3 Marine officers censured for Haditha aftermath

North County Times:

The Marine Corps this afternoon announced it has sanctioned a general and two colonels for their roles in the reporting and investigation of the deaths of two dozen civilians in the Iraqi city of Haditha nearly two years ago.

Maj. Gen. Richard Huck, former commanding general of the 2nd Marine Division based at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, received a letter of censure from Navy Secretary Donald Winter for his role in the incident.

Cols. Stephen W. Davis and Robert G. Sokoloski also received letters of censure from the secretary.

The sanctions generally mean the men's Marine Corps careers are stalled if not ended.

The recommendation that the men receive the letters came from Lt. Gen. James Mattis, head of Marine Corps forces in the Middle East and commanding general of Camp Pendleton's I Marine Expeditionary Force. Mattis is the convening authority over the Haditha case now being prosecuted at Camp Pendleton.

While he did not find the men intended to cover up the Nov. 19, 2005, civilian deaths at Haditha, Mattis "did determine that their actions, or inactions, demonstrated a lack of due diligence on the part of senior commanders and staff," according to a statement issued by the Marine Corps Headquarters in Washington.

Marine Corps Commandant James T. Conway said in the statement that all three men failed in their responsibilities.

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One of the harsh realities of military service is that you can be held responsible for what is done and not done by men under your command. It is probably unfair but it is part of the reality of being an officer. While they have not been retired, the chances are remote that any of the three will be considered for promotion.