Army Recommends Silver Star for Captain Criticized in Deadly Niger Ambush

Definitely a dilemma. Do you not reward his valor because he screwed up the planning? Do you reward his valor, which he likely wouldn't have had the chance for if he hadn't screwed up the planning? And of course, there's the issue of whether he *actually did* screw up the planning.

The Army and 3rd Group have every incentive to move this out of the public eye (the public moved on 15 minutes later) and leave the blame where it has collected. I have to say that there is likely compelling evidence to indicate that the soldiers, including Perozeni, exhibited uncommon Valor under overwhelming odds and the service wants to do right by their legacy. It is likely, as the article alludes, that this unit was retasked Enroute. Can't get slammed for planning a mission when you get FRAGOed enroute and the mission changed.