#WarCrimes The focus of investigations will rightly look at the conduct of individuals, their commanders and ‘culture’ - as it should. Unless we also examine our War Powers, where successive governments can commit a handful of operators for years ... 1/3

... on tactical missions with no clearly defined strategic end state, we will have failed our nation and the 39,000 people who served in Afghanistan.

Like most of our military ventures in modern times the aim was to have an Australian flag in a US led coalition. 2/3

This small group of men & many others from various units served on multiple tours. That does not excuse unlawful conduct. Everyone is responsible for their own actions.

Successive Government policy that committed the ADF without clear direction needs to be examined as well 3/3

Ps ... A good editorial from the Oz ... However it also doesn’t look at the bigger picture.

Who and why do we commit the ADF to war? What’s the end state? What are the limitations and reviews necessary. A vote in Parliament? ...