Captain Sally Williamson, who is currently on deployment in the Middle East, made the suggestion on an official Australian Army website.

She also wrote that if the front line was too dangerous for prostitutes, troops could be given sex toys instead.

War historian Mat McLachlan has told Chris Smith the practice is definitely not a new one.

“Whenever you get groups of predominantly young males off together they’re obviously going to want to go out and have a bit of fun.

“Soldiers when they’re facing potentially imminent death everyday that they’re in a war zone, seek out that comfort.

“There is something really important to have that human connection and basically live your life while you still can.”

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