[Dave S]

The military is very capable of making these marines a scapegoat at a low level of command operation, to deflect criticism from marine command and government higher up[s. In other words, they are willing to cut their losses at portraying this as some stressed out rogue marines overreacting than they would want the corps to stand up and say, "war is hell" and this is an enemy we are fighting and our troops will shoot first when necessary to defeat the enemy.

So far the only three marines that I've heard of that have been named or punished in any way in regards to this incident are Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani who was in command of the 3rd Battalion and two of his company commanders who were relieved of their commands, as well. Authorities said a series of unspecified incidents had led to a loss of confidence in the three.

[freema]

Perhaps they were relieved because too many of their men were dying.