It was Michael's lifelong dream to join the army. Within two years he had 'completely changed'

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A grieving mother tells an inquiry into veteran suicide how her son took his own life after bullying in the army left him suffering depression and anxiety.

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Colleen Pillen brushed away tears as she described how the army "wiped its hands" of her son after repeated victimisation and bullying in the workplace left him suffering from depression and anxiety.Colleen Pillen told the inquiry her son "completed changed" after being subjected to bullying in the army

The grieving mother was instrumental in petitioning Prime Minister Scott Morrison to call a royal commission.Giving evidence, Ms Pillen said it had been her son's lifelong dream to join the army."That was the making of him — that was where he wanted to be."But within two years, she told the hearing, he had "completely changed" after joining a new team where he was subjected to bullying.

Ms Pillen said he was given an "administrative" discharge, not a "medical" one, which left him unable to access ongoing financial support after leaving the ADF. She told the inquiry that he felt he had been "dismissed" by multiple experts in the lead-up to his death.

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Don't know why anyone would want to join any military unless they like the idea of killing people for no reason

The army has a duty of care and a process for these matters . If the Australian armed forces can't deal with it internally there needs to be heads rolling up the ranks. It's actually that simple.

The reality is , joining the military is to prepare for potential War. Discipline, tough routines, strict obedience, defending mates and others. It can be very gruelling on anyone and should be recognised if a person is not cut out for it.

DoD and DVA have blood on their hands. I hope this royal commission achieves improvements that will save the lives of veterans in future but with the amount of corruption, incompetence and toxic attitudes in those departments, I am not confident.

Another Australian abused by the ADF. DO NOT JOIN THE ADF! May he rest in peace. No thanks to the government and the ADF.

Don't let anyone give you the 'there is no stigma to mental illness' spiel. If this young bloke had a physical injury he would have had a medical discharge and compensation, it being mental they pushed him out and abandoned him just like most employers.

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