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Although many, in fact most, people here have supported his actions I do not.

It's not because I'm soft on bad guys or want to appease terrorists or have some feeling of treating them fair. I am a disciplinarian, you fail to obey orders, no matter what your reasons and there is some price to pay. I have not advocated West losing his retirement benefits, although if he did it would only be his own fault.

I believe that LTC West had many other options at his disposal and he chose the one that directly counteracted the orders regarding prisoner treatment, in front of subordinates no less. This is an inexcuseable act IMO and were I the Division Commander 4th ID I would have this matter go to court martial so that he could face a panel of his peers to determine his discipline. In my mind that is the right thing to do.