Posted on 06/30/2019 11:59:16 AM PDT by jazusamo
The WhatsApp group would eventually lead to formal allegations that Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher fatally stabbed a wounded Islamic State captive in his care and shot civilians in Iraq in 2017.
Gallagher, 40, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
A jury of mostly combat Marines will ultimately decide the fate of the 19-year-veteran and Bronze Star recipient charged with murder, attempted murder and conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline for posing with the corpse for photographs.
No matter the outcome, the court-martial at Naval Base San Diego has provided a rare view into the insular Navy SEAL community and likely will have a long-term impact on one of the military's most secretive and revered forces. It has pitted veterans against each other both inside the courtroom and out in a fierce debate over brotherhood, morality and loyalty.
"SEALs, it seems to me, have been seeing themselves as God-like on the battlefield, and there is a real danger in taking that view of one's unit or one's self," said Gary Solis, a former military judge and Marine Corps prosecutor who teaches law at Georgetown. "I think this will alert the SEAL community that the rules apply to them."
(Excerpt) Read more at abcnews.go.com ...
My prediction, based solely on my cynicism, is that Chief Gallagher will be convicted of something, even if he is acquitted on the serious charges. The military never loses, even if they have to convict on a charge of wearing day old undershirts. Little has changed with military justice since the days Capt. Charles McVay of the USS Indianapolis was railroaded to cover up failures further up the chain.
Id have taken that offer in a heartbeat. I flew with the fighter pilots. Hell, the AF didnt even let JAGs shoot the big gun (16) until Iraq. I had to finagle range time with my Navy Master Chief chef of police to get the chance. I may be the only JAG with a Navy Expert Rifleman medal, but Im not sure. We need to know what the pointy enders do.
Colonel, USAF (ret)
This is what happens when you use warriors as foreign cops.
He’s a Marine and served two tours in Vietnam. But I’ve no idea if he was ever in a firefight. I’ll keep looking.
If he did two tours in Nam he’s worthy of respect.
5.56mm
Exactly. John Murtha was one who pushed for prosecution.
Murtha can rot in Hell.......
The medic testified under oath last week that he not Gallagher asphyxiated the prisoner by putting his hand over the trach tube. Two other people testified on Thurs that Gallagher never even stabbed the prisoner. This whole trial is a farce.
My first 8 years in the Marines I was an armor officer. Yes, I’ve been in my share of firefights in the course of two Vietnam tours. During those 17 months, when my company commander was KIA, I fleeted up from company XO to CO. After my second tour I went to law school. Just because one is a judge advocate doesn’t mean he or she is not permitted an opinion.
He is roasting on a spit over satan’s coals as we speak.
Yep, he also said they were cold-blooded murderers.
Welcome to FR.
5.56mm
Yep.
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