Nat Helms retelling of the Haditha story, updated from the normal pablum written by the media at the time of the original Haditha charges, is refreshing. I places everything in proper context.
It talks about the insurgents, the presence of Al Qaeda, the firefight, the storming of buildings that were hostile.
It should be the standard for truth in reporting now that so much information has come out in the Article 32 hearings.
Many of our Marines are still in serious jeopardy, and they deserve our support as we head down the homestretch.
Do we have any projections on Court Martial dates? It’s obvious that “speedy trial” isn’t in anyone’s handbook anymore.
I was involved in the Courts Martial of one of my troops, and although the right to a speedy trail is guaranteed by the US Constitution, the defendant on advice from their lawyer can waive that right. This is usually done when the defense attorney feels they need more time to prepare an adequate defense, gather more testimony/statements from witnesses, or have any evidence reviewed by their own experts. If the accused does not waive that right, the Courts Martial must convene within 120 days after being charge with a crime (Article 32 Hearing).
-Traveler
LCpl Tatum's trial should commence the third week of March. LtCol Chessani's trial will be early/mid April.
Regarding the other cases, as you know, Lt Grayson is waiting for the IO recommendation. There was talk that LtGen Helland might have a decision in the SSgt Wuterich case this week, but now it looks like next week.