Soldiers trained not to follow unlawful orders
I felt the need to write and set the record straight concerning Charles A. Graner and the interview his attorney, Mr. Guy Womack, gave the Herald-Standard. First, as an officer, I can assure you that a Letter of Reprimand in the file of an officer will end your career. You will not be placed in the jobs required for advancement and you will not be promoted. You will be treated as a second-class citizen in the officer corps. It is true you will not be forced from the military right away, but since you will not get promoted you will eventually be forced out to make room for others.
Second, it is true that a commander does not have to follow the recommendations of an Article 32 investigation. However, if he/she does fail to follow those recommendations he/she has to answer why and be held responsible for the decision. Again, a good way to end your career, especially in a case like this.
As far as interrogations go. The military intelligence people, and I’m sure the CIA as well, have been trained in interrogation techniques. These include sleep deprivation, keeping prisoners away from windows so they do not know if it is day or night and feeding prisoners on irregular schedules as a means of confusing them. These are the only things these interrogators should have asked the prison guards to assist them on.
Humiliation would only work to harden the resolve of the prisoners and therefore would be counter-productive. I find it very hard to believe that trained, professional interrogators would order or encourage such behavior. I would like to know who these supervisors are who ordered these actions.
Finally let’s look at Charles A. Graner. I have been in the military for 12 years. Every year I have been required to attend a Law of Land Warfare class. I also attended several military law classes in preparation for my 26 months of unit command. I can assure you that every soldier is aware of international law and the fact that they are not bound to follow orders they know or believe to be unlawful or unethical. I guarantee Charles Graner had these classes at some time in his military service.
I find it very hard to believe that Charles Graner did not know better. He is 35 years old and has at least 14 years of prison guard experience.
As a soldier and an officer I am appalled by the actions of these soldiers and all America should be as well, the issue will be fully and fairly investigated and hopefully all involved will be punished to the full extend of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Don’t be fooled into believing that a soldier who finds himself in a lot of trouble, and a lawyer who is going to enjoy the spotlight and publicity, are going to give you the real, true story.
Your military is a proud professional force dedicated to you and dedicated to our country. I can assure you that all that can be done will be done in this case.
—
Major Graham M. Stone, a native of Uniontown, is currently stationed with the U.S. Army in Germany.