2010 Photos exposes lack of Leadership with all Parties

I was greatly affected by the story of the Los Angeles Times regarding the 2010 photo of soldiers posing with the remains as referenced in the article written by Cheryl Pellerin of the American Forces Press Service titled Panetta Rejects Conduct Shown in 2010 Troop Photos. 

The graphic nature of the photos was appalling to see but the real bane of my irritation was the complete disregard that these soldiers showed for the loss of life and the position that their action was putting those still serving in.  According to the article previously mentioned, the poster was “a soldier with the 82nd Airborne’s 4th Brigade Combat Team from Fort Bragg, N.C., anonymously provided 18 photographs because he believed they represented a breakdown in leadership and discipline that compromised troop safety.”  Knowing that, releasing them to the Los Angeles Times or leaving them where they could be used by anyone could also is “a breakdown in leadership that compromised troop safety”.    The soldier had a duty to insure that doing the right thing was mitigated by causing no harm or injury to others. 

I agreement with Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force, who stated that “the incident depicted in the LA Times' photographs represents a serious error in judgment by several soldiers who have acted out of ignorance and unfamiliarity with U.S. Army values,” the general said. While serving as a Military Policeman in the United States Marine Corps at the rank of Lance Corporal, I had the honor of leading several hundred junior Marines.  The most important part was to insure that we maintain the highest standard set by the Marine Corp and by those who came before us.  Leaders must be willing to keep those actions in strict definition of in keeping with the valor of our country, our corp and our fellow service members.

While I do not believe that issues, like this, should be kept from the public, I do believe that the public has a duty as well to not undermine our soldiers, sailors and Marines overseas.  I can remember arriving in Okinawa, Japan back in 1985 where we were informed that strict adherence to our conduct is paramount because we are representing all of America.  Having that in the back of my mind every time I interacted with the residents prevented me from doing anything embarrassing.