Spiritual Injuries—An Australian Defence Force Experience

Abstract: The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has recently completed a significant two-decade long series of major international deployments. With this has come a much greater awareness of the post deployment impact on veterans of operational service. This period of intense activity has also brought into focus, the emerging impact of Spiritual Injuries on personnel. Whilst this is sometimes addressed under the broader heading of Moral Injuries, there are range of distinct issues that require further attention. Not all veterans have a religious affiliation, faith and spiritual beliefs. For those that do, unresolved challenges to this schema can lead to mental health issues and broader affects to their overall well-being. This area is not currently being addressed by the ADF, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or indeed any of the major church or faith organisations within Australia. As such veterans are leaving the ADF and entering what is effectively a spiritual “grey zone” where there is little to no guidance and help available in spiritual or faith issues.