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.
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.I really appreciate you sharing that perspective.
Do you think the environment could have changed after 9/11? It seems like a number of the soldiers accused of abuse have said they were following orders but not from somebody in their chain of command.