[xzins]

On the stand, Fields testified that the rules about when Marines may open fire became less restrictive during the time of the company's seven-month stay in Haditha. Military brass told Marines in Haditha -- a hot bed of insurgency at the time, according to testimony -- that they no longer had to fire warning shots, but rather were allowed to shoot to kill in hostile situations, Fields said.

If they document that, this case should be over. (It should be over anyway.)

This is not the first time I've read this. Early on in this affair, I read that the ROEs were "tightened" AFTER the event. Now I hear that they were "loosened" before Haditha.

Document that.

Ask whoever loosened them why they were loosened.

[RedRover]

I’ve never been sure about how ROE fits into the chain of command. They originate at the Pentagon, but I don’t know who has discretion about changing from one set of ROE to another based on ground conditions.

Division level? Regiment? Battalion?

[brityank]

Sorry -- I'm too slow. Digging around for confirmations 'cause my CRS is in play.       ;^)