Posted on 12/10/2003 5:27:15 AM PST by Jeff Head
Edited on 12/10/2003 3:12:13 PM PST by Admin Moderator. [history]
It has been empirically proven in this one instance.
As a general technique or interrogation tactic, I agree it's a poor practice. but I'm glad it worked on this particular occasion.
I agree that it would probably be much more effective to have taken the subject up to about 10,000 feet in a helicopter and gotten his attention by throwing Poohbah out, and letting the Iraqi know that he's next if he doesn't talk.
Judge not, lest ye be judged.
-archy-/-
Didn't he wrap himself in chains, shoot himself with a .45, then jump into the ocean to drown?
Also those female M.I. interrogators who gave the Iraqi the sneering confidence that the Americans were all weak women in the first place. They'd best be looking over their shoulders.
At least this way the 4th Division's effectiveness hasn't been compromised. Messing with the "iron colonels" is dangerous.
As is messing with *the Captains from Algiers.*
-archy-/-
I think you're adding in details from the death of CIA officer John Paisley in 1978. But the orders for both *suicides* were probably from the same source, and Colby was considered a security risk by many CIA carreerists who feared for their future retirement checks.
-archy-/-
I don't recognize the big delta. As to the benefit of a doubt, after hearing all of the testimony, apparetly the article 32 hearing will give him that...better yet, they are ruling on all of the facts which neither you or I have heard or seen...and that's all that is pertinent to his standing. He'll be reprimanded, and he expected he would.
The system had processed this one Pooh...it didn't go as you might have expected...and I of course, wish there had not been any recommendation for a reprimand at all. But the decision is coming down and I am willing to accept it.
West is willing to accept it...in fact expected it from the get-go.
You know, you don't have to be there...but watch for it... there'll be a real fine welcome for this man when he gets home...and that's a good thing that I will try and attend if at all possible.
Just my sentiments.
Or possibly the executive. But we shall see.
-archy-/-
The whole point of military service is that there are some things for which killing and dying are justified.
We would not think highly of LTC West if he was charged with cowardice under fire for having refused an order because he knew obeying the order would lead to the deaths of some of his men. The military commanders who lead the invasion of Iraq knew that it would lead to American deaths.
The presumption of a military commander in obeying lawful orders is that military discipline is an essential element of the success of any military undertaking. Higher commanders made the decision that assaulting prisoners was not to be allowed, not because they felt sorry for Iraqi prisoners, but because they believed that such orders were an element in the successful completion of the US mission in Iraq.
The order that prisoners shall not be assaulted still stands as far as I know. Is it the opinion of those supporting West that other such orders should be disobeyed?
Hope so! I hope a bunch of FReepers get involved. The more, the merrier!
-archy-/-
That's all right. As long as someone recognizes it, that's OK.
The system had processed this one Pooh...it didn't go as you might have expected...and I of course, wish there had not been any recommendation for a reprimand at all. But the decision is coming down and I am willing to accept it.
Hell, I'm satisfied with this part of the outcome. I do think that West's brigade commander needs careful investigation as well, based on some of his actions in handling the charges, but that's only my opinion.
I have served under officers whose every action defined the concept of "special trust and confidence." I have served under a couple officers who made a mockery of it. West's actions were closer to the latter officers' conduct than the former.
I'm glad he's got his retirement, an honorable dischage coming (probably) and a bright future for he and his family.
I look forward to greeting him on that basis.
And there you have the entire case, shorn of its emotional rhetoric.
The chain of command exists for a reason. Breaching it should not be taken lightly.
Many have demanded that the military not only look the other way and not investigate the circumstances of this act, but that they actually reward such conduct.
What behavior you reward, you will get more of.
The order that prisoners shall not be assaulted still stands as far as I know. Is it the opinion of those supporting West that other such orders should be disobeyed?
The ultimate question.
A very well-thought post, sir.
Probably the Ft Hood/Killeen, Texas area where the Colkonel's family resides. Presumably the military will give him some leave time to spend with him uppon his return.
If not, a congressional inquiry as to the reason for discriminatory treatment can be initiated, with replies by endorsement expected.
Should the Col. or his family prefer another venue or if another is more practical, something else can be arranged. Until at least some likely dates and locations of his pending return are finnalized- which are of course not entirely up to Col. West- everything is necessarily tentative and subject to revision.
Should the numbers become largish, I've taken on the task of reserving rental porta-potties. Let me know if you anticipate any particular requirements alon g those lines.
-archy-/-
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.