Commander Shaun Fogarty argues that publication of a photograph showing SAS soldiers in Kabul increases the risks to those in the picture.
While we in the New Zealand Defence Force understand the points made by media this week justifying the publication of a photo of SAS members in Afghanistan, our reaction was one primarily based on the heightened risks publishing photographs of this type brings.
In this incidence we felt, and as
many other media outlets have since confirmed, there has been until now in effect an unwritten rule in New Zealand not to show the faces of SAS members.
For example, even after some newspapers published the picture, some television networks pixelated members of the SAS in their news bulletin.
As with most conventions, they do not rely on written rules but instead on a common understanding by those involved.
What the publication this week of the image from Kabul indicates is that now would be a good time for the Defence Force to have discussions with media leaders in this country, to try to re-establish some common ground on the use of images around this small, elite group.
I believe that media have until now respected the need for anonymity, and appreciated operation security risks that images of the SAS present, especially from within an operational theatre.
For example, when media think they have a good photograph of two soldiers in the field, it is entirely possible that captured within that image are weapons configurations, ammunition quantities, communications equipment, and protective clothing that may be revealing to an adversary.
That is, close study of such images by an enemy may present them with something they will exploit in the future - directly affecting the safety of these personnel.
In the case of insurgents in Afghanistan, we know them to be technologically sophisticated and to be adept at using tools such as the internet.
So with pictures revealed in the New Zealand media it is entirely possible that they will be seen and studied by insurgents on the other side of the world. We do not say to New Zealand media "do not publish". Instead we urge caution, and ask that media weigh carefully these points in their consideration to publish.
Our concern about showing the faces or other identifiable traits of members of the SAS is about creating situations in which their identity, including that they belong to this particular unit, might be used against them.
For example, in a situation in which they are held captive or are being interrogated, identity may become relevant.
In addition, if showing their faces leads an adversary to be able to name them, for example, by cross referencing images from public websites that show images of them before joining the SAS, this may also put their family members at risk.
What leverage would an adversary have over someone in a war zone if associates of their cause had travelled to New Zealand and kidnapped or harmed that person's family?
It is not out of the bounds of possibility. Nor would it be for protest groups to identify family members and target them - as has happened in Australia and other countries.
Clearly around Corporal Apiata the situation is very different. Because his identity was revealed at the time he received the Victoria Cross, the issue is not about his identity generally, it is about the images confirming he is in Kabul in Afghanistan.
Corporal Apiata had always publicly expressed his desire to return to the unit but what the image published this week confirms to an adversary is that he is in the city of Kabul at this time. Such solid information could encourage insurgents to plan and commit resources to the task of trying to kill or capture him, which previously they would not have.
It is unfortunate that this week the Defence Force and some parts of the media found themselves in adversarial positions.
The Defence Force appreciates the value of a free and open media, it is one of the very freedoms members of the Defence Force have in the past and continue to fight for today. What we ask is that the media appreciate the wider implications of publishing images that can directly affect the safety of members of the SAS and their families.
We believe these factors should be considered by media when choosing to run images, and we urge caution. From the safety and security of New Zealand it can be easy to overlook some of the unintended consequences publishing images like these might bring.
* Commander Shaun Fogarty is the Defence Force communications director.
