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I was hoping we could discuss/debate this like adults. So, I'd appreciate if we could keep this civil.

First, I assume there is a whole lot we do not know about the case, so I am uncertain as to your first question. As I see it, many here seem to think they have all the info necessary to make a judgement and render a recommendation to the SECDEF. As one who has done military investigations, we know about 10%-25% of what happened.

Second, does not your tagline have a touch of irony in it in this whole episode?

Third, I hope he is found not guilty, because it would reflect poorly on how we try to educate and train our officer corps to behave in high stress situations. Recommendations from the Division Staff Judge Advocate to the CG like this are not made lightly, especially for so senior an officer.

Fourth, as one who is likely to face similar dilemmas shortly, I can honestly say that I do not know how I would react in the same circumstance.

I think you'll see that if he is found guilty, it will have less to do with the discharge of his weapon and more to do with the use of some soldiers (who have since been charged and convicted under a lesser form of military justice than the General Court-Martial) to rough up the prisoner.

This is not going to be an easy case. And the results will have serious ripples throughout the theater of operations, whatever they are.

Dear Sir:

This is sounding worse by the minute. Why were the soldiers charged? Was it because the Kilntoon Kommando Korps types at JAG knew they didn't have the wealth or contacts to defend themselves?

Have either you or the JAGies considered the long history of the Middle East wherein power is understood, as is vengence. Much of what we consider civilized behavior is viewed as weakness by our Middle Eastern enemy.

We seem to be facing something of a conundrum. Act like a gentleman and be seen as a weakling or act in an uncivilized manner and be respected (or at least feared).

To arrive at an answer, we must decide which is more important - victory or futile attempts to play gentleman amongst crazed fanatics?