[gondramB]

I was thinking about this overnight. From the perspective of the military - isn't there a good side to this? If I were a soldeir, I think I would want to a clear uniform policy on what we can do - one that can't be over-ridden by someone who shows up and gives me orders.

[conserv13]

From the perspective of the military - isn't there a good side to this? If I were a soldeir, I think I would want to a clear uniform policy on what we can do - one that can't be over-ridden by someone who shows up and gives me orders.

You are right. I have been saying that all day.

[Americanexpat]

I was taught in basic training back in 1965 that once a person surrendered he had to be treated in accordance with the geneva Gonvetiontions (even though the enemy we were fighting did not sign those conventions).

I knew I could not abuse prisoners under my control.

I could not take their personal property including awards and decorations. I could take any weapons, ammo (common sense) and documents that could contain intelligence information.

I also knew that no one could give me an order to commit a war crime, like shooting or torturing a prisoner of war.

Only had one incident in three combat tours where a superior tried to tell me to shoot someone (heat of battle)and I told him he could shove it.

If I had that training in 1965, and periodically afterwards, you can bet the troops are getting it today.