Homicide charges said to be expected later this summer in Haditha case. Investigator said to be stunned that no investigations were ordered after it became clear that stories were in dispute.
>>"You've got to prepare for the fight you're in today," said a second defense official, summarizing Chiarelli's findings on the military's inadequate training for counterinsurgency operations. "It's totally different" than fighting in Iraq two or three years ago, he said.
The Army, for example, tends in its training to emphasize using heavy firepower against the enemy, although classic counterinsurgency doctrine teaches that soldiers should use the minimal amount of force necessary to accomplish the mission.
Also, the Army early in Iraq tended to focus on killing or capturing insurgents, although counterinsurgency doctrine teaches that the best way to deal with an insurgent is to persuade him to change sides or to desert. Also, in contrast to a spate of cases of the abuse of detainees, counterinsurgency theorists recommend treating captured fighters well, to encourage them to desert and to persuade others to give themselves up. Above all, people are seen as the prize in the war, not as its playing field.
When stacked up, Bargewell's exhaustive investigation stands more than four feet high. His report will not be released, but, later this week, Chiarelli is expected to release a redacted version of his 30-page report. On Friday, Chiarelli gave his report to Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr., the top U.S. commander in Iraq, but Casey is not expected to ask for major changes, an official said.
The two generals' inquiry into the role of the Marine Corps chain of command in the incident is different from a criminal investigation being conducted by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). That investigation involves more than 45 agents and is expected to conclude this summer, Pentagon officials have said.
No charges have been filed, but people familiar with the case say they expect charges of homicide, making a false statement and dereliction of duty, among others. Defense attorneys are expected to respond that the Marines involved were operating within the rules of engagement they had been given.
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