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IRAQ

‘He Should Never Have Gone to Iraq’

More borderline troops are being sent to the front, sometimes with tragic results.

By Dan Ephron | NEWSWEEK
From the magazine issue dated Jun 30, 2008

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  • Posted By: RetiredNCO @ 09/03/2008 2:08:48 PM

    Comment: How is it that service members today are still sent to war and even allowed into the military. We can put a 2,000 lb guided bomb in an air shaft in Ramadi to deal with a much wanted killer yet we can't bring forward our mentally ill soldiers for treatment and seperation from service. Hmmm, okay how about this....The numbers of suicides are through the roof and off the charts in todays military. PTSD is off the charts in todays military. Mental issues are at the headlines in major papers and magazines and no one in this soldiers command had enough backbone to use their right to take this case higher until a competent leader could remove him from service? Something tells me that this dead soldiers leaders received medals for their leadership and performance while they should be investigated and brought onto the legal carpet. Unless of course this isn't wanted because it would expose too many more cases with similar results. The recruiter that recruited him, the drill sergeant that trained him, the instructor that qualified him and the unit leaders that allowed him on the plane to the Middle East....well, hats off to each of you. You have certainly raised the level of incompetence to a whole new bar. Sleep well and eat well. In the meantime, consider your options next time when another David Dietrich enters your radars. That is if you have them turned on and know how to read them.

  • Posted By: RetiredNCO @ 09/03/2008 1:36:13 PM

    Comment: First and foremost, this story was very well written. As a retired military leader that served and was wounded and disabled in the Iraq War in 2005, this is not something new in the United States Army from my experience. Sadly, this soldier lost his life. Who fired the shot remains a question in my mind but, that is a whole other issue. My experiences while serving in my career found multiple cases where soldiers were a threat to themselves and many others in the line of their duties. This responsibility lies solely in the laps of Private Dietrichs' chain of command from his squad leader to his BN Commander. It is the daily responsibility of leaders in todays Armed Forces to see to it that the welfare and health of their soldiers are monitored and reported effectively AND immediately through the most senior leaders overseeing such said soldiers. That said, most can argue that Private Dietrich lied on his entrance exams when joining the Army. Case point here is that he was enlisting into Combat Arms and everyone knows where they end up in the battle field. Next, as a former Combat Arms soldier who served in combat training combat arms soldiers as a qualified FT Knox Instructor, not only did Private Dietrichs' leaders fail, so too did his instructors at Ft Knox and Kuwait that recertify 90% of U.S. Servicemembers before pushing north into enemy occupied Iraq.
    Having a 19 Delta Qualified soldier stay behind in the rear to fill sandbags and pull meaningless details is not an acceptable form of handling a soldiers competence and capabilities when just over the wall lies the enemy. The fact that he made it through 19 Delta School at Ft Knox and then made it to a war zone is troubling and an open book for investigations by any competent law firm and all competent governments. This factual case DOES NOT PASS THE SMELL TEST at all corners and surely has the aroma of " our nation sent a mentally incompetent human being to war." Leaders at all levels are responsible for the failures and successes of the servicemembers in their chains of command period. Private Dietrichs' family needs more that a handfull of medals, and money and a flag. They need answers. Answers that far outweigh medals and money and yes, even this nations flag. Those answers needed are simply the truth because the truth far outweighs all things material.
    I personally have seen the other side of mentally incompetent soldiers serving in a warzone. I know of two widows and 5 children that are without their loved one forever because leaders failed to remove such an obvious derelict. Private Dietrichs Bronze Star and Purple Heart were earned with a price that many have paid. I sense that many will continue to pay this price because of recruiting efforts that remain the toughest since the Cold War. My sincerest respects and sympathy to Private Dietrichs family and fellow soldiers.

  • Posted By: bdshull @ 08/09/2008 9:42:24 PM

    Comment: This Article Should be about. "Why are so many young Americans with good educations avoiding the Military while others who might be less qalified are left to answer the call?" The Military is not to blame. Like my Brother Capt James Shull, Pvt David Diethich is a true Ameican Hero.

  • Posted By: Slave of The Subduer @ 08/06/2008 4:28:21 AM

    Comment: Wow, I am shocked that people are still descussing this article. This kid wasn't the first to die in Iraq we should all keep this in mind. I don't blame the military untirely for this botched war, as i do the president and his friends. In response to Randy H... I know the pledge that the american military gives to it's country, but you missed my point, I honestly believe... no! I know that if they(the american soilders) were not recieving any type of compensation for their "so-called efforts" (paychecks, free degrees, etc...) then we would see a definite decline in people who join the army, these little tid bits of life give them incentive and hope, the problem is if they die, they(the american soilders) don't see a penny of it in their grave, all they get is a nice coffin and a small white stone. So behind all the honor and pride for there country, in the end they still have a "fat" check waiting for them if they live. So in reality they do fight for this because if you remove it, I am sure they would look for a way out of this job, because nobody would fight for free, except fprthose defending their country... and as of now that is not america... america is fighting for her intrest. I hope this made my comment clear. Take care.

  • Posted By: bleed101 @ 08/04/2008 2:50:35 PM

    Comment: Ok...ask yourself this ..What did I do for my country. Did I babble about how bad our Government is? Did I believe in the war on terror? Did I offer myslef to my country ? In ten years when most of this Iraq incursion, it will show how beneficial it had been to the area. The U.S. did not start this, nor will we end it. It in our best National intrest to be in Iraq, Afghanistan, and possibly Syria and Iran. The same people that criticize this war are the same people that cry out for help in Darfur. The same genocide was happening in Iraq, and throughout the Muslim world. It has been going on for Centuries, wthout out our help. Which one of the experts can say that it won't . The only thing that is proven is that without our help killings and terrorism continue, It remains to be seen if it will help.. I am a Iraq veteran, and have seen first hand, the gratitude the Iraqi citizens have for us. If the citizens in Iraq had more constructive input in there own country, our presence would naturally diminish. But hey that is asking for alot, hell people in our country rarely do anything but throw their own misguided opinions around and go out of there way to improve it. If every citizen in the U.S. would fulfill their duty to their country and serve it well, guys that shouldn't be there medically and mentally wouldn't. In respect To Pvt. Deitrich he died a honorable death, in battle, in defense of his country. Name something that you snickering ingrates have done that was honorable for your country...

  • Posted By: HDavidson @ 07/12/2008 7:29:55 PM

    Comment: Yeah judgment like voting NO for the NEW GI BILL, Hey Mr. McCain who are we suposed to be killing in Iraq, sunni or shia? What's a Kurd? And even though the US weapons inspectors said there were NO weapons, expolsives, or ammunition from Iran, and the latest NIE said Iran had backed away from uranium enrichment...why are you deterimined to take this country into another, a third war? Is it because of your "experience" and "Judgment"?

  • Posted By: HDavidson @ 07/11/2008 10:55:38 PM

    Comment: OMG Look at what CornHolyO posted...it's amazing...

    Posted By: HolyRoller @ 07/11/2008 21:56:41
    Comment: 4+ a gallon. If Israel bombs Iran US gets involved, McBushes wet dream, except we have NO military to support a third war, more of our children die, which if fine with McCain as he does not support them anyway oh yeah, soon 7-8/gallon.

    McCain-Killing and Drilling now
    "Handsome"-kNOws it will have no immediate effect on prices and infact would take years and caot billions to even get to, cost passed on to the US in dollars on the gallon, and if there ever was oil found, NO promise from any of the US oil folks to NEVER RAISE PRICES AGAIN ABOVE 1$ a gal.

    McCain-Nucular Energy Plants Now but also thinks that NE plants have root and grow in the ground
    "Handsome"- tells George Bush the word is NUCLEAR...

    McCain-Clean Coal Energy Now, thinks this means polishing all the little pieces of coal, insists this would be a great job for illegals.
    "Handsom"-NO problem with it at all, unless you ask Sean Hannity.

    McCain-Shale Oil Now, thinks that Shale is another faction of epople from Iraq, sunni Shia, Shale, and "What the hell is a Kurd."
    "Handsome"-NO problem here either, wow he's on the ball.

    McCain-Independent from Middle East Oil or stay in Iraq for 100 yrs? What ever comes first
    Hussein-kNOws, they are out of oil in Saudi in 2015, let them dry up and blow away. along with the oil a$$es here.

    McCain-American Hero, crashed 5 fighters before being shot down, cried "my daddy is an admiral" when he was caught, willingly did 32 propagnada films for the VC, earning the nickname ":Song Bird" (google it)because as soon as he was caught he started singing for the enemy, lied to America's POWs when he said he wouild never politicize his status as a "pow", and then never stopped doing it. Turned his back on our troops on the recent GI Bill Vote, where he no showed and no voted because he was to afraid to face the music and just vote against it...my hero.
    Hussein-Not only out of power but DEAD and even though that was our "mission" we are still in Iraq and our children are still sying,

    NOTHINGLIKEOBAMA!!!
    ____________________________________________________________________________________

    WOW! What a statement, good for you ConrHolyO, way to go...glad to see you come around

  • Posted By: tiredofthelies @ 07/10/2008 12:48:37 AM

    Comment: There is a lot of misinformation in this piece. There are a lot of lies in this article. This reporter only told hear-say. Not the facts.

    • Posted By: worriedforthefamilymemebers @ 07/15/2008 01:18:46

      Comment: I agree with tiredofthelies!!!!!! I live with Dietrich's sister and I can tell you I relive the visit from the statepolice and the army officer who had the unfortunate duty to tell us of his dismise everyday. Now knowing that there is this article with nothing but a bunch of lies; she has been upset ever since we found out about the articles. It is bad enough she has to go thru therapy just to deal with the death of her best friend/brother now she has to live with these lies. I feel that Newsweek should have checked out all the facts before writing them. I feel that Raisners should have gotten permission from the family before talking to this reporter from Newsweek. Worriedforthe familymemebers

  • Posted By: beseba @ 07/03/2008 10:32:36 AM

    Comment: Though I agree that we should all be proud of our soldiers and the sacifices they are making weather by choice or order I have one large problem with the standards of the military dropping. They are putting every other person they are there to work with in danger. If they cannot do the job properly they are a risk to the whole unit, and its the success of that unit that determines if this war will ever end. By allowing people into the military that they know are not able to do their job properly they put al the rest of them in danger. My older brother was a specialist on a mediteranian cruise where their ship was almost blown out of the water, if the people that were on that ship with him had not been able to do their jobs he would have been dead along with the rest of them and their mission never completed. Maybe the military should think of that before enlisting people that are going to be an issue.

  • Posted By: HDavidson @ 07/03/2008 3:18:22 AM

    Comment: Wow, that's a great speach, but that does not change the fact that 42,000 weresent back NOT FIT FOR CAMBAT, it should not be a matter of choice for the souldier, if he/she is not fit, done. Get them the help they need, take care of them, but don't send them back to die just because that is the cheaper route, cost less to burry then to care for the rest of their lives.
    Now if your speach makes you feel "better" about what this president, govrenment, and country is doing to our children, sweet dreams. I think it is inexcusable and a crime. If you and all the others who STILL support this WAR FOR OIL and yet do NOT support our troops think that by calling them "heros" for following orders, and that clears you conscience, wow, you are puddle deep sir.
    Q: How long ago did you retire?
    Q: If during this "war" WHY did you retire?
    If NOT during this "WAR" then your dealings have NO merrit.
    This is a desperate time for our military, bush has not only destroyed this country. Back door drafting, 6 and 7 tours, send them back until they die! Where is John McCain's failed attempt at political theatre...his son? Is he on the front line fighting "this "WAR FOR OIL? Or is he stateside, relaxing in mommies money?

    How about a little "straight talk"?"

    • Posted By: bekr451 @ 07/09/2008 10:24:14

      Comment: You asked when I retired; 8 years ago after serving the maximum time allowed. I have 2 sons-in-law that are currently serving in the military. One is in the Navy and the other is in the Army and has completed 1 tour and will be going back shortly. The Sailor is currently on shore duty and will be going to a ship in about a year when he probably will be heading that way on an aircraft carrier.
      The military did not choose the war. Their lawfully appointed leaders in both the legaslative and executive branches sanctioned this war and ordered them to go. The members of the military know the horrors of war and wish it never has to happen. War happens when dipolmats fail and it is up to the diplomats to end the war. You do not have to support the reasons for the war but do not blame the service members who are there doing what they are told to do by their elected leaders. Vote for new members of Congress and a President who has a viable plan to get us out of there. Maybe someone who knows how to get us out of Korea since we have been there for 50 years and no one cares about that war that is still going on!
      My dealings have as much merit as anyone else in this country. That is called the first admendment and I have fought to defend that right. I am a veteran of the first Gulf War, evacaution of Albania, and the invasion of Kosovo. My right to comment is well documented, are yours? What service to the countyr have you completed? I have also volunteered for both the American Red Cross, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts as an instructor or leader.
      I agree that the service members sent back stateside as deemed unfit need help. Why were they sent back? Is it physical or mental issues? I have seen members left on the shore when a ship deployed not due to mental or compentence issues but for true medical issues that needed to be resolved before they can go to remote locations where medical is sparse.

      • Posted By: HDavidson @ 07/09/2008 22:14:16

        Comment: No one here is "blaming the troops, my son just got back, he is a Marine, my cousin survived an IED attack and is recovering for the rest of his life, also Marine, my other cousin was hit by a transport and is recovering, Amry Paratrooper. I have served as a Police Officer, have raised as a custodial father, both of my children. Have volunteered fro numerous charities he at home, in all actuallity I have probably seen more "combat" than you sir, as the forst gulf war lasted about what 37 seconds...lol I'm not down playing your service and the 42K that I spoke of where sent back to IRAQ, not sent home, that's a problem...

  • Posted By: bekr451 @ 06/28/2008 2:43:39 PM

    Comment: I find that the research done by the writer not complete. As a retired Navy Counselor I dealt with the Armed Services Vocational Aptidude Battery tests frequently. The author says that Deitrich failed the standardized military recruitment test; a test you cannot fail. You either quality for service in a branch of the military or not. Each branch sets their own scores and the USMC has been traditionaly highter then the Army. The young man learned service to his community and country from his Scout Leaders and wanted to live the life he was taught. There are below who are "slow" that serve in the military and do a great job. Just as those same people work in our communities doing a valuable work for and with us. Don't sell short what PFC Dietrich did to the best of his abilities. That is all this country asks of anyone, to serve her as best you can.

  • Posted By: kevinsm @ 06/27/2008 3:45:38 PM

    Comment: you got a lot of nerve to ask what he was doing in the military
    he was serveing our country proudly
    its a shame that you wrote about his mental issues instead of the pride him and his family have for his service
    i spent 4 yrs in the navy
    i had family in viet nam,korea.and wwII and in both gulf wars
    its sad that he had to give his life for our freedom but he sits with lots of others who gave their life for our freedom
    if you want to downgrade someone do it to those who want the freedoms we enjoy in the us but dont want any one to fight for them
    its easy for you to sit in an air conditioned office and talk about what was right or wrong for him
    he made his choices and im proud of him and his family even though i dont know them
    who do you think you are to ask whether or not someone should be in the military
    are you a phsyciatrist or some other kind of mental health expert
    if you arent then shut up!!!!!!

    • Posted By: tiredofthelies @ 07/10/2008 00:43:24

      Comment: The writer did not do his research. Why did he not interview this boy's family. His grandfather was in the Navy not the Marines. They make it sound like this boy's family didn't love him. Those are lies. His sister loved him dearly, they were always together. It hurts her when she reads about his family not being there for him. David is her hero. To bad this writer did not do his research like he should have. Guess it doesn't matter to some people who they hurt long as they look good. Rest in Peace David

  • Posted By: jcallen12003 @ 06/27/2008 11:59:57 AM

    Comment: Its very sad indeed

  • Posted By: rose24 @ 06/27/2008 11:24:52 AM

    Comment: RIP SOLIDER - OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU

    This article set my teeth on edge it belittle this young man and his choices for what gain? He had it rough coming up but he was trying to better himself. His buddies thought enough of him to try and save him so that's good enough for me.

    The author of this article could have done a much better job if he would have done his homework. There is a lot of missing information and misinformation in this piece.

    Is the war right or wrong? Was the Army right or wrong? I don't know but I won't soil this young man's reputation to voice my opinion.

  • Posted By: IHaveAnOpinionToo @ 06/26/2008 7:31:49 AM

    Comment: As eddiewhere commented we are in Iraq for the good of Iraq not US...

  • Posted By: IHaveAnOpinionToo @ 06/26/2008 7:29:36 AM

    Comment: The military (esp. the Army) only cares about numbers. It doesn't matter your physical/mental condition. If you can walk, run and/or carry your gear, you are deploying. That's sad becasue alot of soldiers aren't fit to be in the military but they are here. They have issues that sometimes can't be fixed. You have leaders (NCOs/Officers) that are supopse to take care of these guys and they fail. They call them "sorry", "lazy", "worthless" instead of looking at the big picture. You will hear all the time how soldiers are expendable but as soon as something tragic happens, you hear "well he/she knew the consequences and no one forced him/her to rasie her right hand"...albeit some sorrow and asadness. I think the military could do better screening of their applicants and not let it be about numbers.

  • Posted By: eddiewhere @ 06/26/2008 12:34:11 AM

    Comment: "NO AMERICAN LIFE IS WORTH IRAQI FREEDOM.
    ANYONE WHO DISAGREES IS NOT A REAL AMERICAN" eddiewhere 2008

    There is this argument out there that I hear our troops repeating over and over agian. WE CANNOT LEAVE UNTIL THE JOB IS DONE WE CANNOT LET OUR BROTHERS DIE IN VAIN.

    NOW THAT IS REAL BUL****. THAT STATEMENT IS GOVERNMENT IDEOLOGY AND NOT MILITARY IDEOLOGY.

    COLIN POWELL SAID IT BEST. DEFINE YOUR MISSION CLEARLY SET YOUR OBJECTIVES AND USE OVERWHELMING FORCE AKA SHOCK AND AWE to accomplish your mission.

    WE HAVE NO CLEAR AGENDA and NO CLEAR OBJECTIVES. WE ARE NOT SURE. SO HOW ON EARTH CAN WE JUSTIFY THE LOSS OF MORE AMERICAN LIVES. AS LONG AS WE STAY IN IRAQ YOUNG AMERICANS WILL CONTINUE TO DIE IN VAIN. WE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE MADE OUR POINT VERY CLEAR. WE ARE SICK OF IRAQ AND WE ARE SICK OF OUR DEPENDENCY ON MIDDLE EASTERN OIL.

    OBAMA WILL BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

    THE LAST FALLACY I WANT TO ADDRESS IS THAT THE SURGE IS WORKING.

    THIS ARGUMENT IS SO CRAZY THAT IT IS HARD TO EXPLAIN.

    SURGE means temporary. OUR TROOPS PRESENCE IN THAT COUNTRY OF IRAQ IS THE MAIN REASON FUNDAMENTALIST HAVE FOR ATTACKING US.

    WE NEED A PRESIDENT THAT WILL DO WHAT IS BEST FOR AMERICA NOT WHAT IS BEST FOR IRAQ.

    • Posted By: Ret 1SG @ 08/24/2008 20:34:35

      Comment: eddiewhere,

      I was there, both my sons have been there. One is there no in fact. They believe, as I do, that if we weren't fignting there, we'd be fighting here. I'll put my College Degree, and 4.2 GPA against anyone who cares to call soldiers dimwits, halfwits. It's insulting. I won't even address your comment about my friends dying in vain. Especially since you benefit from their service and sacrifice. My son in Iraq says the surge is working. Sitting on your nice safe butt in the USA, don't think you are in any way qualified to argue. The average Iraqi is grateful for the sacrifice we've made. Much the same as the Germans were 60 odd, and 90 odd, years ago. You should leave this great country for a couple of years, leave your cell phone, computer, and TV at home. You'll gain a whole new perspective. I served honorably for over 22 years until an injury I received in the first Gulf War finally caught up to me, and I couldn't perform at the level my soldiers deserved. With so much invested no one wants this over more than I do. Both countries have had free and fair elections. But I also know that in the vacuum created by our leaving, the worst and most violent of the radical groups will take over. These are really ugly people, who do not know the meaning of compromise or negotiation. So what do you think will happen then? You really think we'll be safer, and gas will be cheaper? We'll be faced with a threat that now has safe haven, and unlimited access to funds through oil. If we do't fight them there, we sure will be fighting them here. And now, as just a citizen, I prefer to read about explosions in Baghdad or Kandahar, rather than on mainstreet USA.

  • Posted By: Aneuway @ 06/25/2008 6:42:23 PM

    Comment: My stepfather was once a recruiter for the Navy. Recruiters have quotas much like salesmen and some superiors imply that you should try to lie to get someone to become recruited if they are having doubts about joining. He transferred out of doing this and did something else locally because he morally could not continue to do his job there.

    What's crazy is, is that that was about 10 years ago. I can only imagine what it is like today. That is what the author of this story really should have been looking into.

    • Posted By: loriw @ 06/25/2008 23:33:45

      Comment: I'd love to see some undercover video footage of military recruiters at work. Was there in the recruiter's office when they were recruiting a family member of mine. It was a very interesting thing to watch. The recruiter found the fears and wants of the young man and played on them to get the recruit to join. I really really recommend that anyone meeting with a recruiter bring at least one other person with them to hear what is said and promised and anything promised---make them put it in writting!

  • Posted By: ldap23 @ 06/25/2008 10:31:59 AM

    Comment: I understand that the point of this article is to show that more people are slipping through the cracks in the military's screening process but that could have been done without slandering the memory of this kid and somehow attributing his death by sniper fire through a window to the military and this kid being stupid.
    There is a way to have this discussion without trashing the kid and his sacrifice, unfortunately the author wasn't creative enough to do that.

  • Posted By: ldap23 @ 06/25/2008 10:04:46 AM

    Comment: This is a terrible piece of journalism full of slanderous insinuations and inuendos with very few facts to back them up. This article is so desparately lacking in facts and full of sintilating gossip it would do better to have been published in the National Enquirer. You don't blast our military and place the blame of a kid's death on them without facts. Here are a few that should have received more attention:

    1. There is NO EVIDENCE WHATSOEVER that this kid's death can be in any way attributed to his mental health history.
    2. The kid would have had to lie on multiple forms to the military and under the penalty of a fine or imprisonment in order to get through the pre-screening process without mentioning his mental health history (the article states he did not mention it).
    3. The military cannot randomly check the names of every person to come through every mental health facility in the U.S. Legally they cannot, plus there isn't just a catelog they can scroll through.
    4. The kid graduated high school and passed the military cognitive test (many kids that take the test straight out of high school fail it the first time).
    5. The author didn't have access to the kid's mental health records so how is that he gets away with insinuating that this kid has the cognitive ability of an ape.

    Also, its just poor journalism to rely on one guy's hindsight and hearsay about this kid's performance in the military. What about his performance evaluations? Or how about the comment about the kid not having a drivers license, did the kid fail the test? Was he told he was too stupid to drive? NO, none of that was mentioned because that would have required FACTS. Something this article is severly and noticeably lacking.

    • Posted By: HDavidson @ 07/03/2008 03:26:17

      Comment: You're a terrible piece too mam, a slanderous afront to all mankind. Your insinuation that the Military is perfect or less than that contradicts it's self. It's called DESPERATION theyare running out of boddies to kill for OIL! So they take what ever they can get and yes some, no many, WILL slip through the cracks, especially when it is the military that is creating the cracks.
      Yeah don't "blame the military" you should really talk to the TILLMANS about that and record keeping and such, I bet you could enlighten them also.

    • Posted By: loriw @ 06/25/2008 23:36:02

      Comment: I think if you reread the article it said he did have problems esp. in basic training and specifically in handling his rifle/marksmanship.

      • Posted By: ldap23 @ 07/07/2008 18:19:29

        Comment: My issue is that the author relies almost exclusively on insinuations not facts. I think it is in poor taste for the author to imply that this kid has the cognitive ability of a neanderthal without any evidence besides hearsay . . .what did his performance evaluations say? what was his IQ? What was the nature of his "cognitive problems"? What about his SAT or PSAT scores? Just saying he had trouble with his marksmanship (almost purely hand-eye coordination) doesn't mean anything. Or that someone told the author that someone told someone he might not be cut out for this job.

        Again, I have no problem whatsoever talking about the military's standards, background checks, the methods employed by recruiters, the rise in the number of medical waivers, etc. I think those are important discussions that we need to have.

        I'm also not saying that this kid WAS fit for combat. What I am saying is that there is not a single FACT stated in this article that would preclude the kid from military service; nor is there any evidence that his cognitive abilities had anything to do with his death; and it is shameful for this writer to slander the memory of a fallen soldier without that information.

  • Posted By: Trooper101st @ 06/25/2008 8:24:09 AM

    Comment: Cav Scout is not for people who have the problems this young man had. I blame the recruiters and the officers at Fort Knox. The 19d mos is for sharp people, it is a long course and I can't believe nobody saw this kid's problems? SHAME, SHAME. Because of Bush's blunder, we have been fighting in Iraq for too long. The US Army is not built for a prolonged conflict. I hope the oil companies that got NO BID contracts are happy, coz this is wat Iraq is about. Dubya, ya did good for ur friends, I hope you can sleep well at nite.....

  • Posted By: Jim F @ 06/25/2008 3:28:04 AM

    Comment: Easy solution to the military shortage of qualified personnel; reinstitute the draft and start with those spoiled little bastards that trashed our recruiting stations in Berkley Calif, DC, San Fransisco and New York City. A tour in combat would do them good.

    • Posted By: HDavidson @ 07/03/2008 03:30:00

      Comment: No you fill it with EVERY son of EVERY senator who still cliams to support this WAR FOR OIL. Starting with McCAin's sons, Lieberman's too, and not the bullsh!t clerk jobs in the green zone, on the front lines until dead or every other American is home. Only then would you hear a call forthe end from those a$$h0les.

  • Posted By: Micky Marsh @ 06/24/2008 1:52:18 PM

    Comment: Iraq is a "GOLD MINE" they attracted a lot of adventurers, "THE GOOD - THE - BAD - AND - THE - UGLY. Isn't it better that the GOOD went in and drove out the BAD - and - THE UGLY, but the entire ordeal is plaged with mis - management, thats the problem.

  • Posted By: n96173 @ 06/24/2008 12:56:33 PM

    Comment: for all those out there who still think this war is about Iraqi freedom is about democracy for should be advised that THE JOB TO BE DONE IS GET THE UNITED STATES OUT OF IRAQ THEN THE HELL OUT OF THE MIDDLE EAST. YOU HAVE AN UNELECTED PRESIDENT AND A PISSANT CONGRESS. A LOT OF YOU SONSOFBITCHES GOT SCREWED THE SAME WAY I DID AND MY FRIENDS IN VIETNAM. THE BUSHES AND THEIR TYPE LIED THEIR ASSES OFF AND ARE STILL DOING IT. I've found that there is a boatload of good information out here. I only wish all the flag wavers and jesus freaks would get off their dead asses and just for once, look for the truth. when you find it, you better sit down with a strong drink because it's an ugly story and it goes back nearly 250 years.

    tedbohne

    • Posted By: youheardithere1st @ 06/24/2008 16:20:08

      Comment: i agree we should not be in iraq, but you are delusional.

  • Posted By: n96173 @ 06/24/2008 12:45:28 PM

    Comment: The best, most powerful military in the history of the world? My ass. Largest collection of dimwits and halfwits maybe. Goddamn George Bush and his ilk for this.

    tedbohne

    • Posted By: Ret 1SG @ 08/24/2008 20:40:12

      Comment: I served 22 years, have a degree in Education I earned with a 4.2 GPA. Bet this dimwit is smarter, and has sacrificed more for this Great Country than you ever will. Posting noxious crap on the internet, or putting "free tibet" and "no war" bumper stickers don't count as patriotic where I come from.

    • Posted By: loriw @ 07/01/2008 23:25:27

      Comment: Actually we have the highest level of education in the Army's history now. So not all are dimwits/halfwits.
      The Army does need to be recognized for what it does do right and that is they do provide education in some MOS's and after completion of your contract. My son-in-law received his nursing degree in the Army and did most of his training at Walter Reed Medical Center. He's currently in Iraq.

    • Posted By: joe_mama @ 06/24/2008 22:17:29

      Comment: actually, you can think the liberals and the "peace dividend" for shrinking the army too much.

      we now have no choice, assuming we continue to pursue ill-conceived foreign excursions, but to lower the bar and go for quantity over quality. and since nobody broach the subject of a draft, don't be surprised if you see a "green-card-for-service" offer to new immigrants in the near future.

      • Posted By: rose24 @ 06/27/2008 11:34:38

        Comment: My father was active duty military for over 20 years and deployed for two wars. My son is currently active duty military with possilbe deployment at a later date either one of them is a dimwit or a halfwit. Maybe before you start calling names you should look in the mirror.

        • Posted By: rose24 @ 06/27/2008 12:09:57

          Comment: Correction: What I meant to say was neither one of them is a dimwit or a halfwit.

          • Posted By: HDavidson @ 07/03/2008 03:36:42

            Comment: You OF COURSE miss the point Rose. My family has served in every war since the civil war (north). I currently have two cousins with SEVERE injuries fromthis WAR FOR OIL.
            Serving does not make the WAR right, it does not make our troops bad, they follow orders, or go to jail. or in this case keep going until DEAD, my prayers for your son, The military standards are almost gone, NO BODY isdenying that, that does NOT mean all are less than the "standard", but it is not what they would choose first. You bicker over who said what about the troops and the troops are STILL DYING FOR OIL!? GET IT!!!

            • Posted By: Ret 1SG @ 08/24/2008 20:07:48

              Comment: HDavidson
              I notice a thread through all your comments. "My family served XXXXX". Did you? Your son-in-law, outlaws, friends, milkman, etc don't count. If it was you son-in-law spouting off I'd take it. But till then, why don't you take the advice I got as a young private. Better to remain silent and thought stupid, than to speak and remove all doubt.

  • Posted By: aliciainsd @ 06/24/2008 12:41:34 PM

    Comment: The militar should be paying a considerable amount more attention to people who enlist with mental disabilities. I think that the military should investigate people's mental history before allowing them to become active duty. Many people with mental disabilites idealize fighting for a cause bigger than themselves in Iraq, a noble goal, but not in the best interest of someone with cognitive disabilites.

  • Posted By: eddiewhere @ 06/24/2008 11:19:26 AM

    Comment: ONLY A CHEERLEADER WOULD DISPUTE MY ARGUMENT

    Posted By: eddiewhere @ 06/24/2008 11:15:12 AM
    Comment: There is this argument out there that I hear our troops repeating over and over agian. WE CANNOT LEAVE UNTIL THE JOB IS DONE WE CANNOT LET OUR BROTHERS DIE IN VAIN.

    NOW THAT IS REAL BUL****. THAT STATEMENT IS GOVERNMENT IDEOLOGY AND NOT MILITARY IDEOLOGY.

    COLIN POWELL SAID IT BEST. DEFINE YOUR MISSION CLEARLY SET YOUR OBJECTIVES AND USE OVERWHELMING FORCE AKA SHOCK AND AWE to accomplish your mission.

    WE HAVE NO CLEAR AGENDA and NO CLEAR OBJECTIVES. WE ARE NOT SURE. SO HOW ON EARTH CAN WE JUSTIFY THE LOSS OF MORE AMERICAN LIVES. AS LONG AS WE STAY IN IRAQ YOUNG AMERICANS WILL CONTINUE TO DIE IN VAIN. WE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE MADE OUR POINT VERY CLEAR. WE ARE SICK OF IRAQ AND WE ARE SICK OF OUR DEPENDENCY ON MIDDLE EASTERN OIL.

    OBAMA WILL BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

    THE LAST FALLACY I WANT TO ADDRESS IS THAT THE SURGE IS WORKING.

    THIS ARGUMENT IS SO CRAZY THAT IT IS HARD TO EXPLAIN.

    SURGE means temporary. OUR TROOPS PRESENCE IN THAT COUNTRY OF IRAQ IS THE MAIN REASON FUNDAMENTALIST HAVE FOR ATTACKING US.

    WE NEED A PRESIDENT THAT WILL DO WHAT IS BEST FOR AMERICA NOT WHAT IS BEST FOR IRAQ.

    • Posted By: youheardithere1st @ 06/24/2008 11:48:25

      Comment: only an idiot would use this story to talk about politics, a young man is dead, and you are disgraceing his life by trying to yell about your view on world politics. jeez man, have you no decency? the army does some things wrong, but this young soldier is dead, at least let him rest in peace.

      • Posted By: n96173 @ 06/24/2008 13:02:32

        Comment: this story has NOTHING to do with politics. It's about the fact that with fewer and fewer enlistments, and to keep the rich kids safe by having no front door draft, the Military was authorized to take young people with histories of mental disorders, and those who haven't finished high school. This kid in this story had no business in the Armed Forces. All of you people who think there is any honor in this mess are idiots. There IS NO honorable way to leave the middle east, just as there wasn't in Vietnam. There was no victory in Vietnam, and there will be none in Iraq and Afghanistan. All George and his bastards want is access to the Caspian region's large deposits of oil. The TransAfgan pipe line was supposed to allow this land locked region to be connected to seaports. For Krissakes, look for the truth in this debacle.

        • Posted By: youheardithere1st @ 06/24/2008 17:24:49

          Comment: did you even read the article? you sound anti-american to me, like you hope we actually lose. i was against the war, but once it started i hoped to win, most , if you remember were for the war, then when it started were against it. not shut up, and get off my internet.

  • Posted By: eddiewhere @ 06/24/2008 10:27:43 AM

    Comment: NO AMERICAN LIFE IS WORTH IRAQI FREEDOM.
    "ANYONE WHO DISAGREES IS NOT A REAL AMERICAN eddiewhere 2008."

    We need to get out of Iraq and transfer responsibility and management of that country to the IRAQ's themselves. THEY SHOULD be backed by a multinational force led by Middle Eastern countries until they are able to fight extremist on their own.
    Our unilateral approach in the MIDDLE EAST has to come to an end. ECONOMICALLY, IRAQ IS KILLING the average tax payer and making a few private contractors and oil firms rich.

    We need Oil. WE NEED OIL. Therefore, getting rid of the Iranian regime is at the top of our agenda.
    The majority in Iran want change but not under and American led invasion. It has to be done from within. We lost the support of moderate Arabs and Muslims over the last six years. Hopefully, PRESIDENT OBAMA can empower this group and encourage them to meet with their counterparts.

    Inotherwords there should be an alliance between all moderates in the Middle East, JEWS, ARABs, MUSLIMS, ect... These forces must be self motivated by a common cause, Peace. IF this group can be strengthened they themselves will defeat or at least contain the force of extremism.
    WE must strengthen the forces behind peace and weaken those against peace on both sides.

    THE UNITED STATES CANNOT SOLVE THE CONFLICT IN THE MIDDLE EAST. WE CAN ONLY STRENGHTEN AND SUPPORT THE PEOPLE OF THE MIDDLE EAST TO SOLVE THEIR OWN PROBLEMS.

    IN THE SHORT RUN WE NEED MIDDLE EASTERN OIL. THIS COMPLICATES OUR ROLE OVER THERE.
    WE Should have had an ENERGY SUMMIT TEN YEARS AGO. WE NEED TO COME UP WITH A TWENTY YEAR PLAN to RID OURSELVES of OIL DEPENDENCY IN THE MIDDLE EAST. TWENTY YEARS WILL GO BY LIKE NOTHING. WE HAVE TO START NOW.

    THE most dangerous threats are the ones you do not see coming. LIKE CHINA, RUSSIA, EASTERN EUROPEAN organized crime. Monitoring these entities will be our great challenge.
    ARE WE READY FOR CYBER WAR. I DON't THINK SO.

    • Posted By: n96173 @ 06/24/2008 13:05:38

      Comment: Well, eddie, goddamn amerika.

      tedbohne

  • Posted By: colam @ 06/24/2008 6:35:38 AM

    Comment: In reviewing the posts in defense of this man's service, we seem to be overlooking the obvious. This man's deficits (and I do not mean that in a derogatory fashion), and the Army's failure to recognize and act on them, actually put other soldier's lives at risk. Combat, as stated by someone else, requires all of one's faculties to be fully functioning.

    Note that when this man was hit, his comrades carried him 1/2 mile probably thru gunfire given he was shot while they were on duty. Being killed can happen to anyone in combat, but the soldiers who fight should not be put at risk by the military sending recruits into combat who are truly not fit.

    That is simply irresponsible.

    • Posted By: youheardithere1st @ 06/24/2008 08:27:00

      Comment: thank you for your advice general patton

  • Posted By: Slave of The Subduer @ 06/24/2008 4:04:07 AM

    Comment: The story is deprssing from beginning to end. It is ironic, I read not to long ago that "Milatants" or Al Quidah were using the mentaly ill to carry out matyr attacks against the US forces in Iraq, and then I read this story of the US army doing pretty much the same thing, go figure. I would like to mention one thing though, that this is the American soilders job, IT IS THEIR JOB!!! To fight and die for the paycheck that they are given by the American government. Whether they are mentaly stable should have been discovered after weeks of exposure around their peers. If not, then they are required to perform the same duties any other soilder is required to perform. Remember that eddiewhere. First George Carlin and now this.

    • Posted By: Randy H @ 06/25/2008 06:27:40

      Comment: You are wrong. When a soldier enlists the swear to ???support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.??? No place in there does it say to their job is to ???die for their paycheck.???
      To quote George Patton ???No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country.???
      As a matter of fact when a soldier does ???die for their paycheck??? that means someone else has failed in their job, from their commander for not seeing a better way to get the job done to the President of the United States for sending them into a situation they can???t possibly win.
      If the portrayal of David Dietrich is accurate then he did not belong in combat and this country has failed him on so many levels its criminal. My first thought was to say unbelievable, but having served in the Navy and seen the quality of recruits coming through it???s system and the pressure Army recruiters and boot camps are under to ???fill the ranks??? I can believe it happened and is still happening.

    • Posted By: Randy H @ 06/25/2008 06:25:06

      Comment: You are wrong. When a soldier enlists the swear to ???support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.??? No place in there does it say to their job is to ???die for their paycheck.???
      To quote George Patton ???No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country.???
      As a matter of fact when a soldier does ???die for their paycheck??? that means someone else has failed in their job, from their commander for not seeing a better way to get the job done to the President of the United States for sending them into a situation they can???t possibly win.
      If the portrayal of David Dietrich is accurate then he did not belong in combat and this country has failed him on so many levels its criminal. My first thought was to say unbelievable, but having served in the Navy and seen the quality of recruits coming through it???s system and the pressure Army recruiters and boot camps are under to ???fill the ranks??? I can believe it happened and is still happening.

  • Posted By: eddiewhere @ 06/24/2008 12:24:06 AM

    Comment: NO AMERICAN LIFE IS WORTH IRAQI FREEDOM.
    "ANYONE WHO DISAGREES IS NOT A REAL AMERICAN eddiewhere 2008."

  • Posted By: eddiewhere @ 06/24/2008 12:22:49 AM

    Comment: We need to get out of Iraq and transfer responsibility and management of that country to the IRAQ's themselves. THEY SHOULD be backed by a multinational force led by Middle Eastern countries until they are able to fight extremist on their own.
    Our unilateral approach in the MIDDLE EAST has to come to an end. ECONOMICALLY, IRAQ IS KILLING the average tax payer and making a few private contractors and oil firms rich.

    We need Oil. WE NEED OIL. Therefore, getting rid of the Iranian regime is at the top of our agenda.
    The majority in Iran want change but not under and American led invasion. It has to be done from within. We lost the support of moderate Arabs and Muslims over the last six years. Hopefully, PRESIDENT OBAMA can empower this group and encourage them to meet with their counterparts.

    Inotherwords there should be an alliance between all moderates in the Middle East, JEWS, ARABs, MUSLIMS, ect... These forces must be self motivated by a common cause, Peace. IF this group can be strengthened they themselves will defeat or at least contain the force of extremism.
    WE must strengthen the forces behind peace and weaken those against peace on both sides.

    THE UNITED STATES CANNOT SOLVE THE CONFLICT IN THE MIDDLE EAST. WE CAN ONLY STRENGHTEN AND SUPPORT THE PEOPLE OF THE MIDDLE EAST TO SOLVE THEIR OWN PROBLEMS.

    IN THE SHORT RUN WE NEED MIDDLE EASTERN OIL. THIS COMPLICATES OUR ROLE OVER THERE.
    WE Should have had an ENERGY SUMMIT TEN YEARS AGO. WE NEED TO COME UP WITH A TWENTY YEAR PLAN to RID OURSELVES of OIL DEPENDENCY IN THE MIDDLE EAST. TWENTY YEARS WILL GO BY LIKE NOTHING. WE HAVE TO START NOW.

    THE most dangerous threats are the ones you do not see coming. LIKE CHINA, RUSSIA, EASTERN EUROPEAN organized crime. Monitoring these entities will be our great challenge.
    ARE WE READY FOR CYBER WAR. I DON't THINK SO.

  • Posted By: Aldous21 @ 06/23/2008 10:01:03 PM

    Comment: I am disappointed in Newsweek for printing this drivel. They are emboldening the enemy by portraying these lies. These men VOLUNTEERED to serve and signed a CONTRACT to that effect. Just let them do the jobs they are to do. They agreed to go into combat year after year per their contract. Nothing wrong with that.

    • Posted By: joe_mama @ 06/24/2008 22:21:46

      Comment: you missed the whole point of this article....

      ...the military lowered its standards because it couldn't make enlistment goals. guys like this would never have been offered the contract 10-15 years ago.

      It's a direct result of the "peace dividend" and the shrinking of the armed services and we're all to blame

    • Posted By: Slave of The Subduer @ 06/24/2008 04:07:31

      Comment: I agree with you, it is there job to die and fight.

  • Posted By: camillia1 @ 06/23/2008 3:34:27 PM

    Comment: This would have shocked me if I'd read it before a couple weeks ago, when I heard that my ex-husband's son who has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (a form of autism) since he was five was applying for the Army and they said his condition wasn't a reason to automatically deny him (oh, the ex has no problem with it either, by the way). This is a kid who has graduated from high school but doesn't even have a driver's license. If he can't manage to drive a car, why on earth would they put a gun in his hand? All I can hope is that they make him a cook or something. He's had behavior/cognitive/empathy issues since birth and going to a war zone is going to make him a basket case. I can't imagine him getting shipped off to Iraq and having to potentially deal with PTSD on top of autism. It's a tragedy waiting to happen. Oh, and the Army doesn't want to talk to the kid's doctors about his issues or history. You know, because they have their own doctors who are more than competent to examine an autistic person and make the decision to put him in the military. Good lord.

    • Posted By: WhenStarsTurnBlue @ 06/24/2008 05:46:36

      Comment: Some people on the autistic spectrum are higher-functioning than others. Having autism doesn't automatically mean you can't lead a semi-typical life or serve in the military. It depends on the severity of it. But you're right, if he can't drive a car, that should be a tip-off that he shouldn't be going into combat.

  • Posted By: R Lawrence @ 06/23/2008 2:26:20 PM

    Comment: I have nothing but admiration for the young men and women that serve in our military. These military men and women give of themselves and sometimes even their lives so that the rest of us can enjoy our freedom and way of life. Regardless of how this young man was admitted into the Army and how he got the assignment that was handed to him, he gave this country all that he had - especially his life and I may add, with what appears to be the case - with bravery, courage and with honor. What else could we ask of him. If there were mistakes made by the Army in keeping him in the army if he indeed was not qualified to be a soldier for certain natural defects, then it is the Army's fault not this young man's. We should be honoring his service to his country, not labeling him in any way.

    On the otherhand, it really does not surprise me that the Army did what it did and promoted him when he sould have been discharged. This foolish war created by GW Bush and Chaney has placed great demands on our military and has placed this country in such a critical situation regarding national security that if another conflict were to arise such as a war with Iran, we would really be in trouble. I just hope that Obama will be able to get us out of this mess in Iraq in time before we face another front with Iran.

  • Posted By: charles-r-lawson@hotmail.com @ 06/23/2008 12:16:52 PM

    Comment: Guess we should all feel sorry for the weak. Maybe the author would rather a more gifted individual take his place. Does anyone else feel that maybe this young man took a bullet so that some other young man may live to be a great leader in the future.

    • Posted By: sjpersonal @ 06/23/2008 15:40:15

      Comment: Did you even bother reading the article, I ask because you have missed the point entirely. You should not under any circumstances supply someone who has been diagnoised as mentally challenged a GUN!!

      • Posted By: loriw @ 06/25/2008 23:48:03

        Comment: as usual sjpersonal , you've hit the nail on the head. "you should not under any circumstances supply someone who has been diagnosed as mentally challenged a gun!!"

    • Posted By: JW4JW4 @ 06/23/2008 13:25:54

      Comment: First off, if a person with their full mental capabilities had been sent on this mission maybe no one would have died, we will never know. Second, who wants to be a ???great leader??? of a country who sends their mentally challenged to the front line to die? Third, if we had sent our mentally challenged to the front in previous wars, we wouldn???t be the leader of the free world. Fourth, Charles, you sound mentally challenged, ever thought of enlisting in the army as a scout, we need you to take a bullet for someone more deserving of life.

  • Posted By: Micky Marsh @ 06/23/2008 10:28:22 AM

    Comment: This RAW - WAR has left a bitter savour on the economy...............RAWHIDE!!!!!!!!.............., but I thought that was the "WILD WEST" ages ago.

  • Posted By: fastcad @ 06/22/2008 3:04:07 PM

    Comment: As a Vietnam vet of the Army, when has the Army ever been know to not screw up.
    As the President said "Bring it on"

    • Posted By: Slave of The Subduer @ 06/24/2008 04:11:54

      Comment: I think they brought it, now it is time for the U.S. to bring it back.

  • Posted By: C. MacLean @ 06/22/2008 2:46:06 PM

    Comment: Seems to me there are several ways this young man could have served his country as an Army soldier without going into something as mentally challenging as scouting. Many people with "cognitive deficits" do very well - many develop other talents, and sometimes excellent talents, as a way to compensate for whatever other problems they may have.

    Rather than discharge this young man as unfit OR place him in a specialty he was not suited for, I'm sure there were other ways he could have served his country that didn't place him or his platoon at risk.

    The sad reality is that the armed forces have always taken in recruits with "deficits" - that isn't new, or news. In the past if such a person found a niche, many actually thrived in the armed forces because of the discipline, taking a marginal civilian and turning him into a soldier.

    The Army can and should do a better job of matching abilities to the jobs required, rather than just haphazardly filling slot with pegs.

    The tragedy isn't that this young man died in Iraq. The tragedy is that we - the civilian world and the Army -didn't do a better job helping him find a better solution.

    • Posted By: pepsilau @ 07/01/2008 19:04:21

      Comment: Thank you, C. MacLean - you hit the nail on the head. I knew David...your last sentence sums up his life perfectly. It wasn't just the Army who failed David; people failed him his entire life. Yet he was determined to grow as a person and make a better life for himself. He never whined about his circumstances; he worked very hard to improve his circumstances. He always had a smile and a kind word for everyone.

      This article makes him out to have the mental capacity of a chimp. He was slow, but he was by no means stupid. He qualified for Army service and was very proud to serve his country. Even he was perplexed by his assignment in a highly technical and difficult field, but he tried very hard and did his best. Had he been assigned to serve in another, less mentally demanding field, I know he would have been a definite asset to all of us.

      God bless you, David - you are very much missed by those you left behind.

  • Posted By: Cliff-N-Cali @ 06/22/2008 11:58:13 AM

    Comment: Being in the Army 14 years and with 3 combat tours behind me now I can say that this is nothing new. Even long before the war began you would run into a soldier who seemed out of touch with what's going on around him and then later hear that this same soldier was discharged for "failure to adapt". The screening process for the military isn't perfect and it may well never be. Stories like this aren't rare but it seems to me that all of a sudden they are getting a lot more attention. .

    • Posted By: gun21 @ 06/24/2008 14:16:06

      Comment: Glad to her from someone who is on active duty

  • Posted By: Faded06 @ 06/22/2008 11:29:45 AM

    Comment: Being a pathfinder/scout myself I can tell you for a fact that you must be aware of where you are at all times. If not, you will die and might take someone else with you. Quote: "Dietrich was diagnosed at 16 as having severe processing problems." This line alone should have red flagged and disqualified PFC Dietrich. The Army failed on this one. I???m pro-army and pro-service but there???s just no way around it. Sending someone with this type of cognitive impairment on a forward scouting operation was tantamount to a death sentence. The Army failed by not following proper screening procedures and this was the (predictable) result. My heart goes out to a fellow scout. This should never have happened.

    • Posted By: loriw @ 06/22/2008 21:22:54

      Comment: Perhaps this young soldier was not truthful in answering questions when meeting with the recruiter and that is why his severe processing problems were not known by the Army at the time he enlisted.

      • Posted By: loriw @ 06/22/2008 21:50:14

        Comment: I just re-read the article and needed to add to my post. The Raisners knew this young man fairly well and had taken him in to live with them for several week. The article stated that the Raisners were professional educators and Mrs. Raisner's specialty was learning disorders. After the young man was recruited by the Army he called them and told the Raisners he would be a scout for the Army. Mrs Raisner called the recruiter the next morning to discuss his problems with the recruiter. So my point is this...even if the young man was not forth coming with his diagnosed processing problems the Army recruiter was notified by Mrs. Raisner who had background and expertise in learning disorders and thus should have been considered as credible in her observations. Based on this I'd have to say the Army knew but didn't care as long as they had a new enlistee. When people who are unfit to serve are placed in positions they are incapable of handling they endanger all the other soldiers around them. Shame on the Army. They should have placed him in a position that better met this soldiers capabilities!!!

  • Posted By: Faded06 @ 06/22/2008 11:28:55 AM

    Comment: Being a pathfinder/scout myself I can tell you for a fact that you must be aware of where you are at all times. If not, you will die and might take someone else with you. Quote: "Dietrich was diagnosed at 16 as having severe processing problems." This line alone should have red flagged and disqualified PFC Dietrich. The Army failed on this one. I???m pro-army and pro-service but there???s just no way around it. Sending someone with this type of cognitive impairment on a forward scouting operation was tantamount to a death sentence. The Army failed by not following proper screening procedures and this was the (predictable) result. My heart goes out to a fellow scout. This should never have happened.

  • Posted By: Cashew @ 06/22/2008 7:22:49 AM

    Comment: This story is not new, just a repeat of the Recruitors lying ability. My husband was lied to in 1968 the same way, only he wanted to be a photographer. The recrutor told him if he became a Medic in the Navy he could photograph wounds. He got his Purple Heart. Thank-you. Has anything changed, the truth is hard to find in the military, even to why we are in this war. I love Our Young Men and this Iraq War is nothing but a master plan of the heads of states (World Leaders.) I wonder if the KINGS that planned it all are really satisified. They are playing their game of checkers and over 4000 young men have died.

    • Posted By: youheardithere1st @ 06/22/2008 09:15:41

      Comment: since your husband was a medic he must know of some drug that will stop you from repeating yourself.

  • Posted By: Cashew @ 06/22/2008 7:19:32 AM

    Comment: This story is not new, just a repeat of the Recruitors lying ability. My husband was lied to in 1968 the same way, only he wanted to be a photographer. The recrutor told him if he became a Medic in the Navy he could photograph wounds. He got his Purple Heart. Thank-you. Has anything changed, the truth is hard to find in the military, even to why we are in this war. I love Our Young Men and this Iraq War is nothing but a master plan of the heads of states (World Leaders.) I wonder if the KINGS that planned it all are really satisified. They are playing their game of checkers and over 4000 young men have died.

  • Posted By: Cashew @ 06/22/2008 6:38:39 AM

    Comment: This story is not new, just a repeat of the Recruitors lying ability. My husband was lied to in 1968 the same way, only he wanted to be a photographer. The recrutor told him if he became a Medic in the Navy he could photograph wounds. He got his Purple Heart. Thank-you. Has anything changed, the truth is hard to find in the military, even to why we are in this war. I love Our Young Men and this Iraq War is nothing but a master plan of the heads of states (World Leaders.) I wonder if the KINGS that planned it all are really satisified. They are playing their game of checkers and over 4000 young men have died.

  • Posted By: youheardithere1st @ 06/22/2008 6:11:56 AM

    Comment: it has been argued by the left [and newsweek] that anyone who joins the military is mentally unfit. i honor this man for his service, and find it in poor taste now that he is gone that we question his mental status. he sounds to me like a young man who overcame many problems and gave his life for his country. thats not to say that i think we should be in iraq. now, let the young man rest in peace.

    • Posted By: ioahroapinfoainfonofihanfoia903709q83 @ 06/22/2008 23:22:11

      Comment: As someone "from the left" and a veteran of 10 years including Desert Storm, I don't recall ever arguing that I or anyone I worked closely with was mentally unfit. Perhaps Cashew's medic husband knows of a drug that will stop you from painting with such a broad and ignorant brush.

      • Posted By: youheardithere1st @ 06/23/2008 19:33:09

        Comment: i served for 5 years, 2 in vietnam, and have often heard the left question the stability of anyone who joins the military. perhaps you haven't been around as lond as me, i was one the the returning vets that no one would give a job to because i had been in the military. i know of the prejuidce of rhe left 1st hand. now, as one vet to another, let the man rest in peace. or would you like to compare which one of us killed more of the enemy?

    • Posted By: ioahroapinfoainfonofihanfoia903709q83 @ 06/22/2008 23:17:55

      Comment: As someone "on the left" who served 10 years in the military including Desert Storm, I don't recall ever arguing that myself nor any of those I worked closely with, was mentally unfit. Perhaps Cashew's medic husband knows of a drug that will stop you from painting with such a broad and ignorant brush.

  • Posted By: Tan Boon Tee @ 06/22/2008 12:30:04 AM

    Comment: The battle front is not for the faint heart. Yet mentally unfit or unstable soldiers known to the authority are relentlessly being pushed to the frontline to execute practically impossible tasks. Isn???t this ironic? Who is responsible for their deaths?

    In time of war, few people dare to raise any issue in the military, let alone asking a sensible question or challenging the authority. This is only yet another extreme example of human inexplicable insanity.

    • Posted By: Ret 1SG @ 08/24/2008 20:59:42

      Comment: Disagree with your comment. I for one had no problem raising issues, even in combat. Your comment is pretty degrading to all servicemembers and vets alike. The last voice of sanity should have been this soldier's platoon sergeant. I remember having to be quite creative in finding reasons a person should work in the mailroom, and not go on a mission I felt they might compromise, or never return from.

  • Posted By: archmsu @ 06/22/2008 12:06:29 AM

    Comment: If the Army kicked him out like they should have..........He and his family would have sued them. It's a lose -lose situation. But thats how everything is in America today.......people want thier McWorld!

    • Posted By: PaTriotDE @ 06/23/2008 11:35:07

      Comment: Soldiers cannot sue the Army for any reason, it is the law.

  • Posted By: olderwiser @ 06/21/2008 8:24:31 PM

    Comment: At least there are some promises in the current campaigns to at least provide opportunity for a good college education for veterans at the end of their service.

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