I do appreciate the way you have carried yourself on this thread and the level headed and reasoned discussion you have presented in the points you have raised. Even though I disagree with some of them, all of us could use a lot more reasoned dialogue in discussing those differences.
Thanks again for that...and for your service.
In the end I believe we do agree that West should not go to jail or be ruined over this and that he is willing to accept accountability for his actions...and was from the beginning when he himself reported what he had done to his superiors.
I just happen to believe that his actions should be extolled and that the "rules" in this case, as a result of the experience, should be reviewed and modified so that such initiative, that does not physically harm the prisoner but proves to be correct judgement in helping successfully complete the mission while minimizing US casualties, can be encouraged.
If that initiative is then abused to either torture or inhumanely treat a captive under the new rules that came out of such a review, and does not prove to be correct by subsequent events...meaning the latitude was taken unnecessarily, then corrective action could be taken.
Just my opinion.
Fregards.
What should happen in this case is that the Commanding General should simply exhibit some adult leadership and supervision, dismiss the case on operational exigencies, return Col West to his duties and award him a medal. It does not require anyone reviewing or revising any rules. It merely requires an adult in charge - of which we have precious few in the U.S. military. And don't go patting ISPY4U on the back too much. He is making claims all out of proportion to his experience, grade, or capabilities as many have so amply demonstrated.
Remember "Deep in the Hurtgen Forrest." Get a clue.