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If I remember correctly from the book, the crucifying they would take from the media if they got wind of it (Including charges possibly being brought against them) was a factor in their decision to release them.

From the movie, it looked as though the only person who wanted to let the 3 go was the lone survivor, an idiotic decision. The old man had a comm device and was most likely Taliban and the 20 yo kid was obviously hate filled toward them and most likely Taliban too. These two should have been killed (or at the very least knocked unconscious and placed under a pine tree. Instead, they let the enemy loos and run back into tow and thus got eviscerated.

The movie should not be shocking. What would be shocking is if 200 armed Tali did not come back after they set them free. Horrible decision which cost 20+ lives. After watching that movie, I firmly believe that Luttrell is telling this story simply to assuage his guilt, which must weigh heavy.

I don’t quite see the need to execute them. There were reasons laid out in the book as to why that was a bad idea (liberals asses in the U.S. notwithstanding). IMO, they should have called for exfil and taken their captives with them. Ask ‘em some questions and let them go at the FOB. Letting them go right there was the worst possibly decision they could have made with predictable consequences.

I haven’t seen the movie and could probably only watch it on DVD as I had to put the book down and walk away from it several times.

I honestly don’t remember who wanted to do what and my copy of the book has long since been passed on. I do remember quite a bit of discussion between the men as to what to do. (I was also thinking in the book one was actually a young child, 10-12 years old or so, which heavily influenced the decision.)

We all know the media would have portrayed them as “innocent sheep herders” just trying to eke out a living and their grieving families would become media darlings paraded across our TV screens as often as possible.

I just don’t think the fear of the media labeling you as an some kind of bloodthirsty killer (possibly leading to criminal charges being brought against you) should ever have to be a factor in the decision of men fighting for this country and their own lives.

Of course, if the media was actually on America’s side it wouldn’t even be an issue.

" I firmly believe that Luttrell is telling this story simply to assuage his guilt, which must weigh heavy. "

Any guilt should lie with the team leader - I didn't understand his putting a decision like that to a vote.