw Ali Jan first detained and then kicked off a small cliff by Mr for abandoning him and according to figures released by of the journalists’ union, Marcus Roberts-Smith. disregarding veterans’ mental defence. That revelation suggests Strom, issued a statement backing health. Mr Roberts-Smith that after intensive investigations, Nine’s legal fight to protect its In addition to the police probes, However, senior defence leaders has labelled the the special forces code of silence reporters’ sources by invoking Mr Roberts-Smith is at the centre appear to have distanced has been smashed. source shield laws. of the biggest investigation in themselves from Mr Roberts- reporting about him Mr Roberts-Smith has hired a ‘‘There is no higher principle for recent military history, known as Smith after learning of the team of lawyers including top journalists the world over,’’ Mr the Brereton inquiry. The royal evidence against him. as false. barrister, Arthur Moses, SC, and a Strom said. commission-style probe by the The various inquiries have been public relations firm to counter the ‘‘To discard the shield at a time defence Inspector-General is supported by many serving and the Commandos, including the allegations, which he vehemently when the public’s right to know is investigating him and a small former special forces soldiers, alleged murder of unarmed denies. Experienced PR executive already under assault would number of other soldiers over most notably Afghan veteran detainees and civilians. Sue Cato and former journalist further damage press freedom in allegations of war crimes in turned MP Andrew Hastie. The The inquiries by both Justice Ross Coulthard are being funded Australia.’’ Afghanistan, specifically that Inspector-General inquiry into Brereton and the AFP have faced by billionaire media mogul, Seven The Age and Herald have already detainees were summarily alleged war crimes is also backed significant challenges in piercing West Media chairman Kerry flagged an appeal if they should executed. by defence minister Linda the code of silence in the special Stokes, a backer of Mr Roberts- lose the battle to keep their The defence force chief Angus Reynolds. Two serving SAS forces and Justice Brereton has Smith who employed him as a sources protected. Campbell commissioned the soldiers also backed the inquiry in faced pressure from some senior manager in 2015. The court has reserved its independent inquiry in 2016. It is aseriesofstoriesinThe Age,the politicians and media Mr Stokes is also backing the decision. led by NSW Supreme Court of Sydney Morning Herald and 60 commentators over the time taken defamation proceedings that Mr Mr Roberts-Smith has labelled Appeal Justice Paul Brereton. Minutes in September. to complete his inquiry. It began in Roberts-Smith has launched the reporting about him as false Mr Roberts-Smith has The Age and Herald also 2016 and the defence department against Fairfax Media – now and malicious, attacking it in previously attacked the inquiry reported in September that has declined to say when it will be known as Nine – for a series of multiple statements and after learning it was investigating soldiers from the Commandos— competed or whether all or part of investigative reports about his interviews given to The multiple allegations about his the second wing of Australia’s it will be made public. alleged misconduct. Australian’s Paul Maley. Mr Maley, involvement in summary special forces — have confessed to However, the Australian Last week, Nine Entertainment adefencereporter,hasdescribed executions, the brutalisation of summarily executing detainees. military’s leadership team has lawyers fought efforts in the Mr Roberts-Smith’s treatment as detainees and the bastardisation Multiple defence sources say the instructed soldiers to co-operate Federal Court brought by Mr ‘‘demonstrably unfair’’ and of soldiers under his command. Inspector-General is investigating with police and Justice Brereton Roberts-Smith to force journalists suggested rumours or ‘‘digger Mr Roberts-Smith recently at least eight unlawful killings and he has interviewed more than to reveal their sources. whispers’’ may be behind some of attacked senior defence leaders allegedly conducted by the SAS or 250 special forces personnel, On Friday, the federal president the allegations. NATAGE A006 $4.40 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2019 Published in Melbourne since 1854 theage.com.au

INDEPENDENT. ALWAYS. AFL CHIEF’S 2019 RUGBY BEST INN TALL ORDER WORLD CUP SHOW Gillon McLachlan on How the Wallabies Royal Melbourneourne Show’s tacklingtac the thorny issues can conquer Japan top dog doess pilates GOOD WEEKEND SPORT PAGE 50 NEWS PAGEE 10

AFGHANISTAN Defence Force inquiry 2ndPRELIMINARY FINAL RICHMOND12.13 (85) dGEELONG9.12 (66)

Dustin Martin celebrates one of his two goals last night. Commando Photo: Getty Images members confess to murder

EXCLUSIVE Nick McKenzie SECRETS Chris Masters OF WAR THISWAY Anguished Australian special forces soldiers have confessed to murdering and brutalising detain- TOTHE ees in Afghanistan in incidents cluding high-ranking officers, that colleagues insist cannot be stress that it was soldiers them- written off as occurring in the ‘‘fog selves who had brought the con- BIGONE! of war’’. duct to light. Members of both of Australia’s The war crimes inquiry was The Tigers have clawed their special forces regiments – the ordered in 2016 by the Chief of the way to a second grand final Commandos and the Special Air Defence Force, Angus Campbell, inthreeyearswith avaliant Service Regiment – have given and is being undertaken by Su- comeback win over the Cats. evidence to the army’s war crimes preme Court of Appeal Justice inquiry about the summary execu- Major-General Paul Brereton. SPORTPAGES 52-53 tion of at least four prisoners, in Military top brass are aware of breach of the Geneva conventions. the evidence, the sources say, the Multiple defence sources, most powerful of which involves re- speaking on condition of anonym- corded confessions from anguished 1ST PRELIMINARY FINAL COLLINGWOOD v GWS, MCG, TODAY, 4.35PM ity, have confirmed that compel- soldiers to colleagues or supporters. ling evidence exists of Australian It is illegal under the laws of war to MOORE THE 1GRUNDY PUNCTURED soldiers assaulting or murdering in murder or brutalise a prisoner or a MERRIER: LACES LUNG SETS cold blood unarmed or handcuffed civilian who is posing no risk. HOW DARCY UPHIS THE TONE detainees in Afghanistan between FOUND BIG-BOY FOR GIANT June and November 2012. Continued Page 8 FITNESS BOOTS PERRYMAN More than a dozen serving and SPORTPAGE 58 SPORTPAGE 56 SPORTPAGE 54 former special forces members, in- INSIGHT Page 29 Thousands marchforclimate New plan for trade war

Sumeyya Ilanbey justice,’’ protesters yelled into Matthew Knott iPhones to batteries and hybrid cars. microphones. ‘‘When I say people, David Crowe Mr Morrison arrived in the US Tens of thousands of Victorian stu- you say power.’’ backing Australia’s longstanding dents descended on Melbourne’s The School Strike 4 Climate Prime Minister Scott Morrison ally over policies on Israel, Iran and CBD to demand action on climate movement is calling for three and US President Donald Trump defence. ‘‘Australia may not be change yesterday, bringing parts things from governments: no new will announce a plan to counter America’s most powerful friend, but of the city to a standstill. coal, oil and gas projects; 100 per China’s dominance of the supply of we are certainly your most sure and Melbourne hosted the largest cent renewable energy generation prized rare earth materials during steadfast,’’ Mr Morrison will say in turnout in the country, with event and exports by 2030; and funding Mr Morrison’s historic state visit his prepared remarks for his wel- organisers saying 100,000 people for the transition and creation of to Washington DC. come to the White House. filled Treasury Gardens and jobs for all fossil fuel workers and The ‘‘action plan’’ will open a new China’s control of the market has Spring Street as an estimated communities. front against China in a widening triggered fears it might respond to a 300,000 people marched in cities Placards included: ‘‘I bet the dino- technology and trade war by ex- trade war by halting supplies of es- across Australia in the co- saurs thought they had time too’’. ploiting Australian reserves of the sential materials such as lithium. ordinated rallies. rare raw materials that are essen- ‘‘When I say climate, you say REPORT PAGES 2-3 Protesters march through the CBD. tial for products ranging from REPORT PAGE 12 Hanson still artless and angry Hats off to 45 years of after all these years dining out on friendship DAVID LESER NEWS PAGE 6 NEWS PAGE 14 NATAGED2 A001 8 THE AGE SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2019 NEWS Commando members confess to murder From Page 1 sources – occurred in 2012, during The Age and 60 Minutes will re- the 18th deployment of special veal new details of the war crimes INSIDE One summary execution being in- forces to Afghanistan. Defence allegations involving Australian vestigated by the Brereton inquiry sources said all incidents are special forces. Many of the war was carried out by a member of the under investigation by the crimes allegations previously re- Commandos’ November platoon Brereton inquiry. ported by The Age have related to during an operation in southern As in the case of a royal commis- the Perth-based SAS Regiment. Afghanistan on October 3, 2012. sion, soldiers who confess or hon- This is the first time the Com- Walking The commando has confessed that estly testify about a war crime be- mandos’ special forces wing - has he shot a detained Afghan man in fore an Inspector-General’s in- been implicated. the line the back of the head, according to quiry cannot have their admissions Members of the SAS have also documents detailing his admis- used against them in a criminal confessed to more senior soldiers sions. The confession suggests prosecution. that they either participated in or that other detainees were killed in witnessed the execution or brutal- the same manner and that other isation of prisoners. commandos had participated in a One prisoner assault and death summary execution. The commando has occurred on September 11, 2012, “Various members [of the pla- confessed he shot a and was directly witnessed by sev- toon] ... also carried out orders to eral people, including two working get rid of the prisoners by shooting detained Afghan with the SAS. They made disclos- them,” says one document out- ures to military superiors. It in- PAGE 34 Riding high man in the back of Karl Quinn talks to Rachel lining the confession, which has volved a detainee, Ali Jan, being “If people have done SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2019 Griffiths and Michelle Payne about the movie been filed with lawyers. the head. kicked off a small cliff after being Ride Like a Girl. The soldier who unlawfully taken prisoner by the SAS in the things, that’s up to killed a detainee on October 3, village of Darwan. He was then those individuals to 2012, also disclosed a more senior Those who lie, however, or who shot and killed. The soldier commando directed him to “take are the subject of corroborated ad- accused of kicking Ali Jan off the come to terms with. the prisoner ... and get rid of them” verse allegations can be referred cliff has vigorously denied this in a discreet location. The com- to the military or civilian justice allegation. I hope they can fi nd

A commando who served four tours in Afghanistan tells mando said “he was told it was OK system for investigation or pos- The incident is being separately Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters about being trapped in an peace with their unwinnable war. because he was a bad guy”. sible prosecution. If a war crime is investigated by the AFP, as re- PAGEAGE 303 The commando has confessed proven, sanctions could range vealed previously in The Age. actions.” that he subsequently “executed from demotion or discharge to a 60 Minutes will reveal more about Australian Commando with his pistol” the prisoner, whom jail sentence. However, the the death of Ali Jan, including inter- David Wegman, pictured. PAGE 40 he describes as an “innocent man”. Inspector-General may also re- views gathered in Afghanistan. A Naked City John Silvester on how a good cop killed by a bad cop is finally Many of the most serious acts lease a royal commission-style mid-2012 incident, also to be de- being honoured. detailed in confessions or direct public report that makes findings tailed on 60 Minutes, involves the witness testimony – which The Age of fact and recommendations. suspected summary execution of a and 60 Minutes have uncovered The defence department de- wounded Afghan in the care of Watch Nick McKenzie’s full report and confirmed using multiple clined to respond to questions. Australian soldiers. on 60 Minutes tomorrow night.

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NATAGED1 A008 30 THE AGE SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2019 INSIGHT SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2019 THE AGE 31

David Wegman walking the tightrope in the shadow of the Grampians and, below left, as a soldier. Photos: Supplied

Walking the line ustralian commando settings working? ... The nature of war David Wegman noticed One veteran’s experience is inherently chaotic, and so you need how much the young to be constantly revisiting your policy, Afghan was shaking. He shines a light on war’s big adapting and changing, and I don’t was also straining to think we saw that.” look behind, where decisions. Nick McKenzie Wegman was standing Wegman, now 33, out of the Army Awith his M4 assault rifle. Minutes and running a retreat in Western before, the Australian special forces and Chris Masters report. Victoria, is at one with Hastie and soldier had ordered the anxious Ackerman in looking beyond the guilt detainee to face a mud wall. and self-recrimination that torments The man was doing his best to feign some returning veterans. While no compliance while simultaneously defined rules of engagement justified seeking to keep his eyes on Wegman. the execution of detainees, in an AsWegmanorderedhimtoface increasingly messy war there was forward, the young man’s shaking latitude in interpreting what intensified. constituted a threat. “He thought I was going to shoot him ‘‘An environment was created where in the back of the head,” recalls the who exactly is bad becomes more soldier, “and that if he stopped looking ambiguous; where people who are at me, he’d be dead.” supporting people [who are] trying to It was the second half of 2012 and the kill you, well, are they bad? Is the Victorian architect, who had joined the 15-year-old kid who’s bringing the Commandos as a reservist aged 18, was ammunition to someone who has got a on his third deployment to southern machine gun and is shooting at you Afghanistan as part of a special forces facilitating a direct threat? You sniper team. increasingly get ... those situations Wegman did not kill the Afghan, but that aren’t structured or clear-cut or the interaction was a visceral reminder contained neatly within the of the power an armed soldier has over parameters of rules of engagement.’’ aprisoner,aswellasofthelittlevoice Wegman exemplifies the eclecticism in Wegman’s head that told him he of the special forces community. The should somehow try to reassure the trained architect comes across as more petrified man that his life was not about hippie than alpha male. And like many to end. returning veterans, he has been forced In the weeks, months and years to reach within to confront the demons afterwards, Wegman would ponder the that doggedly pursue him. Wegman’s source of this little voice. He also began retreat at Wartook, in the shadow of wondering what some of his fellow the Grampians, was set up at his own soldiers were hearing. By the end of sources have confirmed, and in at least Afghanistan and Iraq and received the In his recent book Places and Names, differently, then what are we even Major-General Sengelman blamed a past decade suggests that the personal initiative to aid the healing process. 2012, Australia had deployed 21 one case have cited pressure from Silver Star for valour in combat. Now Ackerman describes one of his hard- fighting for?” collapse of leadership, ‘‘tribalism’’ and and professional ethics of some have Among his clients are fellow veterans. rotations of special forces soldiers to more senior soldiers to ‘‘get rid of an author, he’s written eloquently charging Marine mentors who would Ackerman says repeated government policy that exhausted been deeply compromised,” he wrote. The rustic accommodation and the Afghanistan. Wegman went four times. them’’. Details of one confession about a soldier’s “godlike powers” to prepare his soldiers for battle by telling deployments of special forces soldiers special forces through multiple It was Sengelman’s report that natural beauty of the surrounds is an Over time he came to think about the uncovered by The Age and 60 Minutes “choose who lives and who dies”. them: “One of the most noble things may have meant a small number of men deployments to Afghanistan. But he prompted now Australian Defence ideal environment to reflect on some toll on soldiers fighting an unwinnable reveals a young soldier in utter anguish Ackerman’s Silver Star was earned you can do is kill the enemy.” came to recalibrate their own moral also singled out the failure by Force chief Angus Campbell to conundrums: What was the purpose of war and how a persistently dehuman- at his own conduct. after he and his team endured Imagining themselves to be warrior compasses and lose sight of what was individuals to take responsibility for commission the Brereton quasi- the Afghanistan mission? What were ising experience messed with that little The Afghan who that soldier withering fire in Fallujah, Iraq, killing soldiers engaged in a just cause fired up lawful. “The longer you stay in these their actions. “A growing body of judicial inquiry into “rumours” of the rules? What defined victory? It was voice of conscience. allegedly murdered had also been an estimated 30 enemy fighters. weary Marines but also helped environments, what seems normal can actual and anecdotal evidence from the alleged breaches of the laws of armed not the job of ordinary soldiers to pose “If people have done things, that’s up ordered to face forward. He also stared Ackerman make sense of his own role start to bend and twist and become conflict involving special forces in or answer these questions. But without to those individuals to come to terms back at the Australian guarding him, as a soldier. “The years of combat ... unrecognisable and it’s easy to become Afghanistan. answers, they were forced to reach with,” he says. “I hope they can find his eyes pleading for his life. The made more sense when you held onto unmoored.” Campbell, it seemed, wanted to get within for the ‘‘little voice’’. peace with their actions.” Pressed commando later told supporters that those kind of precepts, when they felt to the bottom of what really happened Those who ignored that voice were further, the veteran suggests that if he’d known at the time the detainee true.” By 2012, the Australian mission in on the battlefield, courageously putting themselves in danger of what individual soldiers are to be judged for was defenceless, and also that he was But the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan Afghanistan had been going for 11 years backing the prospect that his Defence psychologists know as ‘‘moral injury’’ – the things they did in Afghanistan, so “innocent”. With that thought in mind, were fought among civilians rather and David Wegman says the mood had Force, his political masters and his and the psychic wounds from such too should the system that sent them he had squeezed the trigger anyway. than against a clearly defined enemy. changed. The US-led coalition’s nation could handle the truth. injuries can be at least as damaging to there. When this commando’s comrades According to Ackerman, “we’d lost strategy was floundering and the Three years later there is a growing the health of a returned warrior as describe the soldier making this before we even started fighting”. Afghan justice system disintegrating, recognition within senior echelons of physical wounds. Aninquiryintowarcrimesin confession, they talk of a man known Without a clear outcome to fight for, spitting out detainees almost as soon as the ADF that this inquiry is no longer When asked about moral authority Afghanistan started in May 2016. for personal integrity and ethics. They soldiers fought instead for each other they were arrested. When those about rumour – and that junior soldiers on the battlefield, Wegman becomes Headed by Supreme Court of Appeal ask the question that is likely also being and for a shared sense of what was just. former prisoners were found to have alone cannot be blamed for what went animated. Justice Major-General Paul Brereton, asked by the Brereton inquiry: “How Like Wegman, Ackerman relied on a been subsequently responsible for the wrong. Accountability has become a ‘‘It’s absolutely essential. The the inquiry – ordered by the Inspector- does the most moral guy you know go little voice in his head to navigate deaths of coalition soldiers, there was a key word. Former SAS troop captain second that you erode your own sense General of the Australian Defence on to do something like this?” decisions made in a complex war collective hardening of the heart. turned Member of Parliament Andrew of what is right you’ve lost the game. Force – most recently reported that ‘‘it against an uncertain enemy. Wegman said actions that would not Hastie, who has emerged as a Those old adages [like] ‘It’s not is not possible to predict precisely how US Marines war hero and special His experience of war and killing has have been countenanced on earlier champion of the Brereton inquiry, has whether you win or lose, it’s how you long before the Afghanistan inquiry forces veteran Elliot Ackerman has made Ackerman a merciless critic of deployments began to feel normal. told The Age and 60 Minutes that play the game’ are rooted in some of the delivers its report’’. asked himself a similar question in those who use the ‘‘fog of war’’ In 2016, when Australia’s Special responsibility must extend all the way most essential wisdom that we’ve But what seems clear after some 200 relation to accusations that a small argument to justify atrocities. “I don’t Operations Commander Major- up the chain of command to the managed to extract as a culture. The witnesses have been interviewed is number of US special forces soldiers know how we got to this place where General Jeff Sengelman reviewed his politicians who sent special forces to reason you have got to play a straight that Australian soldiers did bad things, summarily executed prisoners. The ‘He thought I was going to shoot former soldiers need to be reminding soldiers’ deployments to Afghanistan, ‘A growing body of evidence from war and kept them there so long. game is for your own sake. unlawful things, in Afghanistan and accusations have divided the US public him in the back of the head the general public that we don’t he took a bold and in some quarters the past decade suggests that the “Everybody wanted to be there for ‘‘Soldiers who don’t play a straight that we should ignore the claims of and military and prompted the execute prisoners,” he says. unpopular step. In a confidential but medal ceremonies and people turn up game are the ones who suffer in the critics who deem the inquiry a witch- intervention of President Donald and that if he stopped looking “There’s so few things in war that unclassified report, Sengelman ethics of some have been deeply for funerals but your responsibility end.’’ hunt that needs to be wound up. Trump. are black and white. That actually expressed fears that some SAS and doesn’t end there. You have to be Australian soldiers have confessed Ackerman served with the Marines at me, he’d be dead.’ happens to be one of the few things that Commandos soldiers had “deeply compromised.’ engaged intellectually in the war, Watch Nick McKenzie’s full report on to murdering detainees, informed for eight years. He deployed to David Wegman, former Commando is and if we allow ourselves to believe compromised” their own ethics. Major-General Jeff Sengelman what’s happening. Are the policy 60 Minutes on Sunday night. NATAGE A030