[Basenshukai]

Sir, that is an excellently written break-down of your points; all are valid and technically correct. But, this is where I depart from it:

First, in the interest of full disclosure, I want to state that "yes" I have a bias here. CPT Castro was a member of B/3/7 (as an NCO) and someone I know from having served with him in that unit. Also, while I was a part of that fine unit I fought with them and I personally saw several men die in combat - right before my eyes. B/3/7 is a unit that in 2006 returned from Afghanistan with 22 Purple Hearts, 2 Silver Stars, and well over 55 Bronze Stars; and we were only 74 men. We also lost a total of seven men (including attached and support personnel). So, yes I have a bias.

But, this is how I feel:


The US Congress just authorized a "bail out" valued well over $700 Billion and this will be transferred over to the very people that put our economic future in trouble through lack of leadership, mismanagement and greed. The very politicians that are responsible for this "bail out" are also responsible for the cause of it. But, they will look like they saved the day.

Anyway, I figure that if the Country can afford that, then it can afford to keep CPT Castro on for three more years. Heck, I agree with you on one point, let's do it for all other military members in that position that have - say - five years or less to go on their retirement.

And, there is the intangible effect that the treatment of CPT Castro has on other SF brothers. Imagine the confidence it creates when the phrase "no man left behind" is applied in this way as well? Who would not feel a little bit more secure in his sacrifices knowing that the unit will not just put you away when you are not useful due to your sacrifice? These things are not the sole motivators for service, but they contribute. I am glad this was done. It has made me feel better about things. I feel that SF is really a family after all; it was not just a catch phrase used at a commander's change-of-command.

That being the effect - I couldn't care less what the regulation states (and it seems that the 7th SF GRP CDR and the SOCOM CDR are in agreement with me). I'm glad these senior leaders have the intestinal fortitude to take this risk for the sake of an SF brother. If an SF Soldier is willing to risk his very life to accomplish a mission, the least we leaders can do is risk our careers for the sake of these Soldiers' lives.