Live fire: no defence for the indefensible
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday October 24, 2009
The fatality this week during a live-fire exercise is incredibly sad ("Defence releases soldier's last letter to family and friends", October 23). It leaves me with a feeling of deja vu and incredulity that such close-quarters live-fire exercises are still carried out.In 1992 a young soldier died as a result of a live-firing exercise in the same area. I was intimately caught up in this tragedy as my son was involved. It was his weapon that discharged, killing his friend and leaving so many family and friends bereft.Subsequently, he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder; later he took his own life. We all live each day acutely aware of the loss of both young men.The South Australian Coroner determined that the tragedy was an accident, but was critical of the army, stating the safety officers were not qualified and the exercise had not been properly planned. Comcare investigated and found the army had breached its duty of care in 24 instances.I served for more than 20 years in the defence forces in an operational role. I can see no reason for close-quarter live firing. With all the technology available today, surely the Defence Science and Technology Organisation can come up with something to create the noise and effects associated with battle without the risk of loss of life.It seems the army continues to defend the indefensible. In this latest tragedy the soldier involved had already experienced battle conditions €“ twice. So the argument that he needed to experience live firing before deployment is questionable. To lose lives in an exercise is too high a price.Paul ShielsLieutenant-Commander RAN (Rtd), Henley Beach (SA)
© 2009 Sydney Morning Herald
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