Former defence chief General Peter Cosgrove says the controversy over offensive Facebook comments posted by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan needs to be kept in proportion.
He said the soldiers responsible and the defence force should not only be judged by the comments, but also by what they did every day in their work.
"Some soldiers who have been silly in posting these silly disreputable comments are also putting their lives on the line for ordinary Afghans," he said.
"Remember that these kids are actually, by their deeds, showing that they see a worthwhile mission for which they're prepared to accept that great danger."
General Cosgrove, who was speaking at a Liberal Party function in Melbourne, said the soldiers involved in the slurs should be counselled and reminded that the defence force did not condone intolerance.
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Videos, broadcast on Thursday night by the Seven Network, showed soldiers referring to Afghans as "sand coons", "dune coons", "niggers" and "smelly locals".
Another is referred to as a "raghead".
Defence Minister Stephen Smith has personally apologised to his Afghan counterpart for offensive comments posted by some Australian soldiers on Facebook.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said the comments should not have been made.
"I understand the military authorities are taking appropriate action against it."
