SECNAV Boots Two Sergeants for Lying At Haditha Court-Martial

Neal Puckett ^ | 4-20-2012 | Neal Puckett

[G Larry]

“Their motivation to do so was unclear”

Here’s how that works in similir situations:

The troops are told “Command want results and the political heat off!”
“We’re looking to you to make that happen!”
“Any questions?”

No need to mention any positive or negative incentives.

[The Sons of Liberty]

I've always known that the members of our Armed Forces are held to a higher standard than the two-bit politicians in the legislative, executive and judicial branches. They serve, not for self aggrandizement or power, like the politicians, but for love of country.

[Turbo Pig]

I’ve never - not a single time in my 26 years of active and reserve service as a JAG - seen a UOTHC upgraded to an Honorable, except on the basis of newly discovered evidence pointing to the innocence of the accused.

Good point. My perspective my be a bit scewd. I saw it happen twice in 10 years. Of course as you say new evidence was presented in both cases. Hmm, maybe I should have picked a better crowd to hang around...all these guys I knew getting in trouble..YIKES :-)

[Valentine Michael Smith]

No one should be punished for perjury in this country after the media, congress and the people let Bill Clinton off scot free. If I was on a jury in a perjury trial I would never vote to convict.

[tarheelswamprat]

ping me when Col. Sean Sullivan receives some form of punishment. Until then, this is just CYA posturing by the Brass to divert attention from their own malfeasance. These guys are indeed despicable, but they were led and used by the prosecution to get the others.

[smoothsailing]

ping me when Col. Sean Sullivan receives some form of punishment.

I would be delighted to do so, Sullivan is a detestable weasel.

[jagusafr]

I dunno - sounds like you’re in the “in a world of blind men, the one-eyed man is king” scenario! Gotta stay positive! Have a good weekend.

Colonel, USAFR

[Girlene]

Agree, tarheelswamprat.

I have a sneaking suspicion if SSGt Wuterich had been convicted based on their testimony, nothing would have happened to these two Marines.

[Semper Fi Mom]

Thanks for posting this. Needless to say these two “scumbags” deserve nothing less than a dishonorable discharge and loss of all benefits. They lied to save their own asses and made life a living hell for 6 years for our family.

[tarheelswamprat]

Yes, the government was determined to get somebody’s scalp to save face.

[Velveeta]

Good on ya, Mr. Puckett!

[amom]

Thanks to each of you for responding to my question regarding types of discharge and benefits.

jafusafr: "...it’s unlawful command influence for SECNAF to direct an administrative discharge - that’s the decision of the unit commander, to be acted on by the Special Court Martial Convening Authority. As a former military defense counsel, I’d have a ball with the procedural aspects of that case. “Two wrongs don’t make a right” is perfectly applicable here..."

Noted. Thank you.

[amom]

Note to self.

This is the same Navy Secretary who decided to stick to his decision to “Name Warship for Murtha Despite Protests”.

http://www.military.com/news/article/ship-to-bear-murtha-name-despite-dissent.html

Navy Secretary Ray Mabus.

[smoothsailing]

Absolutely, Mom. I hope they get the max.

Since it’s an ADSEP, I believe the best we can hope for is a General Discharge Under Other Than Honorable Conditions and forfeiture of all benefits. It will serve them right, even though they deserve worse.

As always, all the best to you and yours. :)

[smoothsailing]

.

[amom]

Grrrrrrr.