[BeHoldAPaleHorse]

I take it as a "given" that in a war of this magnitude there will be a few incidents where our troops violate the rules of war. I also take it as a given that they will be punished if the incidents come to light.

So do I--usually. But the word I've heard from some folks at Camp Pendleton is that this came to light when someone at Division HQ noticed that the after-action report and some logistics reports gave conflicting information, they asked for more information to explain the discrepancies, and things went to hell.

That's why this is worrying. If they end up giving a few enlisted grunts jail or worse and let officers who should have known better off with a slap on the wrist like the Army did with Gen. Karpinski, it will send the wrong message.

[Dead Dog]

I doubt the Marines are too concerned about preserving the careers of a few captains and Lts. In fact they have already ruined a couple remotely involved in this.

I'd be more surprised of an NCO gets nailed.