Australian veterans are outraged after US President Donald Trump claimed that allied troops "stayed a little back" from the frontlines during their involvement in Afghanistan. The head of Australia's largest veteran organization, Peter Tinley, has rejected Trump's comments as "unfathomable", describing them as "cowardly attack by the president on those who can't defend themselves".
Tinley stated that the sacrifice of Australian service personnel who lost their lives fighting in Afghanistan would be "completely affronted" by such denigration. He emphasized that the families of the deceased personnel would be deeply hurt and offended, and called for an apology from Trump.
The RSL national president recalled his own experience as a deputy commander of the special forces task group deployed to Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks on the US. He highlighted the significant contribution made by Australian soldiers, sailors, and aircrew during their involvement in the conflict, which was the longest continuous operation in Australia's history.
Tinley also expressed his concern that Trump's comments may undermine future cooperation between Australia and the US under the Aukus alliance. He urged any ex-service members experiencing emotional distress due to the news to contact the Open Arms counseling service for support.
Trump's remarks have sparked widespread criticism from Australian politicians, including Liberal leader aspirant Andrew Hastie, who described them as "a massive slur" against allied troops and Australian veterans. Jennifer Parker, a non-resident fellow at the Lowy Institute, noted that Trump's comments were "deeply disrespectful" to those who served under the Nato-led mission but did not reflect the values or professionalism of the US military.
Tinley stated that the sacrifice of Australian service personnel who lost their lives fighting in Afghanistan would be "completely affronted" by such denigration. He emphasized that the families of the deceased personnel would be deeply hurt and offended, and called for an apology from Trump.
The RSL national president recalled his own experience as a deputy commander of the special forces task group deployed to Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks on the US. He highlighted the significant contribution made by Australian soldiers, sailors, and aircrew during their involvement in the conflict, which was the longest continuous operation in Australia's history.
Tinley also expressed his concern that Trump's comments may undermine future cooperation between Australia and the US under the Aukus alliance. He urged any ex-service members experiencing emotional distress due to the news to contact the Open Arms counseling service for support.
Trump's remarks have sparked widespread criticism from Australian politicians, including Liberal leader aspirant Andrew Hastie, who described them as "a massive slur" against allied troops and Australian veterans. Jennifer Parker, a non-resident fellow at the Lowy Institute, noted that Trump's comments were "deeply disrespectful" to those who served under the Nato-led mission but did not reflect the values or professionalism of the US military.
I'm so upset about what Trump said! I mean, come on, he's basically saying our guys didn't do their job right? That's just not true at all! I know a few blokes who went to Afghanistan and they're still shaking with PTSD, it's completely uncalled for. The RSL president is spot on, this is a huge slur against the Aussie veterans who risked everything over there. Can you imagine how their families would feel if Trump said that about them? 
It's not just an insult to the Aussies, but also to the whole Aukus alliance. We need to stand up for our mates and tell Trump to get his facts straight! 
, aussies were literally just cannon fodder for the afghan conflict, they weren't exactly puttin in the frontlinez if u ask me 
. i mean, can we pls focus on the fact that trump's comments might make ppl feel bad? rather than makin a big fuss about somethin that prob didn't even happen 
. also, why r aussie vets so sensitive? didn't they just join up for adventurez and get paid? 
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Trump is just totally out of line with this one. I mean, I get that he's trying to stir up controversy, but come on, attacking our boys and girls who risked their lives in Afghanistan? That's just not cool 
. These veterans have already been through so much, and now Trump is just rubbing salt in their wounds? Unbelievable 
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like what even makes him think he can just diss aussie vets without consequence? it's not even about the afghanistan thing, it's about respect and class 
peter tinley is absolutely right on point, we can't let people like trump get away with this kind of cowardly behavior 
. Like, can't he even try to get his facts right? I mean, we all know that Australia's been involved in Afghanistan for ages and our troops have risked their lives countless times... it's just basic research, dude! 
Tinley's right on the money too - this is a cowardly attack by Trump, and he should apologize pronto. I've got a mate who was in the SAS, and let me tell you, that bloke's seen some heavy stuff. He'd be livid if Trump ever made a comment like that... 
It's just sad, really... I mean, can't you just think about the guys and gals who actually went through that mess in Afghanistan? The ones who lost their limbs, their friends, their sense of purpose? To be belittled like that by some rich dude on TV... it's just not right 
. Trump needs to apologize big time 
. And yeah, this is a major slap in the face to Australia-US relations too 
I'm livid! I've got a mate who was in Afghanistan, he's still dealing with PTSD from his time over there. Trump's comments are completely unacceptable, especially to someone like Tinley who's actually lived through the experience. It's not about politics or alliances, it's about basic human respect for those who serve their country. The fact that Trump thinks he can just waltz in and start insulting our troops is just appalling. We need a leader with some bloody integrity! 
This is totally unacceptable, guys! I mean, come on, US President can't just trash our brave Aussie veterans like that? 
They gave their lives fighting for a common cause and this is how they're being treated? Not cool, Trump! 
Anyway, I'm all for calling out Trump's comments as deeply hurtful and unprofessional... but where were these people when our service personnel needed them most? 
Peter Tinley is totes right on this one, it's a total cowrd attack on those who cant defend themselves & their families r gonna b super hurt by this 
Jennifer Parker was spot on w/ her comments tho, he should be ashamed of himself 
