B.S. Where was that integrity in the Pat Tillman investigation? Where is that integrity in the Afghanistan RoE?
All this boils down to is that GEN McChyrstal is very angry at DC politicians (understandable) and let it slip in some remarks to a Rolling Stone journalist. I haven't been able to read the article, but it sounds like most of the negative comments came from his staff and aides.
Contrary to popular belief, the military doesn't rob people of their personal opinions and convictions, and this attempt to practically deify GEN McChrystal b/c he doesn't like the current CinC is ridiculous.
The text of the “P4” memo, about the death of Army Ranger Pat Tillman, that then-Maj. Gen. Stanley McChrystal sent on April 29, 2004, to Gen. John Abizaid, then head of U.S. Central Command; Gen. Bryan Douglas Brown, then head of the U.S. Special Operations Command; and Lt. Gen. Philip R. Kensinger, then head of the Army Special Operations Command.
Sir,
In the aftermath of Corporal Patrick Tillman’s untimely yet heroic death in Afghanistan on 22 April 04, it is anticipated that a 15-6 investigation nearing completion will find that it is highly possible that Corporal Tillman was killed by friendly fire. This potential finding is exacerbated by the unconfirmed but suspected reports that POTUS and the secretary of the Army might include comments about Corporal Tillman’s heroism and his approved Silver Star medal in speeches currently being prepared, not knowing the specifics surrounding his death.
The potential that he might have been killed by friendly fire in no way detracts from his witnessed heroism or the recommended personal decoration for valor in the face of the enemy. Corporal Tillman was killed in a complicated battlespace geometry involving two separate Ranger vehicle serials traversing through severe terrain along a winding 500-600 foot defile in which friendly forces were fired upon by multiple enemy positions. Corporal Tillman disembarked from his vehicle, and in support of his fellow Rangers and demonstrating great concern for their welfare over care for his own safety entered the enemy kill-zone into which both enemy and friendly fire impacted.
I felt that it was essential that you received this information as soon as we detected it in order to preclude any unknowing statements by our country’s leaders which might cause public embarrassment if the circumstances of Corporal Tillman’s death become public.
———Maj. Gen. Stanley McChrystal
I’ve been afraid to post anything about the Tillman thing on FR for years. But if McC KNOWINGLY approved a Silver Star for a nonexistent firefight just for political expediency -— well, that’s more shameful than anything Admiral Boorda did. It cheapens every Silver Star.
Did he actually do that? Are the Tillmans just making that up?
That, plus the “I sleep only four hours a night and run a jillion miles a day ....”. Then, he invites ROLLING STONE in for a personal profile. Sounds like a self-promoting egomaniac to me. Live by the media, die by the media. That’s my impression.
I don’t follow this like most of you. Please tell me I’m wrong.