Posted on 03/04/2005 9:11:13 AM PST by III-MEF
In the press reporting on case of Marine 2nd Lt. Ilario Pantano, one oft-repeated version has been that the car he and his men stopped on April 15 did not carry weapons. That's not totally true.
The Marines have charged Lt. Pantano with two counts of premeditated murder. He says he fatally shot two Iraqi insurgents after he thought they may have armed themselves while conducting a forced search of the vehicle. Turns out, according to a source close to the investigation, that the car's two seats, front and back, were not bolted down. This is an insurgent tactic for hiding, and quickly retrieving, weapons. In the trunk were cans filled with nails and bolts — the skin-piercing projectiles insurgents build into improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Also, while the Naval Investigative Service was investigating the case last summer, commanders wrote a glowing fitness report on the 33-year-old Lt. Pantano, who led a platoon in some of the most dangerous territory in Iraq.
"Lt. Pantano's performance during the reporting period has been noteworthy and established his reputation as an accomplished infantry leader," his battalion commander wrote in August. "His actions during the fighting in Fallujah and al Zaidon highlighted a solid understanding of tactics and an ability to anticipate the enemy. Leads from the front always and balances his aggressive style with true concern for the welfare of his Marines. Exceptional communication skills for a 2nd Lt. Organized, aggressive, focused and driven. Ready for increased responsibility. Retain, promote and assign to challenging assignments."
(Excerpt) Read more at washtimes.com ...
I am sick to my stomach about this.Why they couldn't do an internal review and end it there is beyond me. Will a Marine please explain this one to me. I could care less if he killed the insurgents, armed, not armed...they are INSURGENTS ,not enemy soldiers. I am a total loss on this one.
In the old days, officers and NCO's were paid to be LEADERS!!! Now, we are paid to be "managers", not leaders. Initiative has been written out of the "game plan" for our military's leaders. The DOD wants us to be "agressive", yet to utilize "restraint"...diametrically opposed concepts if you ask me!
I haven't been to Iraq...yet, but have been on the "volunteer" list for over three years (...have been told there's not a "great need for Reserve armor officers...right now), and I know this: if it comes to a situation where a bunch of "hadji's" are in a car, acting suscpiciously, and they've been told to get out of the car, slow down the car, or hit the dirt, and they DON'T, or they even so much as make a movement that I percieve to be "threatening or hostile"...TAP TAP, will be the last sound they hear!
This P.C. crap in the military, just turns my stomach! The DOD needs to make up it's freakin mind whether it wants managers, or leaders...a big difference. P.C. doesn't belong anywhere near the military, that's for tree hugging, birkenstock wearing, pinko, commie liberals! We're in a war...let the guys on the ground "shoot first, then ask questions later", so they can come home vertically!
Thanks for that very illuminating post! Your point was frustrating to have to hear, but as a civilian watching this conflict between men and women sent out to destroy an enemy and PC politicians and the MSM hovering behind them I can't imagine what it must be like for our troops and their miltary leaders.
The only option I have is to support our troops. Can someone, like yourself, tell me WHERE and to Whom can I make my voice heard from landside to counter this DOD "ambivalent policy"? To let the DOD know that there are many, many civilians who unequivecally support our military leaders to be Leaders.
Lt. Pantano is just a pawn in this whole matter. Military lawyers make great TV, like CBS's "JAG", but like all other TV shows, it bears no semblance to reality.
(I mean do you really think there are Marine LtCols that look like Sarah Mackenzie? If there were, I would STILL be on active duty in JAG office!! LOL!!)
Talked with my Marine buddy tonite that you had met. His opinion also was that this LT. is a scapegoat. As soon as it hits the press..its over. He was very upset about this...for him,deja vu all over again about scapegoats for the anti military crowd as he remembers from Vietnam.
Where is Rumsfeld on this one? Can't he just shut this down?
( yeah, yeah, I know I'm naive. ha)
Wouldn't surprise me to find out that al qaeda has its commissars embedded in the JAG's office.
I just posted an article from the NY Daily News about the "disgruntled Marine" who accused Pantano. This is the first time anyone has made a comment about the case other than Pantano's mom and attorney. Evidently, the best defense is a good offense, so they're on a PR tear that won't quit. We never heard this hoopla about the Marine in Fallujah who was in the news for shooting a wounded insurgent that he thought was booby-trapped. The case was investigated and the Marine in question was off the hook. Mama Pantano and her attack dogs need to keep their mouths shut and let the justice system try this case, not their web site and the media.
Think about it now - do you REALLY think the Marine Corps would get itself in such doo-doo if this matter were, indeed, a wild goose chase? Let's stop the Pantano Pep Rally and wait until both sides of the story are presented before passing judgment.
As a retired Gunny myself, I can see dealing with an officer like this would be an no easy task. At least he didn't get fragged literally, although his career is blown to bits.
Where is Rumsfield, where is Bush? The President could have a face to face with the Marine Corps commander and straighten this out with a word. It is easy to say he stands behind the troops, but in this case it is a lie. Take the political heat like a good commander and save a good man. This man joined to do his duty. He has a wife and children, he is a hero.
The marine in Fallujah was not charged with pre-meditated murder.
Where is the United States Marine Corps ?
Where do U.S. Marines learn to frag American officers during wartime ?
You get three guesses.
I think you win the prize for 'dumb post of the day."
To be fair you should identify yourself. It is suspicious that you sign on here today, and instantly know personal information about this man. If you had been a member for a few years, or even months you would have more credibility, but a few hours?? I am not accusing you of lying, but anyone can write just about anything about anybody on the internet. I have listened to the mans mother talk about this case, and give more credence to her story. I know her name, and that she is related to the man. Nobody here knows a darn thing about you though.
Where are the United States Marines ? Can't they just shut this down ?
Most folks here are know nothing blow-hards. The Article 31 investigation is not even yet completed and people are bouncing off the walls.
Contact Rep. Jones R-N.C. and let him know you are supporting his effort to have Bush grant Lt Pantano amnesty. Also contact your own Rep as he said most are unaware of this and might be supportive.
Yes
and once they do they will have to destroy this officer to make their recruiting goals because if people think otherwise they will not enlist.
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