Officers To Be Blamed For Tillman Coverup

CBS: Pentagon To Point Finger At 9 Officers In Fallout From NFL Star's Friendly Fire Death

(CBS/AP)  It's been nearly four years since Pat Tillman was killed in Afghanistan by friendly fire. CBS News has learned that investigations by the Pentagon's inspector general will blame nine officers — including four generals — for failing to follow regulations and using poor judgment in a series of missteps that kept the truth of how he died from his family for more than a month, CBS News national security correspondent David Martin reports.

The official version was that the former NFL star had died in a fire fight with the enemy. It was only after a nationally televised memorial service was held for Tillman that his wife and parents were told he had been mistakenly shot by one of his own men.

Until now, only low-ranking soldiers who were part of Tillman's Army Ranger unit have been disciplined in the events surrounding his death. It will now be up to the Army to decide what, if any, disciplinary action to take against these nine officers.

According to a defense official, it does not appear that the IG investigation, the fifth inquiry into Tillman's death, found any indication of an orchestrated cover-up. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said it appears that senior military leaders may not have had all the facts or worked hard enough to get the facts of what happened on that day in April 2004.

Dozens of soldiers — those immediately around Tillman at the scene of the shooting, his immediate superiors and high-ranking officers at a command post nearby — knew within minutes or hours that his death was caused by friendly fire. The IG investigation has focused on how high up the chain of command that knowledge went.

Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, Marines accused of shooting and killing civilians after a suicide bombing in Afghanistan are under U.S. investigation, and their entire unit has been ordered to leave the country early, officials said Friday.

Army Maj. Gen. Francis H. Kearney III, head of Special Operations Command Central, responsible for special operations in the Middle East and Central Asia, ordered the unit of about 120 Marines out of Afghanistan and initiated an investigation into the March 4 incident, said Lt. Col. Lou Leto, spokesman at Kearney's command headquarters.

A spokesman for the Marine unit, Maj. Cliff Gilmore, said it is in the process of leaving Afghanistan but he declined to provide details on the timing and new location, citing a need to preserve security.

In the March 4 incident in Nangahar province, an explosives-rigged minivan crashed into a convoy of Marines that U.S. officials said also came under fire from gunmen. As many as 10 Afghans were killed and 34 wounded as the convoy made an escape. Injured Afghans said the Americans fired on civilian cars and pedestrians as they sped away.

U.S. military officials said militant gunmen shot at Marines and may have caused some of the civilian casualties.

Hundreds of Afghan men held an anti-U.S. demonstration afterward and President Hamid Karzai condemned the incident.

Leto, the spokesman at Special Operations Command Central headquarters in Tampa, Fla., said the Marines, after being ambushed, responded in a way that created "perceptions (that) have really damaged the relationship between the local population and this unit."

"The relationship you have with the local population while conducting counterinsurgency operations is very important, and because the perceptions damaged that, it probably degraded the (Marine) unit's ability to fulfill those kinds of missions," Leto added. "So the general felt it was best to move them out of that area."

[musty2u]

Collateral damage.

[themastergun]

Wonderful, now lets handcuff the Marine Corps Special Forces Teams and prevent them from effectively carrying the war to the enemy. If civilians die as a direct result of the manner in which the enemy conducts itself our Marines should not be held responsible.

If our men aren't given the latitude necessary to destroy our enemies then we need to get them the hell out of there.

Marines are not police officers and should not be expected to respond like them. The mission of the Marine Corps Fire Team is "to locate, close with and destroy the enemy by fire and close combat". Please let them carry out this mission or bring them home.

[themastergun]

Wonderful, now lets handcuff the Marine Corps Special Forces Teams and prevent them from effectively carrying the war to the enemy. If civilians die as a direct result of the manner in which the enemy conducts itself our Marines should not be held responsible.

If our men aren't given the latitude necessary to destroy our enemies then we need to get them the hell out of there.

Marines are not police officers and should not be expected to respond like them. The mission of the Marine Corps Fire Team is "to locate, close with and destroy the enemy by fire and close combat". Please let them carry out this mission or bring them home.

[notblue]

Who accused these marines? How would a soldier know who is a civilian and who is a militant? Don't they dress the same? Aren't the militants using human shields, mosques, children, hospitals, etc. in there nafarious tactics? It seems CBS is the only news outlet carrying this story, no surprise there! Anything to make the U.S. look bad in this war on terror is the leftwing way.

[greybeardvet]

Really Brilliant! The Marine Brass has finaly figured out that killing civilians damages the relationship with the locals. How about training young Marines not to kill innocent civilians in the first place? That might work. Better yet, understand that young kids on the frontline get scared and crazy with little provocation. The fault isn't with the lance corporals its with the officers and politicians. When Traitor Cheney and Draft-dodger Bush put their own kids on the front lines maybe they'll regain a bit of respect from old vets like me.

[greybeardvet]

Really Brilliant! The Marine Brass has finaly figured out that killing civilians damages the relationship with the locals. How about training young Marines not to kill innocent civilians in the first place? That might work. Better yet, understand that young kids on the frontline get scared and crazy with little provocation. The fault isn't with the lance corporals its with the officers and politicians. When Traitor Cheney and Draft-dodger Bush put their own kids on the front lines maybe they'll regain a bit of respect from old vets like me.

[notblue]

graybeardvet, your rant is typical of the hate Bush blame America mentality that is in no way helpful in regards to the war on terror. It would be refreshing if just once someone of your ideological beliefs would place blame on the militants and not your fellow Americans or the president of the United States.

[inventagod]

These poor guys were sent to Afghanistan by a liar to capture the boogyman.

They know the truth about Bu$hCo, and probably expect the USA to eventually catch on to the Bu$hit and lies around the huge lie that is Osama and 9/11.

Somehow, I don't blame them for overreacting when bullets fly, they know they are hated for backing up the lies that are Cheney/Bu$h.

Let's bring them ALL home and truly investigate the atrocities that put them there in the first place....

[grazinggoat]

It would be refreshing if just once someone of your ideological beliefs would place blame on the militants and not your fellow Americans or the president of the United States.
Posted by notblue

-Noclue
do you sometimes feel too heavy, especially before you post stupid comments going into the same sens, one after the other? if that is true, then no wonder you are full of it. Haven't seen one comment of yours saying that really our troops are humans and they may commit human-made dispecable acts. Have you heard of AbuGraib prison? have you heard of a 14 yr old girl raped, after killing of her family, to kill her and burn her after the rape, by 'SOME' of our highly valued soldiers?

[middleman8]

If these marines returned and found their homes and family all shot to hell, would they not fight back anyway they could find to? Don"t blame the Iraqies, its their homes.

[bm6005]

Noclue
do you sometimes feel too heavy, .....
Posted by grazinggoat

gg great post! I love your interpretation of Noclue's name. People who've never been to war themselves do not understand that one of the dangers of being involved is that the troops are susceptible to over-reacting based on the emotions of the moment. I agree it's terrible that many times our troops get the blame, that's why it only makes sense to bring the troops home and let the Iraqi's kill each other. Once we're gone, we don't get blamed. Then we can concentrate on getting Hardly Bin Seen's head on a pike!!

[j-whitman]

Notblue,,,, Come on girl,, Hate Bush blame America ?????

All we hear from you is "It's Clinton's fault" -- While Bush blames Americans, veterans & active duty for being un patriotic & un American

[j-whitman]

Notblue,,,,, Girl,, Bush still won't take responsibilities for his failures domestically or accross the globe -- We don't even have enough troops in Iraq to guard Ammo Dumps 4 years later...

Contrary to what Republicans now say Iraq is not like Detroit or Chicago.

[j-whitman]

Hamiltongrad,,
, So, what's the problem ?? If you studied current events over the las 20 years you'd know this is waters disputed for decades... The last time it happened,, captives where released after 3 days and a simple appology.

[j-whitman]

Hamiltongrad,,, You might want to put your college education to better use,,, Here's a link that will update you,,,, Iran is actually progressing towards democracy faster than any country,, Without Bush's interferance.

http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/pdf/research/mep/Iran0806.pdf

[j-whitman]

Let's attack Canada,,, They poisoned our house pets.

[j-whitman]

You Bushies really need as serious attitude check.... Iran is adancing towards democracy faster than any country in the region including the UAE (Which still condons open slavery & beheadings) --- Without Bush's help

http://www.chathamhouse
.org
.uk/pdf/research/mep/Iran0806.pdf

[barbaraf4]

I don't know why the subject of Pat Tillman's death keeps coming up. There have been many soldiers and civilians killed by "friendly fire" in Iraq. Yes, Tillman gave up a promising career to do his patriotic duty, but many others did the same thing. He was not special, but we keep going back an reopening this case like he was special.

[stezzer]

All the soldiers who have died in this conflict are heroes. As are those who are still fighting.

I wish they would let Mr. Tillman rest in peace. What good can come from raking over the facts?

I can't help feeling that the insurgents must love this kind of negative publicity and finger pointing.

[chadb19]

The US is so naive when it comes to this war. Bush and the Pentagon are hiding a lot more that this yet we still have a large portion of the country that support him. Im living in the Twlight Zone. Wake up AMERICA!!!!%u2026.Get our boys out and to hell with Iraq!!!

[inventagod]

Not bad enough the Bu$h boys are killing innocent Iraqis, but Americans as well... Bet we will hear some real doozies about all this later. Let's get our troops home NOW.

[j-whitman]

Barbaraf4,,, It keeps coming up because investitgations take awhile, partly to blame is the Rumsfield/Bush/Cheney propaganda machine that keept it hidden..... The parents want answers,,
, Yes he was special & so is everyone wearing our uniforms.... Very special & they deserve better.

[barbaraf4]

j-whitman: You are absolutely correct. They are all special - I guess what I meant was that Tillman was no more special than anyone else fighting in Iraq.

[petesis]

I disagree. Tillman was more special. He gave up a million dollar dream job to go fight for his country when so many did not, because he believed in this country. He quickly became disillusioned. I say he was naive and he was used (even in death) but he is also a heroic figure and a great American. Any GI that goes over there to fight deserves our respect and gratitude, even if we do not agree with the war. But Tillman was an unusual case nonetheless.

[sainethepain]

I am really sorry for the Tillman famely. But I do wish that people could wear a hat that lloks half way goood. The hat these guys wear looks like Sh--

[randalds]

They lied about his death until after the national memorial service for him because they wanted to hold his image up as a recruiting poster. In doing so they dishonored themselves, the Marine Corp and most of all him. Then again this administration has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that haven't the slightest shred of honor among them all. None.

[bildooreilly]

Did the government kill Tillman just to use it as a recruiting event? They killed 3,000 americans on 9-11 just to start their bogus wars..... what's one more guy to hoodwink thousands more to go fight it for them....

[swwils]

Alright now that this is all out in the open lets bring forth all the soldiers that mysteriously died over there.I am positive this isn't an isolated event.All that died under these types of circumstance need to be remembered.

[greco99-2009]

That Pat Tilman died from friendly fire is in itself a sad element of the war, but these things unfortunately do happen.

What is really inexcusable are the false stories and lack of investigation of the real events.

The military owes it to the troups and the American public to operate honestly. It used to be said that 'military intelligence' is an oxymoron; now 'military honesty' is today's oxymoron.

It hurts the military and American public greatly when there is such a culture of dishonesty and cover-up in the military.

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident.

However, it is good that there will be prosecutions. Like the administration the military should not be above the law.

Best wishes to the family of Pat Tilman.

[greco99-2009]

Also, there have been few investigations with regard to other scandals like Abu Graib, where all the blame was placed on low ranking soldiers.

I'd like to see a real investigation of that mess, and the higher level military officers and civilian adminstrators who are responsible (including Rumsfeld and Gonzalez) held accountable.

Events like Abu Graib greatly hurt America. It damages our credibility across the world. And, it directly harms our security interests.

[themooniac]

Above everything else, Pat Tillman is still an American hero PERIOD.

[gthog61]

He died in 2004. That is almost 3 years, not 4. If seeBS can't get a simple obvious fact correct how are we to trust them as a source for nonobvious facts? Maybe in fantasy liberal math 35 months is almost 4 years - whatever helps the story!

I believe the South ought to try seceding again. Democrats would be ready to cut and tun within a few weeks. The Democrats sure are scared that the surge would work, gotta stop it NOW. I believe it is pathetic that a political party has so much invested in our defeat.

[mgpm-2009]

This story really makes me angry. This man, like all the others, believes in America, and protecting her, is willing to give up everything he has, to protect her. And he is betrayed. Betrayed by his president and his cronies, lied to, decieved. He gave up his charmed life and what did his government do? They used him up in a useless war. They lied about his death, for their own glorification...until they could no longer do so. Every time I hear about a death or a vet who can't get care, I feel angry.

I can't believe Bush is stil our president.

[tuckerndfw]

Actually, the real story is not Tillman.

The real story is the revelation that General Officers (and high ranking subordinates) are liars.

And, these are the same people Americans rely upon to "asesss the situation" and provide us with information so we can make informed decisions about "supporting the troops."

Since that information is coming from liars, we have no choice other than to withdraw our support. We cannot continue supporting liars or their lying "commander in chief."

Continuing to fund or support these known liars is not "supporting our troops," that is "stupidity."

Tillman's death is a tragedy, as are all others in these fiascos, but he wanted to be a "hero."

He got his wish.

[fleshmonger1]

it is the behavior of those in leadership positions that make something as decent, correct, and laudable as patriotism, nothing more than the mark of a true chump. In the end, we get the leadership that we as citizens are willing to settle for...

[barbaraf4]

The problem with this war - as in every civil war the US has gotten into (Vietnam, Korea, Somolia to name a few), is that we are trying to accomplish something that the Iraqi citizens were unwilling or unable to do for themselves.

If life under Sadam was so bad (and we know it was bad), why didn't the people of Iraq rise up and over-throw him? Sure, there would have been death and injuries, but that's what they have now anyway. If we simply had to be involved in this, why didn't we send in some deep-cover CIA operatives to engineer it? Don't tell me we have never done that, how do you think Sadam got into power in the first place? Why didn't the Iraq ex-pats go back and help their countrymen? Why didn't Rumsfeld study the tribal alignments and enlist the help of the tribal elders?

Why is Bush still in office?

[antoniof123]

God this is sad I mean friendly fire and they have to lie even about that this is by far the worst administration I have ever seen and I have seen a lot in my years. From Truman to now this is the worst. Corruption can only exist at the lower levels if it is tollarted at the upper levels.

[karlimhof]

Tillman's death is a tragedy, as are all others in these fiascos, but he wanted to be a "hero."

He got his wish.
Posted by tuckerndfw


Killed by friendly fire, but that wasn't the story our officials wanted - no, the wanted something else. Something we all could believe in; a war of principles, lives sacrificed for those principles, a just war -

and what we have in reality? A war based on lies and misrepresentations, a war of intervention invented by a US administration who has misused our countries most valuable treasures; its citizens and their trust.

My condolences to go to his family and all the other families in America and Iraq.

[barbaraf4]

I am convinced that any cover-up that happened has the stamp of approval (maybe even a direct order) from Elmer Fud Rove and Darth Vader Chaney. These are the two forces to be reckoned with in this administration - Bush is just a puppet.

[jerr11]

The blame game continues.

In this adminstration the buck stops everywhere except at the President's desk.

[torocaca]

"Tillman was more special. He gave up a million dollar dream job to go fight for his country when so many did not, because he believed in this country." Posted by Petesis

How insensitive and insulting to the parents and loved ones of all those other men and women who were killed or maimed in this ugly war.

Obviously you have never served your country in the military.

All of the military members serving now and in the past have given up something to serve their country. It doesn't matter if it was a "million dollar dream job" or a job at McDonalds, or a career in business. It was sacrificed in order to do what they felt they had to do, or wanted to do.

In my mind, all of the men and women who are serving their country in this time of incompetent leadership are heros. And all of the men and women who died in this war are "special." The ones who might be "more special" are those who died while trying to save their comrades.

[king77shaw]

first off, I feel badly for the Tillman family ... secondly, how much longer can America bear the culture of lies and deceipt that permeates top-down from the Bush administration through our once-valued instituitions ? All in the name of the great conservative power grab ... In six short years we have gone from the most revered nation on Earth to it's most hated ... Why ?

[greenback01]

Pat Tillman's story is featured in this brand new video

Truth Surge
http://www.freedomtown.org/Site/Freedomtown%20Videos.html

He was true hero.

[greenback01]

A special tribute to Pat Tillman is featured in this new film

Truth Surge
http://www.freedomtown.org/Site/Freedomtown%20Videos.html

Tillman was a hero and the truth, something he understood that America stood for, it needs to come out.

[hedonist3]

Ahh, for the good ol' days when the media and technology were in their infancies; when those so empowered and privy to every nuance of warfare and confidential information were left to do their jobs; when everyday Joe Blows had no platform for their rants borne of and fueld by a biased media. Do you folks really believe that there were no cover-ups in previous wars? It's a wonder we're not all speaking Japanese or German. At our present rate, burkas are in your future.

[triggah12]

Amazing that there are no posts mentioning that Tillman had turned against the war, particularly the invasion of Iraq, and that he was a student of the writings of Noam Chomsky. We likely would have become a visible critic. The "cover up" likely as more to do with his death being from neither friendly fire nor from enemy combatants - let's just call it un-friendly fire. CBS & MSM late to the game and more. Whatever, assuming that a cover-up cannot be proven as to the officers' knowledge of the original erroneous reports, the real truth has no chance at all to surface.

[jebby_one]

neo-commies are sooo desperate to dishonor the death or Mr. Tillman and make him a victim.

[nothappyatall]

"neo-commies are sooo desperate to dishonor the death or Mr. Tillman and make him a victim.

Posted by Jebby_One"

He's dead, I don't he cares at this point whether it was honor or not, he's not here.
He was killed by OUR guys, that's the facts and the facts were covered up to save face of those involved in this stupid mistake- that's criminal and he was a victim... of OUR military.

[j-whitman]

Jebby,,,,, Don't you think our White House policies & the Pentagon dishonored Tillman by lying about the truth & using thier propaganda machine to tell more lies to America in trying to cover up thier own failures of leadership ?????

[jebby_one]

neo-commie professes:

" ...I am convinced that any cover-up that happened has the stamp of approval "

-------------

well, I'm pretty convinced that had I been there and under the same circumstances I would have helped cover it up and I wouldn't have needed an order from anyone to do so. Why would I want to subject Mr. Tillman's honor and his family to liberal vulture like you? Why would I consiously expose the people who had mistakenly directed the fire at Mr Tillman to people like you were waiting in the wing to use Mr. Tillman's death for your political purposes?

Mr Tillman died fighting for America. He deserves full military honors. He wasn't a political pawn to be exploited by liberals who are staking their future with America's enemies.