Australian Defence Force chief Angus Campbell renews calls to strip medals from Afghanistan war veterans

Defence Chief Angus Campbell has launched a fresh attempt to remove awards from some soldiers who held command positions in the Afghanistan war, following the damning findings of the Brereton inquiry. Key points: Veterans groups are furious at the latest attempt to revoke honours awarded from the Afghanistan war General Angus Campbell indicated "work was continuing" on disciplinary action Former SAS soldier Martin Hamilton-Smith suggested General Campbell could hand back a medal as a sign of leadership The ABC can reveal General Campbell in recent days has written to several current and former Australian Defence Force members, informing them their honours for distinguished and conspicuous service on warlike operations could soon be cancelled. Contact during office hours 1300 620 380 In formal correspondence to a small group of Afghanistan veterans, the Defence Chief declares his "consideration of your command accountability is now closed" and revealed he had referred the termination of their decorations to Defence Minister Richard Marles. Last month General Campbell indicated "work was continuing" on possible internal disciplinary action related to failures of command accountability during the Afghanistan war when alleged crimes occurred.