I would Proudly serve under his command..
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.
SCOUTS OUT!
Same here neighbor.
I hope so too.
It it is obvious that it might not be the case. That makes the incident with Col West all the more laudable. I am pleased to hear that he is getting the support he deserves.
I have lived through all the wars since WW2 and seen thousands of our family and friends die or get maimed fighting political wars, with one hand tied behind our backs and trading blood for political expedience, time or other arcane reasons we may never know.
Suffice to say it sickens me every time.
Fighting a "nice" war is an oxymoron. Most of us do not want to be killed or to kill. If placed in that position I would have a tough decision to make. If we are not determined to win, and we are forced to accept the enemy making the rules, I might choose to be shot by my own side for refusing to accept that.
The other 800-pound gorilla in the living room is the discussion that hasn't happened: innocent civilians. Is there such a thing?
Particularly in asymmetrical war, to what extent is it possible for terrorists to continue their bloody hobby for months or years without the overt and covert support of the "innocent" population?
Once goaded into war, to what extent should we accept the senseless "baby milk factory" and "innocent civilians" enemy tactic?
In addition, the good Lord has a way of rewarding us through the adversity to move on to other things that are for our benefit anyway as we continue to seek to do what is right. I have absolute faith and conviction in this truth.
As for the others who seek to thwart the good for their own selfish interests...well, water seeks out its own, lowest level.
Best Fregards my friend.
That's a good question. Jeff, do you know?
Can't be said enough.
I know from personal experience that everything happens for a reason. Whatever it is that God has planned for this man and his family was meant to be. Good luck Mr. West and God Bless. You have my undying gratitude for your actions!
God bless him and his family...and God grant that there is always a plentiful supply of such individuals amongst us...as long as there is, we shall remain free.
I would Proudly serve under his command..
He used discretion in a very time-sensitive (meaning urgent) combat situation to do that...and minimized US casualties in the process. He did so at personal risk to himself and his career.
He is being punished because his discretion violated what I consider to be a minor rule in order to accomplish what he did. He was and is wlling to be accountable for that and accept responsibility...another mark of a truly great leader.
He deserves our respect, our praise...and our support. God bless Him and God lead him on to what He would have Colonel West do in the future. I am sure He will...and I believe Colonel West will be listening with his heart and complying...he has already demonstrated the willingness and ability to do that very thing.
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