Australian Army Journal

OPINION
On the Culture of the Australian Army
or tactical convoys. We positively reinforce (there’s operant conditioning again!)
with both praise and small informal rewards — the Friday barbeque and early
knock-off when things go well. That becomes more formal when it’s time to
select soldiers for courses and promotions — past performance is the vital
consideration. 20 For failure to meet the standard there is positive punishment,
which can be as simple as low status in a peer group.
It works. The battlefields of recent generations — from Korea to Kandahar —
reveal the verdict. Anglo-Western soldiers, and especially the Western combinedarms
team, comprise a fearsome foe. Few in the world can approach their
dedicated ferocity and mastery of firepower. And Australian soldiers are worthy of
their place in those ranks.
Of all the cultural attributes of our Army, it is ferocity that makes us win fights. It is
ferocity that makes us kill and, when necessary, be killed. Without this quality the
Army might be many useful things, but it would not be an army.
Honour
Ferocity, however, is not enough. In fact, on its own, it would create problems.
Unbalanced ferocity is indeed the mark of savages, not the army of a civilised
people. Mere ferocity alone would yield an armed gang, a menace to society
rather than a tool. Or, as it has been so much better put, a ‘brutal and licentious
soldiery’. 21 Other influences are needed.
Fortunately, we have a moral code, a concept of honour. It is pervasive and an
effective counterweight to the Army’s innate violence.
Our idea of honour has a few facets. Honourable soldiers are chivalrous in battle,
obedient to the will of their superiors (within limits!) and loyal to the Army.
Chivalry is restricting our violence to legitimate and necessary targets — and it is
also firm courage in facing those foes. It is sparing the innocent, protecting the
deserving and showing mercy to the defeated. Chivalrous soldiers do not target
non-combatants or wantonly finish off wounded foes. 22 They give what aid they can.
Honourable soldiers accept surrender when it is offered. Yes, battle is confused
and chaotic, and enemy soldiers who try to surrender must first convince their
adversary that they are no longer a threat — and they may well be targeted in the
time it takes to do that. And a wounded enemy on the ground may still look just
Australian Army Journal
Culture edition 2013, Volume X, Number 3 Page 230