Posted on 11/13/2003 4:54:05 AM PST by Jeff Head
I recently wrote an article an published on FreeRepublic entitled Colonel West...you've got my back anytime.
That article haas received a lot of attention and became a very good thread with people inside and outside the military analyzing and commneting on the episode in Iraq where this fine Lt. Colonel acted on his own volition in a time-sensitive, combat environment to extract information from an enemy spy within the coalition fomred and supported Iraqi Police Force.
The method of intimidation Colonel West used to extract the information has become the center of controversy and is leading to military legal proceedings against the Colone...despite the fact that the information panned out, other enemies conspirators were caught and an enemy ambush against American forces was averted.
It has been my own position that while Colonel West's actions may have violated general rules concerning enemy detainees or prisoners, his dicretion and initiative in accomplishing his mission (securing and pacifying the area of operation) while minimizing American casualties should be applauded and should lead to subtle changes in the rules to ensure that such successful initiative and disretion is not punished in the future.
Colonel West did not harm the prisoner and had no intention of doing so.
Having been given Colonel West's military email in the course of discussing that initial article on FreeRepublic, I emailed him informing him of the article and of the strong support he has amongst the public. I presumed (as it turned out correctly) that he was receiving hundreds of emails a day and that I would probably not hear from him.
To my surprise, I did hear from him and have now carried on an exchange of emails with him regarding his circumstances and plans. He has given me permission to post the email he responded to me with in the hopes that people will understand his position, his plans and his feelings regarding this episode.
Here is that email:
Mr Head,Lt. Colonel Al West is a great leader who exhibits that rare quality of being willing to take great personal risk in the accomplishment of his mission and the protection of the troops under his commmand in doing so. He also has been and remains willing to take personal accountability for the risks.
You honor me greatly and your words have made this ordeal a bit more palatable. I am humbled by the support and care of the Americanpeople and tell them all I love my Land and my Army.
However, my road has ended and I accept that and will gladly take the reward and commendation of a hug from my wife and daughters.
Please remember our family in your prayers and God bless you and all of America!
Regards,
LTC Al West
At almost any other time in history we would call that type of action in a combat zone "service above and beyond the call of duty".
He deserves our support and our prayers. I pray that he will not be marked by this incident, that he will be allowed to retain his full military honor and retirement and that he will write his story for all Americans to read. I have encouraged him to do so.
Now to the Lt. Col. Sir may I make a suggestion? Why not go down to the MARINE CORPS recruting station and sign up. Even at the age of 79 I would be honored to be in your service. My days of service are long gone but with your leadership I would gladly resign for another "hitch" I served with leaders like you in WWII and would again with you. Sir, I think that you could be a MARINE and the Corps would welcome you. (Something to think of anyway)
The very best to you and yours.
Semper Fi
Tommie
Unfortunately, even conservatives occasionally suffer from the liberal tendency to project our own beliefs and operational philosophy onto others. As a person who does their best to live by the Golden Rule, I cannot afford to assume that others live by the same philosophy. As a Christian I am told to operate as a wise serpent, but to do so with the gentleness of a lamb.
God bless you, Colonel -- we love you man!
Lesson? It appears the Powerpoint Rangers still rule the Army. Damn.
I pray our collective efforts can ensure that he is.
He made the right call in a tough situation and it allowed the mission to be accomplished and minimized casualties (ie. in this case there were none). He used his discretion and judgement and marginally stepped over one line in order to keep from being pushed back over a much more critical one.
I believe he's going to land on his feet...it's just the type of individual he is, but he deserves to know how much we support him and are willing to stand up for him IMHO.
I believe he is lurking.
He indicates he wants to teach High School and help youth learn how to be better Americans.
I am encouraging him to write his story.
Amen to that...my sentiments as well. Perhaps if enough of us get involved and use email, fax, letters and the phone...we can make that a reality. At the very least, he will know as will the politicians and beaurocrats, that we know the truth and will collectively make sure that word of it is out and that LTC West benefits from his actions in the long run. I know he will.
Like my experiences at Klamath Falls, and with the WTC FLag Raising Petition...it was something that could not be allowed to stand.
We need to step up the outcry, both above board and back channels for those with the appropriate contacts.
West is being charged for "loud noises," meanwhile the SAS is being sent to Bagdad, and you can bet it will not be to coach cricket. The SAS is going to do a lot more than make loud noises to frighted terrorists.
Colonel West knew he was doing so when he did what he did and promptly reported himself. He used his judgement and discretion to make a hard call in an urgent combat situation. He was willing to take the risk personally on behalf of his command to accomplish his mission and minimize casualties.
It panned out...his judgement was correct...the attack was thwarted and casualties were averted...in all likelihood American and Iraqi lives were saved.
The man is a hero...and an epitome of an officer who acted, IMHO, above and beyond the call of duty.
I have spoken to my Dad of this, who was a combat Vet in the Pacific during WWII landing Marines on Pacific atolls and islands. He feels that LTC West's chain of command has lost its mind.
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