Posted on Jan 9, 2015
SFC Master Driver
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What do you think about the charges being possibly brought on General Petraeus? Politically motivated?

Story added by RP Staff:
http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/2015/01/09/justice-recommends-felony-charges-against-former-gen-petraeus/21525859/
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Responses: 22
CPT Aaron Kletzing
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It is probably the right thing to do, in my opinion. It's not easy for me to say that, given how much GEN Petraeus meant to the military at times, but if a crime was committed then justice should be served regardless of the pay grade of the person involved.
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GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad
GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad
9 y
It was the right thing ... the outcome, however, was simply wrong . . .
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MAJ FAO - Europe
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I'm only surprised that it has taken this long for charges to be brought; that Broadwell also isn't being charged; and that our military leaders have done nothing in response to Patraeus' and Broadwell's misdoings. Let's not forget that both were subject to the UCMJ at the time of some of the crimes, and that both still are.

In an era of budget austerity where we're throwing out majors and captains, its frustrating that the military hasn't thrown the book at Patraeus, to court martial him. He's admitted he's guilty, so the outcome of a court martial is known. He'd likely be reduced to the rank at which he last served honorably (which is probably major general or lieutenant general), if not lower given the seriousness of the crimes he's committed. With Patraeus probably among those 4-stars who retired at ridiculously expanded retirement benefits, how many majors and captains could we have saved, how much many could we save in the future, if Patraeus were held accountable under the UCMJ? I don't have the math handy, but its millions and millions of dollars.

While I think its necessary for charges to brought against the both of them, its unfortunate that this isn't likely to be done under the UCMJ. Not charging them and having them court martialled under the UCMJ sends the message that their crimes were acceptable, and reinforces the perception that the rules are different for senior military leaders, even when it comes to felony offenses.
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SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
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9 y
Interesting to see what happens at the end of this administration and who is pardoned.
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MAJ FAO - Europe
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SFC Jerry Crouch, Ed.D. LTC Yinon Weiss SSgt (Join to see) Now that this is over, is Patraeus over, too? Or will he somehow manage to maintain a security clearance and a role in the national security apparatus?
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LTC Yinon Weiss
LTC Yinon Weiss
9 y
National security? Probably not going to be a principal any time soon, but I can still see him being very successful in many other areas.
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MAJ FAO - Europe
MAJ (Join to see)
9 y
SFC Jerry Crouch, Ed.D. LTC Yinon Weiss I agree with both of you--he will probably be successful in whatever he attempts in the future. But the USG not now and permanently revoking his security clearance would make a mockery of programs to protect information vital to national security.
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MSgt Rob Weston
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Currently, this is all speculation. Like with any case (Tryvon Martin, Michael Brown, etc.) instead of making an accusation or stating an opinion, I'll wait to see what the evidence states and how the jury decides. Due Process is Innocent till proven guilty without a shadow of doubt. Currently there is a possibility of wrong doing (evidence), however this is also the possibility this is a vile political move as well (to focus away from scandals).
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SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
SSgt (Join to see)
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MSgt Rob Weston You are right on here.. and those with political ambitions act upon them/ More sad are veterans who pile on when they could be next. Just saying..
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