[The E]

Apparently, there recently was a bit of a scandal regarding soldiers after a series of emails came to light that showed a widespread culture of denigrating and disrespecting female service members. An investigation was launched, and the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, made a statement about it.

Now, ordinarily, one would expect this statement to be some sort of highly noncommittal statement designed to not hurt anyone's feelings, but here's where the awesome comes in, for General Morrison apparently doesn't give a single **** about hurting the feelings of bigots.

There's a video here, but here's a transcript of it for your convenience:

I have stated categorically many times that the army has to be an inclusive organization where every soldier, man and woman is able to reach their full potential and is encouraged to do so. Those who think that it is okay to behave in a way that demeans or exploits their colleagues have no place in this army.

Our service has been engaged in continuous operation since 1999 and in its longest war ever in Afghanistan. On all operations, female soldiers and officers have proven themselves worthy of the best traditions of the Australian army. They are vital to us maintaining our capability now and into the future. If that does not suit you, then get out. You may find another employer where your attitude and behavior is acceptable, but I doubt it. The same goes for those who think that toughness is built on humiliating others. Every one of us is responsible for the culture and reputation of our army and the environment in which we work.

If you become aware of any individual degrading another, then show moral courage and take a stand against it. No one has ever explained to me how the exploitation or degradation of others enhances capability or honors the traditions of the Australian army. I will be ruthless in ridding the army of people who cannot live up to its values and I need every one of you to support me in achieving this.

The standard you walk past is the standard you accept. That goes for all of us, but especially those who by their rank have a leadership role.

Awesome stuff.

[FireSpawn]

it's refreshing to see someone in charge actaully make a stand and tell people to either fix up or **** off.

[Kopachris]

Damn right.

[Colonol Dekker]

Let's see if the front-liners junior ranks take it to heart.

[NGTM-1R]

Sometimes, you do not in fact find politicians at the top end. It's not always made clear, or made clear in a positive way...but it happens.

[Dilmah G]

Beat me to it!

As I've said elsewhere, I'm really impressed with LTGEN Morrison's handling of the situation. Hopefully we'll see some real cultural change in the ADF. Relevant link: http://www.mamamia.com.au/news/sexism-in-the-australian-defence-force/

[Kobrar44]

To be honest, I can't really see how this is awesome. I may be a little naive, but isn't it EXPECTED from an official to do the right thing?

[Dilmah G]

The problem is that this is endemic to the military because no one prior to people like the LTGEN have had the intestinal fortitude to stand up and wage war against the culture that allows this to happen. He's been the first Australian Chief of Army in a long time to state outright that the Australian Army has a cultural issue, and consequently, the first to tackle it like this. So yes, on one hand we should expect this behaviour. On the other, we rarely see it, so we should positively reinforce it.

[The E]

Just compare this reaction to the way the US military has treated similar issues, and you'll see why this is awesome and not at all expected.

[Luis Dias]

It's astonishing to read such a manly strong call to arms for the porsuit of feminist goals!

It's delicious even. The kind of **** that surprises me and makes me have some more faith in humanity.

[Lorric]

Now that is a leader of men. And women.

You should watch the video. It's one thing to read words, but I watched the video, and I believe he means it. I wouldn't want to stand before that man if he had a problem with me.

Of course, this is all I know about him, but I get the impression he'll back his troops to the hilt if they've done nothing wrong and come down on those who have things to say about them in the same way he's coming down on these rotten apples.

[redsniper]

To be honest, I can't really see how this is awesome. I may be a little naive, but isn't it EXPECTED from an official to do the right thing?

Just compare this reaction to the way the US military has treated similar issues, and you'll see why this is awesome and not at all expected.

Yeah, it's what we want to happen, it's what should happen, but it's not what we expect really.

[Dragon]

To be honest, I can't really see how this is awesome. I may be a little naive, but isn't it EXPECTED from an official to do the right thing?

The way I see it, it is expected from the official to do the right thing. However, they often simply don't live up to those expectations. This guy did, instead of sticking his head in the sand, and that's why he's better that those ostriches from the other side of Pacific.

[TwentyPercentCooler]

It is incredibly sad that this is the exception rather than the rule. But what a great statement. "I'm running this **** the right way and if you don't agree, get bent." Now THAT'S a general.

[Lorric]

I think this is the media interview he references that he gave before the OP video. It's about the same length:

http://media.canberratimes.com.au/selections/appalling-scandal-hits-army-4487307.html

[haloboy100]

I'd only really be surprised if a similar statement was made from within the United States military.