Posted on 11/06/2003 4:44:20 AM PST by Jeff Head
The following is Lt. Col. Allen B. West's own candid comment regarding the situation he faced in Iraq, as reported by the Washington Dispatch on November 5, 2003:
"I have never denied what happened and have always been brutally honest," said Col. West. "I accept responsibility for the episode, but my intent was to scare this individual and keep my soldiers out of a potential ambush. There were no further attacks from that town. We ... apprehended two other conspirators (a third fled town) and found out one of the conspirators was the father of a man we had detained for his Saddam Fedeyeen affiliation. "Colonel West takes personal responsibility for his actions. He makes no bones about it, he threatened this Iraqi spy bodliy harm to get information from him. And that is what he was, a spy working within the Iraqi Police Force that has been established and supported by the coalition authority. As a spy, under the so-called rules of war, I believe he could have shot the man. Perhaps that is an angle that should be explored.
In either case, Colonel West's actions no doubt saved the lives of Americans...the lives he is principally responsible for...and that was his motivation.
He understood that while he may have violated the rules (and he admits to and takes responsibility for this as well)...he also understood he was going to do what had to be done, in a war zone, to save the lives of the men under his command.
The rules were written by men and women sitting in safe seats far away from combat and the brutal reality of the moment. For the most part they are good rules and should not be violated. But there are times when the SHTF that you have to do what you must to save the lives of those you are responsible for, American lives, and accomplish the mission. Colonel West knew his greater responsibility and he performed it, regardless of personal cost. The trait of a true leader in my book.
President Truman incinerated tens of thousands of Japanese to save hundreds of thousands of Americans...and in so doing he also saved millions of Japanese. In today's world and PC nomenclature this might be considered a war crime...a violation of the "rules". But back then it was heralded by the soldiers as a God-send...and by Americans back home as what had to be done to end the war. People who had seen for themsleves the cold reality of four years of World War.
That generation is dying out and it seems we have forgottent their experiences and the lessons.
The reality is, that by scaring this man in the fashion he did...West not only saved American lives...he saved the lives of Iraqis as well.
God bless you Colonel West...you've got my back any time!
Charlie Mike.
Thanks for the BUMPS
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
My sentiments exactly.
My comments are directed at this specific charge and this specific instance. M
If there is more...I am sure it will come out.
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.
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