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to enable me to criticize the actions of LTC Alan B. West.

Why would you want to do that?

LVM

lol.....Don't get Ispy started. He values the regulation book more than human lives, and doesn't think that battlefield initiative should EVER under ANY circumstance involve breaking even the most trivial and outdated regulation. He also doesn't seem to comprehend that severely punishing Col. West encourages our enemies, therefore placing our troops more at risk than they already are. The consequence: lowered morale and a higher (U.S.) dead body count.

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.