The man who blew the whistle on allegations Australian special forces solders committed war crimes has lost his final appeal as he remains behind bars.

David McBride sought leave from the High Court to appeal his imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to obtaining and disseminating classified defence information.

He was sentenced to a total of five years and eight months behind bars, with a non-parole period of two years and three months, meaning he'll remain in prison until at least August 2026.

His appeal on the conviction and the severity of the sentence was previously rejected by the ACT Court of Appeal.

The High Court's refusal to hear his case marks the end of the line for the former military lawyer.

McBride had argued his Australian Defence Force oath meant he had a duty to serve

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