This letter is in response to the Editorial ( by the L.A. Times ) reprinted on May 6th in The Lima News: “A slap on the wrist after deadly attack.” It involved an accidental attack on a Doctors Without Borders ( MSF) hospital in Kunduz, Afghanistan in October of 2015. While the results of the attack were tragic, a total of 42 people died, the events preceding the attack are somewhat confused according to investigations which followed the incident.
Human error, in my judgment, does not necessarily mean criminal misconduct. When lives are at stake in the heat of battle, haste to respond is often extremely critical. Even with the latest technology in weapons systems, such systems can and do fail. The ground and air crews involved in this incident were highly trained ( volunteer ) military personnel. The author ( L.A. Times ) of this editorial feels that the military individuals involved were handled ( Pentagon investigation ) way too inadequately, and that there should possibly be criminal charges brought forth. The Pentagon did find that the “rules of engagement” were not properly followed, but the investigation also brought to light “unexpected failures of the AC-130 Gunship’s communications system”.
The Pentagon’s investigation resulted in 16 individuals ( air and ground ) being disciplined, ranging from suspension of command, to letters of reprimand ( a negative for future promotions ) and various issues of counseling and retraining. There are those who will still cry out for criminal liability , but to me I believe the known facts of the incident dictate that justice has been served.. It appears that President Obama could override the Pentagon here, but it is my hope that the Courts of Military Justice stays out of this. Remembering that old adage….”War is Hell.” Just me here.
— Bill Moore, Lima
