Sometimes there’s a real stand-out in the media for truly terrible journalism, and Crikey likes to acknowledge the effort that goes into these with the coveted Wankley Award. And, despite others in the News Corp empire doing their best for the honour, we’re giving one to The Daily Telegraph for an over-the-top beat-up about a defence force training document.

The Tele‘s Monday front page is dedicated to an “exclusive” report about a guide — available on the defence force’s website — for staff at the Australian Defence Force Academy on working with LGBTI members of the community. As well as the front page story, there is an article on page eight and a full editorial dedicated to the manual.

The manual itself includes the “controversial” statements, quoted by the Tele as evidence of “gender wars”, that members should apologise if they accidentally use the wrong pronoun, and that they shouldn’t use pronouns or language that doesn’t match a person’s gender identity.

Under the headline, “Army drops the ‘H’ bomb”, the Tele reports that refusing to avoid using “him”, “her” or “they” if it offends LGBTI members “will be considered ‘bullying’.”

“Defence sources say the guide is part of a politically correct push by Commandant Cheryl Pearce, who wrote in the document that the changes were required to work as a ‘military professional in the 21st century,” Jack Houghton and Miranda Devine wrote.

The paper’s editorial, meanwhile, suggested that “conversations in the armed forces sound more difficult to negotiate than a Long Tan minefield.”

“It remains reasonable to ask why the issue has become such a priority within our armed forces,” the newspaper said. “Surely there are more vital training programs to pursue … Changing our language in the name of inclusiveness may be a worthwhile aim. The more pressing concern, however, should be improving the aim of our fighting men and women in combat.”

In response to the story, the defence force issued a statement saying cadets weren’t being told they shouldn’t use the terms “him” or “her”, and there was no directive on gender-neutral language — a comment quoted by the Tele.

“For example, every day ADFA cadets address their seniors as Sir and Ma’am. This has not, and is not, changing,” the statement said. “Supervisors and commanders are required to lead teams from all walks of life, who often work, eat and sleep in close proximity for extended periods. Commanders must be skilled in harnessing these diverse backgrounds and experiences in their teams to deliver what is required.”

Tele editor Chris Dore told Crikey that the document spoke for itself, and pointed out that Defence’s comment was included in the story published inside the paper. “I don’t know how much you know about the military, but good luck if you take instructions from your superior, in this case the commandant, as a ‘guide’ only,” Dore said.

If you see a story you think deserves a coveted Wankley Award, let us know by writing to boss@crikey.com.au.