[RedEyeJack]

An unclassified reconstruction (Powerpoint) of the circumstances of Tillman’s death was circulated about two months ago. Having seen numerous such reconstruction briefs this looked authentic. In summary, it said that Tillman was in the lead element of a convoy on dirt roads in mountainous terrain. They had some contact at some point. Afterward a vehicle broke down and was left with a party to secure/repair it. The rest of the convoy including Tillman continued. The vehicle was repaired and followed the convoy at some distance/time. There was no effective radio communications between the elements. Tillman was with a squad that climbed a ridge to clear a building on a ridge above the road. Their movement put them in a position overlooking the road that they had traveled on and on which the follow up element was traveling. I believe the distance was between 100 and 200 meters and the light was not good. The follow on element detected the squad that apparently had a Afgani scout with them (looked like a Taliban to the troops on the road). They opened fire and Tillman was killed in the first burst. It was thought that he “might” have exposed himself as the fire started.

The Army had a public relations bonanza that turned into a public relations nightmare with the incident. They then had an integrity problem when they tried to cover up what happened. Discipline of those responsible for the decisions is appropriate. It can be noted that they had no problem recently going public and punishing Marines newly deployed to Afghanistan who violated the rules of engagement... Maybe it was easier because they were Marines or maybe they learned a lesson.

[leadpenny]

The Army had a public relations bonanza that turned into a public relations nightmare with the incident.

Proof once again that bad news does not get better with age.

Of course I'm referring to the Army image and not the death of Pat Tillman.

A little off topic, but I wonder what Rumsfeld knew? I'll say straight up that I've never been a big fan of his style. But, a couple of months ago retired MG Bacuba (sp?) gave a talk in California about how his investigation of Abu Grabe did him in. He describe a scene in Rumsfeld's office in which it was obvious to MG Bacuba that Rumsfeld knew the details of what went on there at a time when he - Rumsfeld - was publicly saying he was letting the judicial system work.

There is hardly any doubt in this old military mind that Rumsfeld, Meyers, the SecArmy and the Army Chief of Staff knew the details surrounding Pat Tillman's death, and I don't see the retired three star taking the fall unless they have something else on him.