Marine sniper defends his actions [Hearing for Sgt John Winnick concludes]

North County Times ^ | July 2, 2008 | MARK WALKER

[xzins]

Given Evan’s case, I don’t blame you for getting excited.

This is another sniper hung out to dry by cowardly commanders.

BTW, how’d you spell those words again. :>)

[freema]

Capt. Oliver Dreger, the intelligence officer for Camp Pendleton's 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment...

Pardon me, but if I'm not mistaken, this is the same freaken billet as jackfatassmurtha in his legendary capacity to Vietman circa 1967.

[jazusamo]

You’re right, Ma. Murthawi was the intelligence officer for the 1st Marine Regiment in Nam and was a major. I wonder if he also didn’t back up his Marines.

[Girlene]

Sgt Winnick was actually offered a summary court martial (with one officer as judge, jury, and exectioner). A summary CM is not nearly so serious and very likely would have resulted in a loss of grade.

These charges and this hearing should go down as the ultimate in how crazy this process has become (okay, except for the Falloujah case). This case should be studied as to how NOT to treat Marines who have sacrificed so much, and yet have the willingness to fight for their honor.

Why Lt. Gen. Helland ever preferred these charges is beyond me. He needs better advice. Would this have been Riggs or Ewers or ? advising him?

[gunner03]

If you can show me evidence that Bush has made comments supporting (or saying that the military will work it out) the Haditha Marines or the sniper, I will gladly rescind my statement.

If he did, it would be command influence.

[djsherin]

I know that. But I don’t hear him say that. I don’t hear him say that the matter should be handled by the military when many of these soldiers are hung in the media. He doesn’t come out against that and say we should wait till the process plays out. At least I don’t hear that from him and it’s demoralizing.

[xzins]

more evidence in the truck

You know why they probably left the truck in place and didn't search it except where they could see through windows?

Because they were afraid it could be cell-phone detonated while the soldiers were inside it. In other words, they BELIEVED Winnick. (And then they charged him.)

So they probably put in a call to EOD (or whatever Marines call EOD) and waited far away. And then the truck was removed.

It's hard to believe they didn't put a guard on it.

[djsherin]

I realize that, but he lets the media say allegations as facts. “Marines murder civilians”. He should be telling them to let the process play out and at least give the benefit of the doubt to the soldiers risking their lives.

[xzins]

I think I remember being told once that any comment whatsoever on a case by the president is considered to be undue command influence.

For him to say about a particular case: “you must presume innocence” can be interpreted as him saying that the guys are innocent.

His choices are silence or dismissal.

[freema]

Isn’t it a tad coincidental?

[jazusamo]

When it comes to murthawi I don’t give him the benefit of the doubt on anything and I don’t know anything about Capt. Dreger except the little from this case.

[djsherin]

It CAN influence, but to presume innocence is not a radical concept and I don’t thing for him to say that, it “endorses” innocence, it just says they are innocent until proven guilty.

[xzins]

I think that you’re wrong on this one.

Everyone always reads into things said by the president.

[RedRover]

Just remembered I had this photo of Dan Conway...

From left: Attorney Dan Conway, attorney Jim Culp, and Sgt.Vela's father, Curtis Carnahan

[Girlene]

Great Picture!

[Girlene]

xzins, I am no President Bush basher, but he did comment on the Haditha Marines early on. From the NY Times, In First Comments on Case, Bush Promises Justice in Military Investigation of Civilian Deaths , June 1, 2006

"President Bush said Wednesday that he was troubled by the allegations that American marines killed 24 Iraqi civilians in an unprovoked attack, and he vowed that "those who violated the law, if they did, will be punished."

"I am troubled by the initial news stories," Mr. Bush said in his first public comments about the accusations. "I am mindful that there is a thorough investigation going on. If, in fact, the laws were broken, there will be punishment."

Mr. Bush also said he had spoken with Gen. Peter Pace, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, about the killings last November in the Iraqi town of Haditha, 150 miles northwest of Baghdad. As many as 24 civilians there died in gunfire after a Marine patrol was attacked, and survivors say many of the victims were offering no resistance. "I know this," Mr. Bush said. "I've talked to General Pete Pace about the subject, who is a proud marine, and nobody is more concerned about these allegations than the Marine Corps." Mr. Bush spoke in response to a question from a reporter during an appearance with President Paul Kagame of Rwanda."

I remember his comments.

[RedRover]

Wish there had been another—of a celebration. That case was just heartbreaking for everyone involved (everyone in a white hat, that is).

[xzins]

In this case, I would say that he over-reacted, sent a clear message to be on the side of guilt with these Marines, and therefore, engaged in UCI.

[freema]

Capt. Dreger http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/military/20070606-9999-7m6chessani.html
http://articles.latimes.com/2007/jun/06/world/fg-haditha6
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/1849577/posts

Dude is all up in it, jaz.

[RedRover]

That’s a good question about who advised LtGen Helland. As far as I know, it’d have been Riggs. I believe Ewers is on to higher things.