How former commando Mick Bainbridge is standing up for Australian veterans | Australian Story

From broken PTSD 'leper' who served in five overseas deployments, to champion of veterans' rights, Australian Story shares former commando Mick Bainbridge transformed his life
Read more here: www.abc.net.au/...
#AustralianStory #ADF #MickBainbridge
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About Australian Story: Putting the "real" back into reality television, Australian Story is an award-winning documentary series with no narrator and no agendas - just authentic stories told entirely in people's own words. Take 30 minutes to immerse yourself in the life of an extraordinary Australian. They're sometimes high profile, sometimes controversial, but always compelling. It’s television guaranteed to make you think and feel. New episodes are available every Monday.

[@gavinbucknell6456]

Thanks for sharing this. The Army lost a valuable resource when then should have supported him. Their loss, but veterans now have a wonderful advocate and example for transition to civilian life.

[@dietrich-7]

the amount of m,y mates i served with that copped the same thing as this bloke. it happens all the time!

[@kennethchitty6444]

Our Veterans , they deserve way better , they deserve to be honoured for the service that they have given to protect us .

[@kev8646]

Veterans honoured for the service they did. The people who sent them over there for fake reasons i.e Howard deserve to go to jail.

[@peterhkpcr951]

Shame on 5 eyes nations led by usa , Canada, Australia , New Zealand and UK which share intelligence for killing innocent afghan civilians an prisoners by fabricating evidence against those already dead. Shame shame shame on these kinds of genocide by these 5 eyes western nations which is much worse than any other countries they accused of against human rights , massacre and genocide !!!! These devil nations have no right to criticize any other countries against human rights any more, very hypocritical nations of the 5 eyes nations. To be fair, The world should sanction the 5 eyes nation through UN!!!

[@antonshroyer5674]

How exactly is facilitating the international heroin trade and killing civilians “protecting” us?

[@antonshroyer5674]

When they saw the war crimes and drug production /trafficking they should have revolted . They kept mum .

[@paulw3747]

God bless our Aussie veterans! They've sacrificed so much for our freedoms. I hope we continue to honour them and do our part for them.

[@Tony-ej2ip]

This makes me really angry and is the reason that I didn't join the regular Army. Was in Army Cadets at school and joined the Army Reserve at 19. I got my first dose off Army politics in my recruit camp and subsequently in my unit. I left as a result and although I had visions of going through Duntroon or trying the Carda course, I decided against it because I had no trust in military command. Given the content of this piece I know I made the right choice. This is what happens when beaurocracy takes over and you end up with politicians in a uniform. My experience was in 1985/6. It saddens me that 34 years later the problems not only still exist but seem worse. The sergeant on my recruit camp was a SAS Corporal who saw service in Vietnam. I learnt more from that man in three weeks than any other curriculum, course or life experience. Given the money and time invested by Military in their special forces members, it astounds me that they see them as disposable objects once their time is up.

[@koldaussie]

Wow. You were very fortunate to have had those experiences that opened up clarity like that. Politicians will continue to tarnish the name at our militory each time they use the ANZAC legend to emotionally bribe you into the military. Sadly, the only part of the ANZAC legend they do match up to is the part where they tell you that you only have a bit of shell shock and to man up.

[@grifyn882]

I was a Marine platoon commander in Vietnam 1968-1969. Hard year. Lost too many good Marines killed and wounded. We operated in different types of terrain that included sandy pine forests near the coast, rice paddies, elephant grass, jungle, and the mountains. It was physically and mentally exhausting. It was stinking hot in the dry season and it rained constantly during the monsoon season. I was a company commander in Hawaii 1975-1976. Hawaii didn't have a jungle course in those days, rather it was OJT taking the company on training exercises on both Oahu and the Big Island. I can confirm that the terrain really sucked in both places, especially keeping control of a rifle company. I did nearly freeze to death at the Army's Arctic Warfare Course at Ft Greely, Alaska in 1977 while I was the 1st Marine Brigade G-4 Operations Officer because one of our contingency plans was in the event of another Korean War. The commanding general wanted me to advise him as to how to prepare for that mission in the event we had to deploy to Korea during the winter. So he sent me to the Arctic Warfare Course. I also spent two years in Latin America supporting a host nation's counter-insurgency effort. I wasn't as dangerous as Vietnam, but it was dangerous work. It was a designated combat zone and so I received combat pay and fitness reports. The country also had some serious terrain challenges. Retired after 21 years. Greatest honor in my life was leading Marines, especially in combat.

[@organicmechanic5150]

Thanks Mick. You would know my uncle who was SASR and 2CDO. His squad lost their lives in a black hawk crash in Afghanistan and he was paralyzed after being thrown 35 metres from the helicopter. He moved from WA to QLD and is an Advocate for the QLD RSL mentoring veterans and police with PTSD.

[@matthewmichaels5522]

I left the Army well early after I witnessed the way DVA treated my father after he was diagnosed with T cell lymphoma from service in Vietnam. He died 1994 aged 59. The ADF heirachy are CNUTS as are the politicians who sent them to war.

[@koldaussie]

Sorry about your dad as one Vietnam Veteran child to another. My dad was quite a volatile person after Nam and made our lives hell for mum and I. I was born and then developed many health issues after dad was sprayed with Agent Orange, I went to access things to help me out. Well,they were pretty much negligible and yeah... Then we find out that I can't sue Monsanto, because he had accepted a $5,000 payout in the 1980s.

[@aaronwakeham5031]

The army hierarchy won’t have learned anything and I doubt cares.

[@hauptmannbalalaika]

They will when we say 'don't let them use you, don't enlist'.

[@nenadmarkovic7998]

"Have to move forward and forget about it." Not easy to do for individuals who have been thought and seen things most politicians will never have a chance to experience.

[@bodiesatva]

When I die, I want my COC and government representatives to lower my casket so they can let me down one last time.

[@et4751]

Change does come from within and glad that he works with RSL and advising DVA. Hopefully future veterans will benefit, bonus if he and his contemporaries get acknowledged.

[@naomiholm5081]

You are a true Aussie legend mick. I’m sorry for all your troubles you had to go through. Don’t look back

[@gilesyful]

Made your bed now lie in it

[@gilesyful]

John Howard's legacy he's kissing his medal for adf kissing his ass

[@ericlovelace6502]

You are indeed a great professional force but that still doesn't alter the fact that nine 11 was a total inside job and we all still got played by z/og.

[@johno01970]

Wow. God bless our soldiers...thanks for sharing your story and serving our nation 🇦🇺🙏🇦🇺

[@nigelmorgan3449]

Mate thank you for your service respect hope your doing well

[@davidcrandell1172]

Great story guys thank you.

[@Pezzy-Boy]

What an absolute powerhouse of a man, with incredible support from beautiful friends and family!

[@scotttucker2298]

You are a good man Mick Bainbridge. Fight on!

[@TheNorman1169]

Mick Bainbridge what a gent!

[@stevenwelch6653]

Mick you are a true hero, we are very great full for your Military contribution and massive sacrifice, as should you be. Congratulations on your law degree and all the great work you are doing for the Veterans well done keep it up.

[@carolyndelong4737]

Im 1 minute into this and i already feel sorry for our soldiers all of the world . you give your life for our country and around the world . they say get over it lol it's a joke and sad. When i got processed out there was nothing !!! To help .. Thank you to everyone who has served

[@ThompsonSmith-dd2lo]

Hello Carolyn How are you doing today?

[@theimpaler5034]

Im born australian i lived and served in a foriegn millitary during the 90s i was in infrantry i advise that no one goes to war its horrable

[@Hiltechshipwrights]

Thank you Mick for all that you have done for this country. You are a Legend. Congrates for everything you have achieved. Amazing Australian!!

[@robertwilcock7112]

Don't blame the soldiers. They deserve better. They're uniformed and trained to fight real wars. Not civilian resistance men, women, and children. Blame the politicians for following U.S. aggressors. The Afghan leaders and people have shown no aggression towards Australia.

[@f18_lovermacdonald-doaglau69]

Our veterans deserve much more than 2 days a year, and the ADF needs to improve how they treat veterans as well.

[@micphoenix8200]

Good on him. Well done Mick and thank you for your service to our country on behalf of this greatfull Australian. All the best for you and your families health, wealth and future.

[@gilesyful]

How many orphans and trauma did you create

[@micphoenix8200]

@@gilesyful Your comment defines you Terry. Best not to mock those who have the courage and resilience to serve our country and put their lives on the line. You weren't there and therefore you don't know. Take your grievances up with the appropriate channel (federal government) by all means. Lest you forgot & Lest we forget.

[@Actual.1]

@@micphoenix8200 Well said

[@antonshroyer5674]

Ask him about the poppy fields they protected. Then come home and see the opioid crisis and not say a word.

[@bionic7252]

What a great guy, done so well. What a struggle to get there.

[@danielmoroney5962]

Incredibly brave man.. Absolute respect to you

[@melissacunningham2524]

Serious they did this to mick after he fought for our country ,raiding his house with his wife n kids,so BC he didn't do what they wanted they tried to screw him over that's disgusting. Hope he doing OK now.

[@adrianzilic5753]

Unfortunately we are tools in a very large box and when we are no longer serviceable you get thrown out.

[@JacksCreates]

Absolute disgrace from the Aussie government

[@stevecast5410]

Mick you have done more for your country in the 13 years service you freely gave than any politician has in a lifetime of what they see as service to this place

[@RenegadeRanga]

Sadly these top blokes are basically viewed as pawns.

[@donpadre2651]

You sir, Mick are a more honorable and courageous man than those that have tried to hinder you.

[@one-wb6ru]

dont join the army than, easy. \

[@gregsbibble3299]

REALLY PROUD OF THEM ALL WHO SERVED

[@TheTopend2]

I’m sorry. Appreciate and respect to these guys, BUT , when it was said they are the Elite in Aus. Hello, there is a Regiment called the SASR.Just saying. Classic ABC embellishing shit. I’m gunna keep it real, NO regiment or Unit Comes Close to SASR, just because someone gave them a COOL name does not mean they are the elite. Yes, they are a good unit etc, BUT do not put them in the league of SASR. ILl take em all tot the Carda, lets see how they go. Lol. BTW, 3RAR, when it was around , would totally be a superior unit.

[@user-yr4mo3iz4d]

lol. ARES are you?

[@Trapspringer888]

Jokes on your assessment then. More than a few dudes from 2 Commando Regiment have transitioned to SASR and they have a very good chance to get through. To your last point, you would be surprised at just how many 3RAR members made the jump (pun is deliberate) to both 2CDO and SASR, and how many still reside in 1CDO.

[@TheTopend2]

13 years and still a private. ...???? 4 tours. Still a private. Wow. That says a lot. For those not military, you would normally be a corporal around 4 to 6 year and a Sargent by 8 or 10. Especially with tours. Why wAs he still a private after 13 with tours.

[@vinnie7185]

Being just 18, He was really young when he joined. And still relatively young when he retired. Plus it takes longer to get promoted when ur in special forces.

[@Trapspringer888]

Promotion within SOCOMD units takes a lot more time than conventional Army. Baino also went through the special forces direct recruitment scheme very young. To give you an idea of how rank and promotion is different, one of the three Australian KIAs (there was also one American KIA) on the Blackhawk accident referenced in the documentary was PTE Tim Aplin. Tim was a senior SGT in an infantry battalion and was slated to become a CSM / WO2. He deliberately took the reduction in rank to go into 4RAR turned 2 Commando Regiment. Even for someone who was already widely respected in his own right within the Australian infantry world, he still had to do his time and go through the range of courses. All that was unfortunately cut short in Jun 2010. May he, Scotty Palmer and Ben Chuck rest in peace. Lastly, you can trash talk Baino all you want, but the fact is that he has the respect of those within 2 Commando Regiment and far wider within the NSW veteran community composed of veterans from multiple generations, wars and units from SASR to humble loggy units. He would not have been elected to the NSW RSL board otherwise. Now THAT says a lot about Baino.

[@rhysweertman1810]

My dad only found out what PTSD was when he went to the reunion party at Oakey, Qld. He had to quit his job, in Customs to even just apply for the Veterans Pension. In the final 24 months before he was accepted and uneducated, he was nuts. Watching your father breakdown is not healthy. This isn’t a lone case. They have been medicating returned soldiers with alcohol for millennia. Thank god for medication and religion. That’s all that saved him. Although, if he wasn’t accepted, he would have been on Newstart Centrelink payments. 161 Possum Reece Flight Vietnam, Fok Toi Provence. 1967-68

[@staceyrobinson771]

Good on you mate 👏 👍

[@ThompsonSmith-dd2lo]

Hello Stacey How are you doing today?

[@edbroaotearoa1198]

I am so proud of this man who was a soldier who transitioned to a warrior. Keep fighting for what you believe in bro, from nz, kia kaha

[@benjykingly3632]

What a true champion well done your a legend and thank you so much

[@gilesyful]

For what!

[@memoresto3480]

@@gilesyful your a very weak man Terry

[@joebloggs619]

Too many veterans are suiciding and answers are needed. It's not very helpful to blame it on the stress etc of being a former soldier because soldiers have been fighting wars and returning alive for centuries but not suiciding , like now. So, clearly it has something to do with how modern society receives and treats these returning soldiers. Not so much materially and health care wise in Australia. I've met a few of these vets and they all seem to get pretty good care. But they are nearly all very unhappy men and almost every one will, at one point in the conversation say "Is this ugly modern society all we had to sacrifice so much to protect? What the hell for? They are just not worth it! When I first heard such words,I felt bad because I am a member of this ugly modern society, though I try not to be like the rest of them. I didn't know how to respond, so I said nothing. Eventually the silence had to end. "Are you like all the rest?" one vet asked me. "Depends what you mean? My people were on the wrong side, but I care and value what you did..." Saying something as some simple as that ANY day, not just on ANZAC Day or Remembrance Day is all it takes to show we care and value these men and it makes them feel like their sacrifice was not just a complete waste..I think that is why they get do depressed and start doing heavy drinking, drugs etc to blot it all out. It's true many will have PTSD but that can be helped with a little appropriate medication and counselling to deal with war trauma..It is not a psychosis and is therefore curable or manageable with proper help they can access. However, none of this will work if they feel rejected by the rest of modern society they sacrificed so much for and which now even hates them and wants to strip their honours of service off them. They are not always the easiest or most pleasant of men to be around and can even be somewhat obnoxious, authoritarian etc at times. But it does take much to make the small sacrifice of overlooking this, given the sacrifice they made to our country and the life we are still free to enjoy, thanks to their protection of our homeland. Enduring some of the sexist comments etc these types often make doesn't bother me. I just ignore these and focus on more positive things about them. A few annoying sexist remarks won't kill me. But, if these guys didn't do their protective duties and our nation was invad d as a consequence, then that probably WOULD kill me. So, seen in that light, feminists taking offence at a few annoying sexist male behaviours and sexist comments seems so utterly petty and trivial. Big girls ought to be big enough to handle such triviality, if they as as big and strong as feminists like to believe they are.

[@yilehuli]

Wolves are suffered from PTSD after eating rabbits 🐇. I guess German soldiers suffered more when they put down millions of Jewish people in the killing camps.

[@stn7172]

Except those campps were not real

[@andrewreilly7489]

Thanks mick for your service your a friggen legend mick for the next pm wat ya reckon folks cheers again mate your the man

[@thejattlord]

Bunch of malingerers looking to rort DVA.

[@sonofagreatsouthernland]

The mucho testosterone bs that seethes through the veins of SF cannot cope with the leftovers of it's actions.The mechanisms to deal with this are poor and leave the rejected with a bleak future. Well done to Mick for shining the light on a broken system and for leading the way in etching out a promising future for himself and hopefully many others!

[@rhysweertman1810]

Dad always said ‘ they train you but after they don’t debrief you’

[@rhysweertman1810]

Unmedicated. Sorry auto correct again...

[@dietrich-7]

fought dva for 2 years and they nearly mentally and physically killed me. DVA is a joke! And the response of the unit is the same army wide, the higher brass are absolute pieces of shit!

[@thejattlord]

Let me guess, you "fought" for money right?? That's greed right there. Malingering shouldn't be rewarded with sympathy and money. Learn to cope without that.

[@timosteinert7843]

shame on you australia

[@SILSAL67]

Mick is inspiring to us all!

[@donpadre2651]

SHAME on you DVA! SHAME ON YOU!

[@TaumaGaming]

He was an infantry Soldier

[@tonifoster6253]

Commando is high than a infantry soldier

[@colabrut748]

a flop

[@stopandthinkchoices7272]

brooke you have my support

[@Eatitbiach]

L E G E N D !

[@nimcom.5396]

So many innocent Afghans were murdered by Australians. I hope there is a God and he is just.

[@ryan1385]

Thank you for your service Mick. You have a whole country behind you mate and we will all be forever thankful for what you have done for us ❤️🇦🇺❤️

[@stopandthinkchoices7272]

speak for yourself not the whole country we all are not decided

[@memoresto3480]

@@stopandthinkchoices7272 can you say that in English

[@stopandthinkchoices7272]

@@memoresto3480 whats your problem no mick doesnt have the country behind him speak for your self not others .....murder is murder

[@stopandthinkchoices7272]

@@memoresto3480 get a translator or go to school

[@morrissalvatore5729]

didnt only 40 odd australian soldiers die since afganistan war . thats not many considering they the australian army illegally killed about the same that they know off.

[@one-wb6ru]

And try to blame army lol.

[@gilesyful]

I didnt support the war now i have to support you and all the other suckers

[@antonshroyer5674]

Good on you terry, we reap what we sow. Everyone has a responsibility for their actions

[@mogadeet6857]

What a surprise that the ABC denigrates fighting for your country.

[@sidheshpatil7120]

Was he pushed into pursuing a career in the military? Was he not aware of the risk that the job entailed? Was he not excited about the nature of the work prior to joining the military? Did he not have any knowledge from Australia's history of the consequences of War? Did he not receive best in class support in the form of training, equipment, healthcare prior to finding himself on the battlefield? Was he not aware of what support could be made available to him as a veteran, prior to and whilst serving in the military? Did he not have the opportunity to exit from the force or seek policy change if he were to find any policy dissatisfactory while undertaking training in the force? I am not an ADF soldier with all the great resources. But, I am cognisant of the risk presented to a soldier, and I do my bit to suggest a policy change. I don't want to whinge and wine about risks that I willingly accept and in particular when I make a well informed decision. I don't like deceit.

[@chuxxsss]

Good on him, what a wonderful story. From another veteran.

[@onlyme3628]

Thank You to every single Veteran who protect us and our countries. War is Hell and there aren't enough accolades to commend their Bravery. All the best Mick. Hope you're standing up for Ben Roberts-Smith too. He too is a legend regardless of the shit-show he's being put through.