The role of complementary disciplines and companion studies in understanding Moral Injury for the Australian Defence Force

The aims of this chapter are fourfold. The first is to examine whether moral injury ought to be considered conceptually and practically distinct from Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The second is to canvas the contributions of philosophy, theology and sociology to understanding moral injury, and to review the philosophical conversations about unseen wounds. The third aim is to assess companion studies of moral injury (or rather the lack of them) among Australia’s major operating partners, principally New Zealand, Britain, Canada, the Netherlands and the United States. The final aim is to determine the relevance of American accounts of moral injury to the Australian experience. While the United States and Australia have a shared military history and enjoy a close security relationship, significant factors distinguish their armed forces and experience of uniformed service. American philosophical conversations about moral injury may be helpful, but since moral injury is directly linked to home culture, empirical research of the Australian Defence Force is needed to comprehend the Australian strain of moral injury.