Lt. Gen. Smith (CENTCOM deputy commander) thanks for opportunity to testify. No excuse for their actions, nor does he offer them. Facilitated efforts of enemy to malign our character and call us hypocrites. When things were brought to light by soldier in January, they were informed immediately. Six tried, 3 to be court-martialed. Broader Taguba report commissioned in late January; now near completion, have made sig. progress in implementing.
Commanders regularly brief superiors as investigations progress.
Why so long up chain of command? Must recall it's a legal proceeding. Questioning, etc. Materials kept to protect confidentiality. Actions have been swift, circumspect and proper, while under the stress of ongoing combat and respecting the rights of the accused.
Investigations will tell whether the abuses are systemic. When they have answers, they will provide them. There are hopeful signs abuses are not widespread.
Thanks for your transcripting ... LG Smith's testimony of the need for the legal proceedings to continue as they are is compelling.
686 posted on
05/07/2004 9:24:22 AM PDT by
AFPhys
((.Praying for President Bush, our troops, their families, and all my American neighbors..))