The head of the Australian Defence Force has condemned racist slurs allegedly posted online by Australian soldiers serving in Afghanistan.
Videos show soldiers referring to Afghan people as "sand coons", "ragheads" and "smelly locals", the ABC reports.
Air Chief Marshall Angus Houston says he is appalled by the postings on the social network site Facebook which could result in the soldiers being disciplined or sent home.
"What was on those videos deeply disturbed me. It's unacceptable, deeply inappropriate and just does not conform with our values in the Defence Force."
But former defence chief Peter Cosgrove says the comments need to be kept in perspective.
"These kids are actually by their deeds showing that they see a worthwhile mission for which they are prepared to accept great danger."
The Defence Force has vowed to take swift action.
