View Full Version : Army Alters MoH Process after Swenson Controversy
BMT (RIP)
10-17-2013, 06:55
Army Secretary John McHugh, who also spoke at the ceremony in the Pentagon's auditorium, said the Army was taking steps "to make sure that no future awards packet is lost along the way."
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/10/17/army-alters-moh-process-after-swenson-controversy.html?ESRC=eb.nl
BMT
Surf n Turf
10-17-2013, 12:55
And in breaking news ----- Swenson is now being praised for criticizing the chain of command. Will wonders never cease :lifter
Snt
Swenson's heated criticism of higher ups in the chain of command for failing to provide air and artillery support during the battle was singled out for praise by Gen. Ray Odierno, the Army’s chief of Staff.
"Will was not afraid to point out deficiencies in operations," said Odierno, who hailed Swenson as "symbolizing what's best about our soldiers and our Army. In the face of imminent danger, he never quit. He never accepted defeat."
Hagel also praised Swenson for speaking out.
"He dared to question the institution he was faithful and loyal to -- that's courage, that's integrity, that's character," Hagel said.
mark46th
10-17-2013, 14:47
Obviously Hagel and Odierno had no skin in that game...
BrokenSwitch
10-17-2013, 15:37
Wasn't it the likes of Generals Odierno and Dempsey who allowed this sort of denial of indirect fires to happen in the first place? This sounds more like grandstanding on Odierno's part than actual concern for the situation.
I'm not advocating for the military to rebel against its civilian masters, but at what point can the military tell the boss to back off so they can do their job well?
Utah Bob
10-19-2013, 10:26
"Lost", my ass.
Noslack71
10-19-2013, 14:20
"Lost", my ass.
Oh Ye of much experience and earned cynicism!!
Noslack
ddoering
10-19-2013, 19:35
I hear they are going to use red folders from now on...........
Retired Gen. David Petraeus {ISAF Cdr at that time} recommended against awarding Army Capt. William Swenson the Medal of Honor, according to a published report.
(Cont'd) http://www.armytimes.com/article/20131108/NEWS/311080005/
And so it goes...
Richard
Looks like they are still going after him:
Army Targets Medal of Honor Recipient Over Amazon Book Review
Search of Will Swenson’s trash, harassment of neighbors, followed mention on Amazon
************************************************** ************
BY: Daniel Bassali
February 26, 2015 12:21 pm
The United States Army is accused of spying on one of its own war heroes.
The Daily Beast reported that Will Swenson, a Medal of Honor recipient, came under investigation by the Army simply because he was referenced in a paragraph-long comment on Amazon.
The comment appeared in 2011 by Army Maj. Mathew Golsteyn about The Wrong War by former Pentagon official Bing West. In his comment, Golsteyn thanked Swenson. Golsteyn was a decorated Green Beret who was investigated over allegations of violating military protocol in the death of a Taliban bomb-maker in 2010. He was subsequently forced out of the Special Forces and lost his Silver Star award, even though charges were not brought up against him.
The Army’s Criminal Investigative Division sent agents to Seattle to question Swenson because of the assumed connection between Golsteyn and Swenson. The Army has drawn scrutiny for staking Swenson’s house and digging through his trash.
“There’s good reason to suspect that the investigation into Swenson was really about his award, his criticism of the Army, and the hope that agents would find something to shut him up,” one source close to the investigation said.
Rep. Duncan Hunter (R., Calif.) has been critical of the military for its shoddy treatment of combat troops. In 2013, Hunter and Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R., Ill.) wrote a letter to Secretary of the Army John McHugh inquiring about the search of Swenson’s trash and questioning of his girlfriend and neighbors.
“We are particularly interested to know why special agents from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command visited Swenson’s residence in Seattle, Wash., even going as far as confronting his neighbors,” Hunter said. “What is or was the relevant connection between Maj. Golsteyn and Mr. Swenson?”
In response to The Daily Beast’s report Thursday, Hunter released a statement condemning the actions of the Army.
“The U.S. Army is utilizing its investigations arm as a tool to retaliate against soldiers. I’m convinced,” Hunter said.
“Multiple high-profile cases verify that investigators and leadership, without proper cause or evidence, are utilizing the investigations process to influence outcomes or unfairly punish soldiers. In one case yet to be reported, a very senior Army leader recently insisted an investigation be initiated against a soldier because he was asked to discuss information with Congress—and my office in particular. That’s not right. And in the case of Swenson, Golsteyn and others, there’s solid evidence of abuse.”
Link: http://freebeacon.com/issues/army-targets-medal-of-honor-recipient-over-amazon-book-review/
Pat
UWOA (RIP)
02-27-2015, 16:45
Retired Gen. David Petraeus {ISAF Cdr at that time} recommended against awarding Army Capt. William Swenson the Medal of Honor, according to a published report.
(Cont'd) http://www.armytimes.com/article/20131108/NEWS/311080005/
And so it goes...
Richard
Probably too busy getting some strange to read the report .... :boohoo
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