The clarion call to enlist for military service has been heard by young people throughout the ages. They sought to oppose tyrants, preserve their way of life, freedom of speech and personal liberty. The idea of not enlisting was alien to most. VC winner Ben Roberts-Smith is no conscientious objector. (War hero’s advice: don’t join the ADF, 15/11). His comments that he would not recommend joining the defence forces omits many reasons why one might not join the ADF in 2019. We have a government that hides information, denies free speech, exaggerates the viewpoint of minorities, fails to support our farmers and future food supply, donates excessively to foreign causes, allows the selling off of large parcels of our land to foreign companies (and then there is the item protested by Roberts-Smith): our veterans’ treatment. Charity begins at home. Compared to past causes which have fired up the hearts of patriots, what will tomorrow’s soldiers have to fight for? Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 18Nov2019