US Army officer accused then cleared of Iraq killings

[Chiron]

CLEVELAND: A congressman protested the military's decision to force an Army officer back to duty who was accused then cleared of killing Iraqi civilians more than two years ago, saying he deserves more from the military that falsely accused him.
U.S. Rep. Steven LaTourette, R-Ohio, wrote a letter Monday to Defense Secretary Robert Gates to ask that 1st Lt. Erick Anderson's return-to-duty order be reconsidered.

"It is unconscionable that after all Anderson has been through — at the hands of the Army no less — that the Army thinks he should give it another go as if all is fine and all is forgiven," LaTourette wrote. "This young man lost almost two years of his life defending himself against scurrilous and false murder charges."

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What do you think? Should the Army expect this 1st LT to do his job with enthusiasm? Or should they let him go for fear that he will be a burden in the long run?

[Silverback]

I think this is an extra large bag of fucked up...how could any organization be expected to adjudicate something this convoluted simply and perfectly?

[Chiron]

I think this is an extra large bag of fucked up...how could any organization be expected to adjudicate something this convoluted simply and perfectly?

It can't be done at least without first taking into consideration the will of the officer. Therefore the Army can't use specific law but rather think of the human factor.

Personally I would suggest to the 1st LT either promotion to Cpt with a change of unit (if the 2 years would entitle such promotion) or cut him lose with compensation.

But that's IMHO.

[rgrpuck]

I think this is an extra large bag of fucked up...how could any organization be expected to adjudicate something this convoluted simply and perfectly?

Concur ....

He should be entitled to walk if HE wants too.