How Broad the Haditha Brush?
BY Herschel Smith
18 years, 6 months ago
A good story about making Marines was recently carried in the Parade magazine, and can be found here. I also cite two books in an earlier post on making Marines: “Making the Corps,” and “Into the Crucible.” One interesting thing about this story is found in the comments to the story. One or more comments pertain to how this story has accidentally poor timing given the Haditha incident.
Let me say it as loudly as I can: No, and a thousand times NO! Look, as the investigation(s) come to a close and whatever legal action is necessary ensues, we will find out the details of what happened. We do not know now, and so I will not speculate. In Boot Camp and SOI (School of Infantry) the Marines train killers – killers of the enemy. They do it with no apologies. They DO NOT train killers of women and children. If the worst happens (Marines are found guity of crimes), then those who are found guilty will be punished. It is not helpful, effective to appease our enemies, effective to appease the anti-war zealots, or honorable for us (brass, military, bloggers and finally the citizens) to engage in self-flagellation or in any way dishonor the Corps over something that a statistically insignificant number of men did (or are alleged to do). The Marines who were not involved in this should keep their head held high. This includes almost every member of the USMC. We should all remember that the honor, dignity and prestige of our Marines, Soldiers, Airmen and Sailors are at stake, and act with decorum in the coming days. The coming days might be trying and difficult.
In the future I will post more on this incident, including a quote from Ernie Pyle on what war does to soldiers (from his famous “This is Your War”).
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