1. Mock execution has been considered to be a war crime - our interrogation manual at the outset of OEF/OIF explicitly stated so (although that specific language was removed from the version just published). GCM is appropriate, and the extenuating circumstances should definitely come into play if and when soldiers are found guilty.
2. As a military, we control the application of UCMJ to those who serve under it. While I agree that there have been mixed signals, implied and/or explicit, from those who don't serve under UCMJ, that should not prevent us as a professional body from enforcing our own standards. Two wrongs don't make a right.
3. I'm very curious about the relationship between company and battalion in this situation. From the portrayal in the article, there seems to be a huge disconnect and it seems like this was a huge contributing factor. However, without more details, commenting specifically on this would simply be speculation. However, I think these are details that need to come out in some general form to mitigate the chance of an incident like this from occurring again.
4. While only a grapevine report, it sounds like the wheels of justice are being applied proportionately to the level of responsibility one holds. This is a good thing.
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