[Ispy4u]

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.

[Jeff Head]

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.

[Ronin]

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.

[tbpiper]

In war time, spys can be summarily executed. West showed the haji more mercy than he deserved.

[Publius6961]

There are many here who will attack me for this reply, but it is not opinion, it is fact.

I usually don't respond to the combination of megalomania, delusional and ignorant.
In this case I will make an exception to make a point.

Anyone who punctuates a statement of speculation with "it's a fact." is seriously in need of both psychological help and brain food.

[ChadsDad]

Well said. Hope the flames don't get to hot. This place is quite brutal.

[Leatherneck_MT]

Good Morning :)

The only discipline this man should get is at bare minimum a letter of commendation for saving the lives of his men.

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

Considering the type of warfare these guys are facing in Iraq,... the gloves are off.

If what the Lt. Col says is true, Lt.Col West did what had to be done. I could care less if the prisoner lost his hearing because Lt.Col West shot the gun too close! He got the information he needed out of the prisoner and saved the lives of his troops. We are losing our troops at an alarming rate because they are being sniper'd over there!

If what he says is true, Americans NEED to support this man. We don't have enough FBI Agents, OSI Agents or any kind of Agents to go around with the troops to interrogate prisoners when it is a life or death matter. Considering terrorists are blowing up our guys and gals like they are.. we NEED more Lt. Col Wests out there willing to get information out of these people.

We have to get the information out of these people and quickly. Our troops need to be able to GET THE JOB DONE, PERIOD. It "IS" a matter of LIFE OR DEATH!

Or didn't YOU or anyone else notice? This isn't an game, and these are real rockets being fired at our guys and gals.

From what we've heard so far,..Lt. Col West SHOULD be getting pinned with a MEDAL.

And we both understand obeying orders. If everything we've heard is true, sometimes there is a time to MOVE ON, have a talk..and MOVE ON!

Sometimes there is more to a story than we all know..and sometimes there can even be another officer who has a bone to pick. Sometimes it is a person with a chip on their shoulder. It will be interesting to hear what the troops who were there have to say.

But so far, from all we've read.. this story is disturbing!

[Ruth A.]

It is late and I don't necessary see a connection between Col. West intent and acctual act (as alluded with the link). I think it is more correct to say that he intended to save lives and if the attack was thwarted, then he did.

First question: Do you think the Iraqis are capable off carrying out such a pristine attack that only Col West would be assasinated? No, instead I think they would try to take out as many surrounding Col. West to insure that they get him. If this is correct, then others were at risk. (Have you read "The Oddysey"? You were not very lucky when you stood nexy to Odysseus.)

Second question: Do you think that stopping one attack was the ony objective for Col. West? I think that he wanted to round up as many involved as possible. Rather than postponing an attack (which is what changing routines, patrols does), he was planning to eliminate it entirely and perhaps others. Other spies (I agree with that designation) could be routed out and a domino effect has started.

Third question: How can you be certain that there was not a very short fuse on the plot? Expediency, as many pointed out, requires immediate actions at times.

What happens when the terroists find out that our men are punished for extracting information? I see the situation becoming as hopeless as when criminals here know that the police cannot go beyond a certain point or that the law will begin to protect the outlaws. To be brutally honest, I would rather see our guys protected than terrorist scum.

[TheCause]

You have been or are now a supply Sgt., correct?
Because the more you open your mouth the more you shove your foot in.

How about a nice cup of STFU?

[DAVNorm]

You have never served in combat or you would never make such a statement. Colonel West did his duty and did it in a manner we all can be proud of. Had it been me, I would have had the spy executed after his confession!!