Veterans say war mismanagement may have contributed to Afghanistan soldier’s rage

Veterans say war mismanagement may have contributed to Afghanistan soldier’s rage
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Citizen Warrior by Tiffany Madison

DALLAS, March 14th, 2012 – In southern Afghanistan, an Army Staff Sergeant on his fourth deployment left his base in the middle of the night to execute 16 Afghani civilians while they slept.

As the media analyzes the story and politicians apologize, the military community is reeling. This soldier, whose name has not yet been released, takes primary blame for the atrocity while many point their fingers secondly at Washington.

Most understand the war is won by “hearts and minds,” and are grieved, angered and disappointed in this soldier’s actions. Soldiers and concerned citizens fear the damage may be irreversible and are quick to remind onlookers that he doesn’t reflect the Army mentality. “He should’ve thought of the team and not his own sick path of revenge,” posted Mike Matthews on a U.S. Infantryman Facebook page. “This was one man acting alone. We are better than this and we are not homicidal maniacs. I hope he gets the death penalty.”

Many agreed with Matthews, pointing out that this lone shooter blackens the efforts of the 90,000 troops and Marines still in-country, many of which are building successful relationships with the Afghans. This angers civilians, too, particularly those who have a loved-one deployed and fear retribution and more violence.

Nearly everyone agrees the soldier is primarily responsible for his actions, but across social networks - peppered between rants, condolences, and questions – many combat veterans are also laying blame at Washington’s feet.
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