Colonel West...you've got my back any time

Self | 6 Nov 2003 | Jeff Head

[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.

Jeff

[Ispy4u]

Thanks for the support.

I have been getting flamed over this for 3 days now. Call me a glutton for punishment.

[Ispy4u]

You are wandering. The only similarity between those two incidents is the religion and beliefs of "that whack job" and the police officer.

The soldier guilty of that attack will be properly punished, and I hope executed.

[ChadsDad]

I don't understand why folks here insist on the personal attacks. A shame, since we are basically on the same side here. Must be a low self esteem thing.

As for this case, I, and most of us, probably would have done the same thing, and gotten in some hot water for doing it. So be it.

[ImpBill]

"I know he is exactly the type of officer I would want leading my sons."

Exactly. You will be getting Freep mail.

[Ronin]

Just stating my personal opinion. That's allowed on this forum.

[Crowcreek]

" Since I'm obviously ignorant, I could use some help."

You've come to the right place. Start by learning the difference between an enemy combatant, and a spy.

The subject was harboring information which was sure to cost the lives of American soldiers, which were Colonel West's responsibility. He wasn't under our 'control' until he spilled it.

If this were a 'real war', the man would have been summarily tried and hanged for wearing the wrong uniform, and you would be tarred and feathered by your own neighbors.

[snopercod]

Thanks Jeff. I agree completely.

In post #2 of this thread, there is another excellent essay by ayoshida on the issue: I Don’t Believe What I’m Hearing; Has the army got its head up its collective tushie or what?

[Ispy4u]

Why would you question my ability to lead soldiers when you know nothing about me? Passive-aggressive?

BTW I am not an officer, I am a SSG US Army, and I lead soldiers daily. I train my soldiers to do the right thing and lead by example, that is the task and responsibility the Army has given me and all NCOs and officers. You have a problem with that?

[Ispy4u]

You've seen too many movies. You wouldn't know a "real war" if it bit you on the.....

I know the difference, and I know it is someone elses place to determine that detainees status and to administer justice if necessary, not mine, your's, nor LTC West's.

[thiscouldbemoreconfusing]

I would suppose, in light of Boyington and West, that you are right. Thanks for the post.

[Triple]

I think the Lt. Col. should receive swift justice for his actions.

He should be fined $1.67 for the two 9mm rounds, and receive the appropriate citation for leadership above and beyond the call of duty in a war zone.
(I'm not quite sure which medal that would be, but I'm certain that sentence describes his behavior accurately.)

Jeff, thanks for taking the time to write this essay.

Best Regards,

[grumple]

Clinton would relieve high ranking officer's for standing up and disagreeing with him and not carrying out his orders. A consummate piece of trash.

[Jim Noble]

I am not sure Bush would have the inclination, or the ability to move quickly on some of these issues.

Me neither. IMVHO.

[Eastbound]

Extra-ordinary warfare demand extra-ordinary field decisions.

[Crowcreek]

He preserved the lives of the men under his command. That's his job.

You are an imposter, and a pretentious fool.

But go ahead and pretend -- It's not costing you anything!

[Ispy4u]

Preserving the lives of his men. Is not his job. It is always a consideration, but his job is to accomplish the mission given to him in a manner that fulfills his commanders' intents and nothing more.

You should know what you are talking about before you open your mouth.

If his job was to preserve the lives of men under his command, it would be simple, just pack up and go home.

[Godfollow]

Here is what we should do to show support for Colonel West...

Hold an internet court of our own, and publicly try the military PC heads that are pushing this court marshal. Include names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mails, and put the White House's feet to the fire if they remain aloof on the issue. Get some true red-blooded military legal beagles to valiantly, and publicly defend this man and the rest of us through in a hearty here-here.

[Crowcreek]

Thanks for the laughs, Fool.

[archy]

The man is a good soldier and the kind of officer our troops deserve.

I know he is exactly the type of officer I would want leading my sons. The kind of guy you know your sons would be in good hands with...that all possible would be done to protect them in a war zone or any place else.

It appears possible, if not yet downright likely, that LTC West will be forced into an early retirement as an alternative to a court-martial initiated for political reasons by those willing to please the congressional forces more concerned for the welfare of Iraqi soldiers than for American ones.

There is a possible way to give them good reason to reconsider such a course, or if not successful, to see that the leadership of LTC West is not lost to the American people, though it may be denied to out troops.

First, we'd need to know his home state, or that designated as his Home of Record....

Allen B. West
for U.S. Congress

Lt. Col. Allen B. West, left, is greeted during a change-of-command ceremony in June. (Courtesy Washington Times)

Lt. Col. Allen B. West and wife Angela in undated family photo (Courtesy Angela West)

[Graybeard58]

Over the years I have talked with various WW2 vets and their stories (Living History) make Col. West's pale in comparison.

Any means they could think of to obtain information was practiced, including torture and execution, especially in the Pacific. All I talked with assured me that they were only practicing the tactics that the Japanese were using against us.

Anyone may argue that it is still wrong for us to stoop that low just because the enemy does. My son leaves for Iraq on Nov. 10th. and I hope and pray that he has leaders with the common sense that Col. West has. The man deserves to be promoted, not charged with a crime.