Like many Australians I have great empathy for commanding officers and their officers, Warrant Officers and NCO in our Armed Forces, who are slowly being stripped of authority by smothering directions from Canberra, on what can and can’t be done in preparing for war, yet destructive PC is all systems go.

Unit commanders must be Disciples who carry bibles of needs to train hard, develop unit pride, loyalty, confidence, trust as well as physical and mental toughness, without being told how to do it within restrictive parameters. Such needs are key elements intended to achieve high standards of battle discipline. 

Like others, I am confused that despite clear lesson of past wars, our Special Forces are committed to continual tours of duty against a ruthless enemy in the most dangerous circumstances with little rest in between. It seems few Canberra Suits have read, for example, Anatomy of Courage by Lord Moran or lessons learnt from other campaigns pointing out the consequences to mental and physical health from constant combat. Equally is the need to understand there are limitations to physical and mental endurance in any bloody arena.

Fear and hate breed quickly when time after time our troops are exposed to the deeds of a brutal and cruel enemy. Too often, our troops see or hear of slaughtered women and children. Is it any wonder there is growing Indifference to rules of engagement when in action? Is it any wonder there can be temptation to end the threat when it is common knowledge that prisoners are often released to start all over again? For our troops in such dangerous circumstances, it is certainly not a place for the Marquess of Queensbury Rules.

Thus it becomes another war without ultimate victory, and always a price to pay. Youngsters killed, maimed and many who will have difficulty coping with life. Another serious casualty will be the drenching of spirit, loss off respect, trust and questionable loyalty; plus a serious impact on morale and deficiency in military capability with 2 Squadron SASR being removed from the order of battle. That decision needs to be rescinded ASAP. 

Only commonsense and sound leadership will restore precious military assets. The madness of PC will surely continue to destroy them.

George Mansford May 2021

         THE  ANZACS WILL NOT BE HAPPY

We swore a sacred for very good reasons
For love of our country, not broken promises and false gold 
Ready to give all, and many did in bloody seasons
We sighed and cursed when given tasks so dangerous and bold
Yet as one, we remained loyal, and united for all to see 
Then bent our backs, gritted teeth, and did as we were told
Always going forward, confident, resolute and bold
If you want to win wars, that’s how it was, and always will be

Soaking wet, hungry, weary and wary of the unknown ahead
Gasping, slipping, sliding on false crests or endless muddy tracks
Often, sad news of mates on a ridge close by, wounded or dead
Loyalty and trust all the way up to highest rank and then all the way back 
So many restless dreams of safety with loved ones at home  
Then sweet visions stolen by sharp spurs of duty, and no turning back   
Camaraderie, trust,  pride and purpose our armour, wherever we roamed
No matter when, or where, always together and never, never alone 

When danger loomed, we sucked in breath and did what we had to do
Such deeds were often rewarded with garlands of pride
As well, there were medals from Canberra, won by a few
Proud and deserving unit citations for battles in which heroes died
Such recognition must never be buried to mask military flaws
True leaders at fault would fall on swords, and for that, to be admired
Betrayal and shifting blame by any rank is unforgiveable, peace or war
Its’ a tenant that reaches the heart of soldiering and shameful to ignore

Who knows where our beloved Army goes from here 
With crippling PC ***added to already bent backs
Such stupidity will hamper unity and battle efficiency, I fear
And smoldering hate for a ruthless cruel enemy added to bulging packs
Who decides actions by weary tortured minds are wrong or right?
Not Suits in air conditioned space far away, and alien to those bloody tracks 
Or Judges, divorced from mental and physical demands of war in day or night 
If morale and battle discipline falter, best audit leadership and get rules right  

George Mansford©May2021