[Felix The Assassin]

Whatever one might think, if you weren't there, don't compare. I do not condone these actions, however, I don't condem them either.
What you don't know. This was that Marine unit's second tour in theather. FYI: Marines do a 6 on 6 off rotation, so, this could have actually been their third, either way, they were at the end of their tour, and took a heavy blow.

They were hit, and took casualties, they swept the area, and then "SECURED" it. What order they were given to secure, and what order they conducted the clearing in, will only be judged by the almighty himself. However, our media is only allowing the terrible atrocity of the event to be played. Which can only support the enemy, and those of the anti parties.

The US went to the Balkans in the mid 90s. Call it what you want, I'll call it this. An environment to learn how to conduct operations other than war. What we learned from it was, after a armed conflict, the troops must be rotated, or actions other than peaceful might evolve.

What we have today is just that. Even if you are only in country for 6 months, you need time to decompress. Honestly, I don't know if 6 months is enough. I'm sure there is a bean counter that would argue either direction. But the psychological condition that US Marines are trained to is condusive of rapid destruction of the enenmy. Add to that ingredient, cohesion, Espriti de Corps, and Semper Fidelis, and you have an arse whupping waiting to be conducted.

I'm sure the CMC will get to the bottom, and the wrong does will pay for their actions, but understand this. The actions of a few, will affect the Corps as a whole.


Johnny: Not sure which way to read you on this. Rommel was a tactical genuis! His actions on the field of battle have been recorded as chivalris, dignified, and honorable. If ever you get a chance, check out "Knight's Cross : A Life of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel" by David Fraser. A word of caution, this is a very long, and hard read, but very insightful as well. Remember, Patton was not the big hoss in the early days, and is not credited for the massive loss at Kasserine Pass. However, that event caused him to learn German so he could read Rommel's papers, and institutional doctrine, without translation.

TL's "wholesale slaughter of civilians" has a lot of merit here. Rommel was never accused of that, but sadly these Marines are heade in that direction with a quickness.