The New American Stasi

He should be ignored IMO. Thought he could violate the Law of War and get into politics, after avoiding court martial. It worked for awhile, until his own people found him out. A troop would fry for it. Instead they get charges for much less, and certainly got no pension. As a zero he's supposed to set the example. Instead he played the Patriot's Card and got away with it. At least the Marines that pissed on EKIA took their lumps. One ended up taking his own life. Forget the source, the facts are not in dispute. https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2012/9/29/1137904/-Allen-West-Had-To-Resign-From-Army-To-Avoid-Court-Martial-He-s-Equally-Unfit-to-Serve-in-Congress

The Kos Blog, that this article on Colonel West in base on is actually a Democratic leaning, Liberal, Political activist blog. Much of what they have covered has NOT stood up to fact checking. Having said that however Colonel West did however in fact make a serious judgement judgement error which He admits. He was NEVER recommended for a Court Martial but an Article 15, under the UCMJ which He did accept. Up to that point His Military record was spotless. Granted as a Battalion Commander He should have know better, I'm not defending that tactic. He did retire in the rank of Lt Colonel and yes, His Military career was over. In combat zones not all decisions are of sound judgement despite the best of intentions. There was never a question about His Patriotism. The issues He has stood up for a politician however have been right on target and were not quick decisions without any prior thought or research.