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Colonel West...you've got my back any time
Self
| 6 Nov 2003
| Jeff Head
Posted on 11/06/2003 4:44:20 AM PST by Jeff Head
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To: The Mayor; JesseHousman
Oops...that should be:
Thanks for the BUMPS
To: Jeff Head
Jeff, in your future history series, victory required that the C-in-C chosen in 2000 be replaced at the head of the 2004 ticket by someone who was a capable war leader who could fight our enemies undeterred by political correctness.
As 2004 draws closer, how does our real C-in-C look to you now, particularly in light of this story?
I know you are praying for him-I am, too-but what's your take on his adequacy in the job?
To: Jeff Head
The following article shows that LTC West
Intended to save lives he did not certainly save lives.
Number of Attacks in Iraq Constant, Enemy Tactics Change By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service
"
The number of attacks fluctuates. The beginning of Maysaw six to 30 attacks each day. The upper number has dropped; in October, the average has fluctuated from the mid-teens to low 20s."
We have on average lost 1-2 soldiers daily but the attacks number from 6 to the low 20s, then it is obvious that not every attack results in lives lost. This proves that LTC West's intentions were in the right place, but to defend his actions based on that is going a bit far.
He obviously does have the courage of his convictions. But you are incorrect when you state "West knew his greater responsibility and he performed it, regardless of personal cost" because his greatest responsibility is to be simultaneously a leader of men and a follower of his leaders. His leaders no doubt have told him in almost uncountable ways not to do what he did. He disregarded those orders entirely. And for that he must be disciplined.
There are many here who will attack me for this reply, but it is not opinion, it is fact. I do not think this man deserves to be thrown out of the Army with a felony conviction and loss of retirement benefits. None of that has happened yet, and I do not think it will. The outrage revolves around the opinion of one JAG officer, who had no choice but to state the charges as they were seen by him. I have confidence that LTC West's chain of command will discipline him in a way that is fair and right.
23
posted on
11/06/2003 5:06:32 AM PST
by
Ispy4u
To: Jeff Head
Very well said.
If disciplinary procedures are to be followed, so be it. The breach of faith occurs here: the "offer" of voluntary resignation to a 19-year valor-decorated soldier to avoid the hassle. That is despicable and dishonorable. Whoever came up with that idea has no honor, no pride, no soul.
24
posted on
11/06/2003 5:07:33 AM PST
by
GopherIt
To: thiscouldbemoreconfusing
As I ponder this, I can not help but think to myself how rare good solid O5's and O6's are. After eight years of clinton and I'm sorry to say, the four previous years, I am a bit surprised that there are any "God, Honor, Duty, Country" officers willing to put their men first left above the rank of O3. I am sure that most got out...but some stayed. The ones who were motivated to put up with the BS...to remain in position "under fire" so to speak, so they could help ensure it did not all go the PC route.
To: Jeff Head
Personally, I see nothing wrong with the West approach. I'm reminded of another highly-publicized interrogation of some terrorists. Our interrogation team was having no success in getting them to talk until we brought in some interrogators dressed like Saudis. (Saudis, I might add, are well-known for their torture techniques.) Once the terrorists saw what they thought were Saudis, they began spilling their guts. Sometimes mere intimidation works.
26
posted on
11/06/2003 5:09:13 AM PST
by
JoeGar
To: GopherIt
I agree with you. That offer should not have been made.
27
posted on
11/06/2003 5:13:15 AM PST
by
Ispy4u
To: Jim Noble
I believe Bush has performed well as a CinC in Afghanistan and Iraq...and in the War on Terror in general. In the
Dragon's Fury Series I allude to that all along, indicating that the War on Terror went well.
My point in this regard in the series is that many leaders believe that a global war is only a remote possibility. I happen to believe it may be right at our door step.
I put in the figurative and idealic leader in the series because of the other things I wanted to accomplish in the series with respect to the 2nd Amendment, immigration, energy production and ultimately issues like abortion.
In an all out war scenario, where we are taken unawares, very quick action on these first issues (immigration, energy producton, onshore manufacturnig, the 2nd amendment, etc.) will be paramount IMHO, if we are to come back up to a full war time footing fast enough to eventually "Turn the Tide". I am not sure Bush would have the inclination, or the ability to move quickly on some of these issues.
IMHO, we should have already done so after 9-11 IMHO.
To: Jeff Head; Ispy4u
There is a "command climate investigation" underway.
Those investigations get started when multiple folks inside the unit formally express concern up the chain of command regarding the CO's overall conduct.
In other words, there's a LOT more going on than me or thee know about, and this was probably the mildest breach of the rules the investigation team found.
29
posted on
11/06/2003 5:17:51 AM PST
by
Poohbah
("Would you mind not shooting at the thermonuclear weapons?" -- Major Vic Deakins, USAF)
To: Ispy4u
I am not wrong...he did perform his higher responsibility. But he did it knowing that he would necessarily be disciplined...and he did it in spite of that fact, taking full responsibility and perferring to save American lives rather than be concerned about his own career.
THAT is the mark of a true leader, and even though he may be disciplined for it...I applaud his actions and pray to God that there are more like him.
I know I would want my own sons serving under such a man.
To: GopherIt
If disciplinary procedures are to be followed, so be it. The breach of faith occurs here: the "offer" of voluntary resignation to a 19-year valor-decorated soldier to avoid the hassle. That is despicable and dishonorable. Whoever came up with that idea has no honor, no pride, no soul. My sentiments exactly.
To: Poohbah
May well be...we shall see.
My comments are directed at this specific charge and this specific instance. M
If there is more...I am sure it will come out.
To: Squantos; Travis McGee; harpseal; tet68; sneakypete; wardaddy; A Navy Vet
Comments?
To: Jeff Head
No one is talking this up...and they should.
-----
I will do my best to get this information known.
34
posted on
11/06/2003 5:22:07 AM PST
by
maica
(Leadership matters)
To: Jeff Head
I will. And I will do what else I can. This warrior deserves the support of the American people.
We must rally to his defense and make sure he is saved, if for no other reason but to ensure that other warriors will know that they to will be defended by their patriotic countryman if they are ever faced with the same situation.
35
posted on
11/06/2003 5:22:56 AM PST
by
Ronin
(Qui docet discit!)
To: Jeff Head
I could also argue that he acted in the manner he did for self preservation.
Very little attention has been given to the initial tip, that the policeman they detained was in on a plot to assassinate LTC West.
Now I give the man the benefit of the doubt, and choose to belive that he was more interested in saving soldiers lives than his own, but knowing human nature it still leaves a nagging question in the back of my mind.
36
posted on
11/06/2003 5:23:26 AM PST
by
Ispy4u
To: Ispy4u
I hope you are not an officer in the U.S. Armed Forces and if you are I hope none of my family or friends is under your command.
37
posted on
11/06/2003 5:25:46 AM PST
by
Ronin
(Qui docet discit!)
To: Jeff Head
Bump!
To: Ispy4u
There is room for that concern.
Like you, I prefer to give him the benefit of the doubt and believe he was acting in the interest of his troops.
The investigation should bear it out one way or another.
In the mean time, I would hope more offiers would be willing to go to these lengths to take the fight to the enemy and preserve American lives in so doing...with their career and personal issues being only a secondary concern.
To: Jeff Head
Great post. Let's support West.
40
posted on
11/06/2003 5:28:57 AM PST
by
Dante3
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