A SOLDIER'S PERSPECTIVE
THE WEB'S LEADING MILITARY BLOG SINCE 2004
Great news from the Humbled Infidel. I wonder if John Murtha is EVER going to apologize for his slanderous words calling our troops “cold-blooded” murderers.
Late last Friday afternoon (Eastern Standard Time), after three hours of deliberation, the military Board of Inquiry ruled LtCol Chessani was not guilty of misconduct and should not be demoted.
Nevertheless, the Board’s ruling produced a mixed result. It ruled Chessani must now retire because he displayed “substandard performance†by failing to conduct a more detailed investigation of the civilians killed as a result of the house clearing actions of four Marines after they were ambushed in Haditha, Iraq on November 19, 2005.
The Board’s decision came after a 1½ hour impassioned closing argument on behalf of LtCol Chessani made by Thomas More Law Center attorney Robert Muise. Muise argued Chessani was a scapegoat to appease the anti-war media and anti-war politician John Murtha. “Here’s your scapegoat. Here’s your fall guy, †said Muise as he pointed at Chessani, who sat silently at the defense table.
Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center, commented, “It’s indicative of the weakness of the government’s case that it could not prove misconduct at the Board hearing where the normal rules of evidence didn’t apply and the burden of proof was lessened. We are all greatly relieved that the Board ruled LtCol Chessani was not guilty of misconduct and should not be demoted, However, I believe the overwhelming evidence supported a total and complete exoneration of LtCol Chessani.â€
Not one of LtCol Chessni’s superiors ─ including top generals ─ who received his report of dead civilians considered such deaths unusual. Not one ordered a further investigation. Instead, they commended him for a job well done. In fact, LtCol Chessani’s immediate superior told him that no investigation was needed because it was a bona fide combat action – consistent with the orders in effect at the time: no investigation of civilian deaths related to combat action. That order was changed in April, 2006, well after the Haditha incident.
LtCol Chessani’s commanding general, Major General Huck, reported up the chain of command, “I support our account and do not see the necessity for further investigation.†This same commanding General was allowed to retire without going to a Board of Inquiry, and he was allowed to retire as a Major General.
Consequently, not one of LtCol Chessani’s superiors faced, nor will they ever face, a court-martial or a Board of Inquiry for their actions in relation to November 19, 2005.
Of the eight Marines initially charged in the incident, six Marines, including Chessani, had criminal charges dismissed and one was acquitted. Only one Marine still faces criminal charges.
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USMCdaughter1
This infuriates me still – LTC Chessani did NOT display substandard performance and the government did NOT prove its case. Add that to the superior officers walking off scott free, grrrrr.
We have to stop this kind of thing from developing into a pattern. Our fighting men need 1 ROE – come home and come home ALIVE.
Pierre
The case is “Oh so very simple”.
After the blast, the US soldiers still have military equipment as I seen in the PBS report? Humvies as well?
There wasn’t only (1-3) soldiers left…
So, what’s the urge to enter this or that house?
Take a loud speaker & shout in their language (Since I seen that some soldier do know proper wordings) at the inhabitants that they must get out cause it will blasted.
The soldiers only need to circle the house, stay alof & show their heavy equipment.
The soldiers have food, can have a rest? So, sit on it once the house is surrounded!
What the heck does a GI or any soldier expect when he joins?
A nice trip on a virgin island in the middle of the pacific ocean with (15-20) girls maybe?
One goes to war under the lies of a bunch of liars and that would ought to be expected?
I ain’t no USA citizen. Just a common caucasian commonwealth one and if anyone believe in any God there can be, too many war crimes have been commited by USA soldiers.
You appear to have fogotten that the US population is at most 1.5% of the world.
There are no reason what so ever to ignore worldwide recognised laws on war crimes.
I’m not talking ’bout religion here but rather worldwide recognized regulations on war being grossly ignored by the USA. US rampage went on for some 45 years by now.
Remember how and by what means did the Cambodia bombing occured?
And the list goes on & on.
And it’s getting known worlwide.
USA “Rule of engagement” goes against humankind self respect.
You are lead by crooks & criminals and you don’t have the guts to solve your own problems.
A waste.
Bob the Liberal
I agree. He did not show any “substandard performance”.
I think that was an excuse to get him to retire. if it was me in his place, I would be retiring anyways.
Sounds like some kind of deal was cut.
Bob the Liberal
Oh, and before I forget, Murtha does not represent my views. As a liberal I find him disgusting and unpatriotic.
I may personally oppose the Iraq war, but I absolutely support those who fight it every day.
OldSoldier54
LTC Chessani, from all I have read, is an outstanding officer. His career in ruins – for nothing – I pray he is able to find solace for his soul somehow.
As for Murtha … he will be meeting his Maker one day. I hope I’m there when he attempts to bluster his way through Judgment. I still can’t believe he got reelected.
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Jerry E. Perkins
I served as a Force Recon Marine for 10 years and my Marine Corps has disgraced itself for what they did to that Marine. It as a liberal farce and a joke to placate Haji’s propaganda. ANY Navy and/or Marine who had anything to do with the prosecution should be thrown out for the good of the service. As for Murtha, I hope he rots in hell for what he did to those Marines.
God bless all our service men and women serving our country and the sacrifices they make on our behalf.
Grace56
At this point I will advice any child of my *NOT* to join the military as it has clearly been taken over by liberal-bots. It isn’t safe for anyone who has traditional conservative values!