[Jeff Head]

Actually his job was (as it is for any military individual) to follow orders and successfully complete his mission.

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.

[Sunshine Sister]

Well said and completely correct! Thanks!

[gatorbait]

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.

George Catlett Marshall once told young officers tha tto truly know leadership,they had to lay their commissions on the line for the men whom they lead ,and , frankly whom they also served .LTC West,you ,sir,have a friend in Louisiana.

With dumb luck, legal skill and courage, this too will pass.

[The Westerner]

What was that minor violation, Jeff?

Would my father fighting in WWII have been cited for this type of behavior?

Why am I remembering the Chinese- E-3 incident? Why is it okay for the Chinese to torture our guys and still be our friends, but it's not okay for our guys to torture enemy combatants?

Lt. Col. West, if you are reading this, thank you for your service. I hope you make your voice heard eventually. Maybe you can help the military re-embrace its old warrior roots.