In fact, I know Golsteynnow a majorwell. I served alongside him in Marjah for months (though not on the 20th of FebruaryI was among the thousands of Marines fighting elsewhere in the district that day) and can attest that he is one of the most courageous, dedicated, and honorable officers I encountered during my service in the military. He would give his life for the men he led without a moments thoughtand he very nearly did, on several occasions. When we returned from our deployments and honors began to roll in for Golsteyn, I reflected that it is nice to see the good guys get recognized.It didnt last long. In 2011, shortly after a book by author and Marine Bing West came out that detailed Golsteyns heroism and quoted him making critical remarks about the American strategy in Afghanistan, I learned that the Army had launched a criminal investigation into his actions during the battle. (Again, full disclosure: I was also interviewed for that book, The Wrong War, and make a brief appearance in it.)
The investigation, apparently, had nothing to do with the acts of bravery that earned Golsteyn his medal. Instead, according to the Washington Post, which cited officials familiar with the case, it concerned an undisclosed violation of the militarys rules of engagement in combat for killing a known enemy fighter and bomb maker. The investigation stretched on for nearly two years, during which time the Army effectively put Golsteyns career on ice. In 2014, Golsteyn and his lawyer were informed that the investigation was finally complete. No charges were filed, but Golsteyn still wasnt released from administrative limbo.
The soldiers caught in the trap can see it clearly. West quotes a perceptive Army officer, Capt. Matt Golsteyn: "We're the insurgents here . . . and we're selling a poor product called the Kabul government."I could see where it would get some Obama people's noses out of joint.