Soldiers have won us some of our freedoms, trades unionists and politicians others. No sensible person would deny or diminish that. Soldiers have sometimes safeguarded our freedoms, but have also sometimes been used to help suppress or repress them. King George's redcoats helped repress freedoms in the Colonies, and closer to home (remember Peterloo?).
A free press can, and sometimes does, help to guarantee some of our freedoms, and sometimes helps warn us when they are under threat, or when our freedoms or values are being undermined. No sensible person would deny or diminish that.
As they are being undermined when undisciplined troops, off the leash, kill or beat up innocent civilians or prisoners alike. No sensible person would deny that.