Australian Army Journal

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OPINION Army’s Spirit Respect Respect is our newest stated value — such is the primacy of respect to a healthy culture. When I first mentioned the unspoken elements of Army service, I did not include respect because I considered it to be part and parcel of our values. Then one day I was talking to one of my senior RSM peers about an allegation of unacceptable behaviour. My peer remarked that soldiers could not possibly treat one another in the manner detailed in the allegation if they respected one another. He was very right. I then decided that respect deserved its own consideration. In Army, respect has three dimensions: respect for our uniform (and through this our Army), respect for one another and respect for ourselves. Sub-standard dress, bearing and attitude in uniform or when identified as a member of Army is not acceptable and shows disrespect for oneself and for Army. Instances have occurred in the past which highlight this issue. Duty travel on public transport and behaviour at airports are one example of areas of constant concern. The sight of a badly dressed and noisy, disrespectful individual or group easily identified as members of Army by their hat or military baggage, brings us down. For the great Australian public, open displays of bad behaviour give rise to questioning whether we are worthy to represent the proud legacy of our forebears or whether Army is a suitable place to send their sons and daughters to serve. Conversely, a positive public image can reap great dividends. In my reserve unit, 8/7 RVR in country Victoria, we had a policy of our cadre staff always wearing uniform in public. Their disciplined and respectful behaviour, matched with military bearing, paid off in increased recruiting and enhanced local reputation. In the many years I have been an RSM, the vast majority of complaints I have dealt with from the public concerning bad and undisciplined behaviour have not been about the individual in the wrong, but a genuine concern for the reputation of the Australian Army. This speaks to the pride of the greater public in us as an institution. We cannot afford to diminish this pride in Army or in ourselves. Our people must respect one another. Regardless of gender, religion and belief, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity, we are all mates. We have all earned the right to wear the Rising Sun badge. Mates respect one another. As my peer said, many incidents of unacceptable behaviour would not occur if we respected one another and our soldiers and officers understood what respect requires and what it means. Australian Army Journal Culture edition 2013, Volume X, Number 3 Page 208
OPINION Army’s Spirit Our people must respect themselves. There is a reasonable view that Army works hard and plays hard. Playing hard does not mean drinking yourself into oblivion, using drugs, losing control, breaking the law or diminishing Army’s hard-won reputation and status. This negative type of behaviour shows lack of discipline and gross disrespect for Army and for oneself. It is a clear and present weakness and a sign of immaturity. Playing hard is robust and fair participation in sport, being law abiding and moral, responsible social enjoyment and being a mature and respectful member of our society. It is about being trusted and respected in and out of uniform, on and off duty. Self-respect also means keeping yourself fit for battle and meeting the appearance expectations of Army and the public. I wholeheartedly support the implementation of the Physical Employment Standards which will drive a tougher, fitter, leaner and better Army. There are too many overweight and unfit officers and soldiers whose condition is within their control — and I exclude those who are recovering from wounds or injury. While I fully accept that some are suffering or recovering from injury and illness, eating a nutritious diet and exercising within restrictions may help counterbalance forced inactivity. Unless an officer or soldier has a permanent restriction that prevents fitness for battle and meeting the appearance expectations of Army and the public, this condition must be viewed as temporary. If our members are overweight and unfit it must be because of a genuine condition and not poor excuses associated with sheer laziness or a lack of enthusiasm. In my opinion, there is far too much of the latter. I ask you all to ask yourself an objective question — am I as fit as I can be? Do I meet the appearance expectations of Army and the public? Am I fit and tough enough to fight in the hardest game on earth — the battlespace of today and tomorrow? If the answer is no, strive to improve. You will not only foster respect, but improve your health with all of the benefits that accrue from a healthier lifestyle. Some, particularly officers, have pointedly remarked to me that their workload prevents regular exercise and a healthy diet. I always ask them if they have raised their concerns with their chain of command. We cannot afford an internal or public perception that we are too fat to fight. Being unfit or overweight because of issues beyond a member’s control is a health issue. We will support these officers and soldiers. But being unfit or overweight because of issues within a member’s control is a discipline matter. Leadership must be applied to fix this shortfall. Australian Army Journal Culture edition 2013, Volume X, Number 3 Page 209
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Australian Army Culture edition 201
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CONTENTS CHIEF OF ARMY FOREWORD....
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CHIEF OF ARMY FOREWORD When I assum
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CHIEF OF ARMY FOREWORD her gender,
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EDITORIAL the way in which it deals
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HISTORY Serving Their Country: A Sh
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HISTORY ‘A Homosexual Institution
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GENDER AND SEXUALITY Steyrs and She
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GENDER AND SEXUALITY Sexuality, Coh
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RELIGION Religious Diversity in the
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IDENTITY Military Retirement: Refle
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DISCIPLINE Hazing in the ADF: A Cul
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OPERATIONAL CULTURE The Myths of Cu
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ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE Securing Arm
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Page 157 and 158: ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE Securing Arm
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Page 187 and 188: ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE From Institu
Page 203 and 204: OPINION Army’s Spirit Warrant Off
Page 205 and 206: OPINION Army’s Spirit Pride As RS
Page 207: OPINION Army’s Spirit Mateship ca
Page 211 and 212: OPINION Army’s Spirit I think it
Page 213 and 214: OPINION Brothers and Sisters in Arm
Page 227 and 228: OPINION On the Culture of the Austr
Page 245 and 246: OPINION Fifty Shades of Grey: Offic
Page 255 and 256: CREATIVE WRITING Lost in Translatio
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NOTES FOR CONTRIBUTORS NOTES FOR CO
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Australian Army Journal

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