How to lose this war

LTC West obviously is extremely rational, most of the time, but he was not being rational when he used his sidearm during an interrogation he shouldn't have been part of in the first place.

You are right he doesn't deserve the treatment he's getting. Though, it happens a lot in the military, it's called making an example of someone. I don't necessarily agree with it in this case, but it is an effective tool for commanders to use to ensure behavior of a certain nature doesn't continue. The commander of 4th ID has no choice but to ensure that a clear message is sent to all under his influence that this will not be tolerated. I hope that if there is an Article 32 hearing, LTC West is acquitted at trial, I don't think he should lose his retirement over this, but it has to be clear that soldiers can't do this.

The treatment LTC West is getting is Courtney Massengale B.S. If you know anything about troops, you know how that will be received.

You are dancing around the question. It's disingenous to defend the people who are trying to destroy LTC West and then piously "hope" he'll be acquitted at trial. The charges shouldn't have been brought in the first place.

The charges had to be brought because that is what the JAG found when he looked at the incident.

Discharging a firearm near another person while threatening their life is assault in both military law and civilian law.

The ultimate decision at this point is up to the Div Cdr 4th ID as to accept or reject the results of the Article 32 hearing. After the CG makes his call, if it's court martial, then the decision is on the shoulders of the panel and military judge.

I don't think it will get that far. But according to the rules if a possible crime has occurred (LTC West admitted) then it must be properly investigated and persued.

When military folks have a duty, such as the JAG and the Division Commander do in this issue, they can only disregard that duty at their own peril. So I am per se defending these people, but only because I don't think they are trying to destroy him, they are doing their duty. You can demonize them if you want to, but you are being disingenous for saying they should shirk their duty.

All one can do at this point is "hope" the outcome is favorable to LTC West.

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