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House Demands Report from Army on LTC West Investigation
HASC Press Release | 21 Nov 03

Posted on 11/21/2003 3:59:24 PM PST by O6ret

PRESS RELEASE

U.S. House of Representatives

Committee on Armed Services

Duncan Hunter (R-CA), Chairman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 21, 2003

HOUSE ARMED SERVICES LEADERS DEMAND INFORMATION CONCERNING LT. COLONEL WEST

Actions to Save Soldiers Were Proper Based on Available Information

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Reps. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) and John M. McHugh (R-NY)are calling on U.S. Army leadership to immediately provide a report on the investigation of Lt. Col. Allen West. West is charged with improperly interrogating an Iraqi prisoner.

Based on the information currently available to them, Hunter and McHugh believe that West's actions may well have been necessary to protect the lives and safety of his fellow soldiers and not the actions of a criminal, as he is charged. Hunter is Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and McHugh is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Total Force, which has jurisdiction over military personnel matters.

According to news accounts, the incident in question took place this pastAugust near Tikrit, Iraq, when guerrillas attacked U.S. soldiers underWest's command. An informant told U.S. authorities that a local policeman was involved. West ordered the policeman brought in, though he proveduncooperative. West has testified that he fired his pistol near the head ofthe Iraqi, threatening to kill him in an effort to obtain information to protect his troops. As a result of the tactic, the Iraqi provided information regarding a planned sniper attack on U.S. soldiers. Two insurgents were arrested, a third fled and there were no attacks in the area. West immediately informed his commanding officer of the incident. He is currently facing an inquiry to determine if there is cause for a court-martial.

"We are highly disturbed by media accounts that the Army is beginning criminal proceedings against Lt. Col. Allen B. West for taking actions in Iraq that he believed were necessary to protect the lives and safety of his men," stated the Congressmen in a letter to Les Brownlee, Acting Secretary of the Army. "To us, such actions if accurately reported do not appear to be those of a criminal," the letter continues.

In addition to the information previously requested, the Congressmen are asking to see a new report. "We are aware the Army has completed a preliminary inquiry regarding whether to proceed to a court martial and would like to review that report," said Hunter and McHugh in a joint statement. "Our interest is in justice. Based on what we know right now, it is more than reasonable to assume that Col. West acted in a manner proportionate to the threat against his soldiers."


TOPICS: Government
KEYWORDS: allenwest; westforcongress; wildwildwest
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To: Pukin Dog
So basically, you've just agreed with everything I've written, but just excuse it, "Cause, you know, that was Patton." Sorry 'bout the Raiders.
281 posted on 11/23/2003 1:58:05 PM PST by streetpreacher
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To: streetpreacher
I've turned off the Raiders, and I mentioned the difference between Patton and West in my first sentence. Patton was indeed officer material, maintaining respect and admiration while owning up to serious errors, while West lost the confidence and respect of his own men, then attempted a PR campaign full of exagerations aimed at saving his own neck. There is NO EVIDENCE that he saved any lives through his actions, but people repeat that claim like it was fact. It aint.
282 posted on 11/23/2003 2:03:37 PM PST by Pukin Dog (Sans Reproache)
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To: Pukin Dog
If you're right in your assertions, then I will stand corrected. I haven't heard anything like what you've stated, but maybe you know something I don't.
283 posted on 11/23/2003 2:05:36 PM PST by streetpreacher
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To: streetpreacher
Oh, dont just go on what I say, because the truth will be public soon enough. Freepers are making a serious mistake defending the man, but I have done all I can to prevent the embarassment that is coming their way. Have a good day.
284 posted on 11/23/2003 2:10:26 PM PST by Pukin Dog (Sans Reproache)
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To: Poohbah; William Terrell
Thanks Poohbah, had to go somewhere for a while.

William Terrell, what Poohbah said.
285 posted on 11/23/2003 2:44:14 PM PST by Ispy4u
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To: mdmathis6
Just curious, do you think that military theory and discipline as it is being taught to our officers can cope with the 7th century barbarism coupled with 21st century weapons?

Certainly! Our officers (and NCOs) can cope with a much wider variety of circumstances today than they could in the past. The tactical, leadership, and technical training is far superior to anything taught before. True some of the funding for ongoing skills training lapsed during Clinton's administration, but the basic skills were there and many dedicated professionals ensured that training calendars were stuffed full of everything they could afford to train on. Even with the funding shortages our troops maintained the highest training standard in the world.

Just for comparisons sake I have gathered some numbers that are publicly available. Seems to me that no matter how PC and weak you and others might view our ROEs and Tactics they seem to work far better than the model from 1968 we all try very hard not to emulate. Looks to me like past officers had a harder time dealing with an Asian enemy than 7th century minded barbarians.

1968 Vietnam
US Forces KIA-14,594
Note 1: there were an additional 1,919 non-hostile deaths for a total of 16,511

Troop Levels As of 1 January 1968
Force Total Strength Support Combat Arms
US Forces 409,111

Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003
US Forces KIA- 416 (from 1 Apr-17 Nov and includes non-hostile deaths)

Troop Levels (between 120,000 and 150,000)

Do the math, enter in what you can find for current troop levels in OIF and you will see the death rate in 1968 Vietnam was about 1 in 28(409,111/14,594=28) and in OIF about 1 in 285 (120,000/420=285). The 1 in 285 number is for an 8 month period if you increase the KIAs at the current average rate the numbers for 1 year are about 1 in 226 (420/2=110+420=530 | 120,000/530=226).

So short answer to your question, hell yes.

286 posted on 11/24/2003 4:07:49 AM PST by Ispy4u
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To: O6ret
Bump
287 posted on 11/24/2003 4:28:27 AM PST by Conspiracy Guy (Conspiracy Guy, he's everywhere!)
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To: Pukin Dog; Poohbah
I meant to ping you both to my #286.
288 posted on 11/24/2003 5:17:04 AM PST by Ispy4u
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To: Ispy4u
I stand properly admonished!
289 posted on 11/24/2003 10:14:28 AM PST by mdmathis6
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To: Poohbah
I'm still with LTCol West, no matter how manny foul names you spew at me.

I'd follow him, I'd frag you.

290 posted on 11/26/2003 6:03:07 PM PST by LibKill (The world will not pad its sharp corners. It is up to you to look out for them.)
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To: LibKill; Ispy4u; Pukin Dog
I'd follow him, I'd frag you.

That would be an interesting question: would you get the death penalty for murder, or would you be "shot while attempting to escape?"

291 posted on 12/01/2003 5:34:57 AM PST by Poohbah ("Beware the fury of a patient man" -- John Dryden)
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To: Poohbah
My Comment: "I'd follow him, I'd frag you."

Your Comment: "That would be an interesting question: would you get the death penalty for murder, or would you be "shot while attempting to escape?"

Very interesting indeed.

If any lame-ass lieutenant told me to respect an enemy of the United States, who wanted to kill us as much as you do, I would frag him.

It seems that you want dead Americans instead of dead terrorists.

292 posted on 12/05/2003 6:14:56 PM PST by LibKill (You are not sheeple. Refuse to be clipped.)
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To: LibKill; Ispy4u; Pukin Dog
My Comment: "I'd follow him, I'd frag you."

Which would put you in the same league as Sergeant Hasan K. Akbar.

If any lame-ass lieutenant told me to respect an enemy of the United States, who wanted to kill us as much as you do, I would frag him.

Interesting, since you're the one who actually has expressed any desire to kill Americans on this thread.

It seems that you want dead Americans instead of dead terrorists.

Again, an interesting statement coming from a guy who admits that he would kill an officer who gave orders he disagreed with.

293 posted on 12/06/2003 11:24:23 AM PST by Poohbah ("Beware the fury of a patient man" -- John Dryden)
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To: LibKill
If any lame-ass lieutenant told me to respect an enemy of the United States

Disrespect of one's enemy is a sure way to get killed. Why do you insist on pointing out every possible reason for why you would make a horrible soldier?

It amazes me that this thread is still active, but since it is, you get no points from me or West for suggesting that you would frag your superior officer. Is this to be a serious discussion, or will you and others allow yourselves to be marginalized through emotional rhetoric?

Consider your words more carefully next time, you do your credibility no favor.

294 posted on 12/06/2003 12:29:41 PM PST by Pukin Dog (Sans Reproache)
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To: Poohbah
DILLIGAFF what you think?
295 posted on 12/06/2003 4:51:07 PM PST by LibKill (You are not sheeple. Refuse to be clipped.)
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To: Pukin Dog; Poohbah
Your measured and thoughtful reply makes me thoughtful, unlike some here who just called me 'maggot' without a single second of thought.
296 posted on 12/06/2003 4:53:29 PM PST by LibKill (You are not sheeple. Refuse to be clipped.)
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To: LibKill
Maggot is no better. I would hope we could all remember which side we are on. I am on the side of the law in this matter and all matters. I'll apologize for Poohbah, who can be hot headed sometimes, but still a good man, which I'm sure you are too. Lets all wait to see what happens, but at the same time, lets remember that we are a nation built upon the rule of law, and not the rule of man.
297 posted on 12/06/2003 5:03:01 PM PST by Pukin Dog (Sans Reproache)
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To: Pukin Dog; Poohbah
Maggot is no better. I would hope we could all remember which side we are on. I am on the side of the law in this matter and all matters. I'll apologize for Poohbah, who can be hot headed sometimes, but still a good man, which I'm sure you are too. Lets all wait to see what happens, but at the same time, lets remember that we are a nation built upon the rule of law, and not the rule of man.

That is all very nice and good. I am also a little hot-headed at times. If Poohbah wants to meet me halfway, he will find me three-quarters of the way on his side.

However, you can't apologize for him anymore than I could apologize for you. No slam, just a fact.

Still, we are all on the American side. We just have a little disagreement on methods.

298 posted on 12/06/2003 5:11:12 PM PST by LibKill (You are not sheeple. Refuse to be clipped.)
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To: Poohbah; Pukin Dog; LibKill
Thanks for the ping, here and other threads. I've been traveling on business and unable to actively reply. Of course you and Pukin Dog require no backup, you both are practically an "Army of One". Ha!

As for LibKill, I'm pretty sure that a trash talker like him failed to pay attention during the hand grenade course at basic and would instead end up fragging himself and his DI.

299 posted on 12/06/2003 6:11:10 PM PST by Ispy4u
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To: Ispy4u
As for LibKill, I'm pretty sure that a trash talker like him failed to pay attention during the hand grenade course at basic and would instead end up fragging himself and his DI.

Bzzzt! Wrong, PUNK!

I'm very much alive. As far as I know, so are my DIs.

You would have never made it through USMC basic training, you 'trash talker' B!TCH.

300 posted on 12/06/2003 8:13:54 PM PST by LibKill (You are not sheeple. Refuse to be clipped.)
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