The war crimes charges that could take down a national hero
In any war, the battle to defeat the enemy is obviously paramount.
But there's something equally important that's often forgotten.
It might be an oxymoron, but for civilised combatants, how the fighting is conducted is as significant as any victory.
War is not a free-for-all. It has rules and if they're broken, there are consequences.
Ex-military hero Ben Roberts-Smith has been charged with five counts of war crime murder after an extensive six-year investigation. 60 Minutes
For instance, a soldier cannot kick an unarmed, handcuffed civilian off a cliff and then order his execution.
However, that's one of the allegations facing Victoria Cross hero, Ben Roberts-Smith.
On Tuesday he was charged with five counts of war crime murder, arising from his multiple tours of duty during the Afghanistan war.
Predictably, Roberts-Smith's arrest created worldwide headlines, but of all the commentary since, nothing has been heard from the soldiers who fought alongside him.
An SAS soldier has spoken out following the recent arrest of his former comrade. 60 Minutes
Until now.
On 60 Minutes, Nick McKenzie speaks with an SAS veteran who saw Ben Roberts-Smith in action in Afghanistan.
Watch the full episode of 60 Minutes on 9Now.
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