October 16, 2004
Get The Rope
A unit that refuses orders better hope the rope is just for a flogging...
A reserve unit in Iraq has apparently refused a mission they deemed too dangerous - citing everything from a lack of armed escort to poor vehicle repair.
Perhaps they could cite their own cowardice.
We respect greatly the men and women of the armed forces, top to bottom, general to private. While most talk the talk, these men and women walk the walk. But refusing an order in a combat zone is something that cannot be tolerated. Whatever they refused to deliver, there were men in harms way that needed those supplies. And when they refuse to go, others must go in their place. In this case, the order was apparently carried out by other soldiers without incident.
This likely reveals a problem both with these soldiers and their immediate chain of command - a problem that if found to be true without mitigating circumstances will likely be resolved with dishonorable discharges at the least.
Instances of undisciplined actions such as this and Abu Ghraib cast an undeserved pall on the actions and heroic efforts of far too many...
Posted by MEC2 at October 16, 2004 10:37 PM