"Morelock scoffed at the press's lionization of Pfc. Lynch. In the official report, Morelock said, Lynch "comes across as just some poor young kid who got smashed up in a vehicle accident. In all likelihood, the Iraqis probably saved her life. Certainly they did more to ensure her immediate survival than Capt. King did."
I find Morelock and his opinions offensive. In case this idiot doesn't know, we found the bodies of executed soldiers at this hospital-the Iraqis sure didn't ensure their survival.
As for the other guys quoted in this article, I find it improper for a military man to publicly criticize (retired or active) our military during a wartime situation. This helps fuel anti-war sentiment and makes President Bush's job in Iraq more dificult.
The purpose of this article is to blacken the military's reputation. I question the motives of all who engage in this type of behavior. Also, to name Capt. King-with limited evidence-is sickening (your weapon can get quite dirty during a sand storm-or so I have been informed). Also, as a Marine, you are taught the primary duty of any solider in this situation is to evade capture and if captured to escape. Capt. Kelly may have been evading capture and not abandoning his soldiers as this article implies which is his sworn duty- who knows?
This article is a "hit piece" on the military-from start to finish and IMHO politically motivated. The fact that conservative freepers take it as gospel indicates that the author and his "sources" have been successful.
Also, to name Capt. King-with limited evidence-is sickeningWhat is missing is CPT King's version of events--was he lost or was he following the wrong route? Why did he leave his company behind? etc?
(your weapon can get quite dirty during a sand storm-or so I have been informed).
This action did not take place during a sandstorm. Keeping weapons ready to fire is basic soldiering--when they get dirty, you clean them as first order of business. When you think you need to fire them, you clean them again to make sure--test fire if you can, etc.
Also, as a Marine, you are taught the primary duty of any solider in this situation is to evade capture and if captured to escape. Capt. Kelly may have been evading capture and not abandoning his soldiers as this article implies which is his sworn duty- who knows?
A unit commander in combat has two primary duties, neither of which involves escaping or their personal safety. Number 1 is to accomplish the mission and number 2 is to take care of your soldiers.
Perhaps King thought the rest of the company was right behind him. Maybe he thought he could get help and return. Maybe he thought they were all already dead. Maybe he panicked and bugged out. Bottom line, the Army will do its best to figure out if King was or was not doing his duty and take action accordingly.