Australian soldiers in the chain of command who oversaw units accused of war crimes in Afghanistan will be stripped of their medals.

Keeping the numbers purposefully vague, Defence Minister Richard Marles said fewer than 10 people lost medals and awards.

He said he had written to fewer than 15 people advising them about his decision on whether their honours were stripped. The senior officers were referred to him by a former defence force chief.

Marles made the announcement on Thursday in a speech detailing the government’s response to a report into alleged war crimes by Australian special forces troops in Afghanistan.

The Commonwealth had addressed the final recommendations within its remit, closing a significant chapter in Australia’s military history, he told parliament on Thursday.

“This will always be a matter of national shame,” he said.

“Service in our defence force has always been and always will be a deeply honourable calling – that we have held ourselves accountable in this moment allows Australia to continue to cherish this service, past and future.”

The investigation into Australian special forces found credible evidence of 39 murders of Afghan civilians and prisoners between 2005 and 2016.

Investigator Paul Brereton recommended reviewing the awards and decorations of those in command positions in the Special Air Service Regiment between 2008 and 2012.

Marles used this recommendation for his decision about command accountability.

Appeal options are limited but can be assessed by a judicial review.

Criminal investigations remain ongoing and one man has been charged with murder.

A compensation scheme has been set up for Afghan families of civilians killed or injured during Australian operations.

Of 143 recommendations in the Brereton report, 139 have been addressed. The remaining four remain on hold pending investigations by a special investigator.

Marles’ response does not include stripping the Victoria Cross – Australia’s highest military honour – from Ben Roberts-Smith.

Roberts-Smith was found by the Federal Court to have committed war crimes, including murder, during his time in Afghanistan.

He maintains his innocence and has appealed the ruling, which flowed from a failed defamation case against Nine Entertainment.

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-AAP