News:
““Iraq translators’ mask ban dropped” (BBC: “The Pentagon has rescinded a controversial decision that banned Iraqi interpreters working for US troops in Baghdad from protecting their identities by wearing ski-masks. The ban was meant to reflect the improved security situation - in which interpreters were no longer afraid of retaliation. But that is not the case.”)
Behind that news:
“The debt we owe Iraqi interpreters” (Michael Breen, a former Army captain who served with the infantry in Iraq and helps lead the Iraqi Refugee Assistance Project, describes why “after the foolish mask ban, more protection is a must.”)
Before that news:
“Military To Interpreters: Drop Dead” (George Packer wrote that in enforcing the ban the U.S. military was “standing on a principle in the shape of a land mine.”)
I can’t speak for everyone but the consensus so far here at 4ID from military and civilians alike is that this guy is quite disconnected from reality. MG Jeffry Hammond has shown complete disregard for the safety of Iraqi linguistical interpreters supporting our cause; better yet his cause here in Baghdad as he had forbid them from covering their faces, in effect preventing them from protecting their identities in a situation where anonyminity is the only thing preventing an Iraqi in this type of a position from being identified and neutralized by opposing thugs. Only after how many interpreters were killed was this pointless directive that served no purpose other than endangering the lives of those offering the division their assistance rescinded; not by MG Hammond but under the direction higher ups.
Frequently tearing into the highly skilled corps of civilian professionals supporting 4ID’s effort here for minor and trivial transgressions such as not moving out of the way fast enough when his Excellency enters the building or in my case, moving out of the way too quickly; in effect not offering the homage deserved for such a distinguished individual. I can see why such a wide disconnect exists between Hammond and his Captains when his rule is conducted through fear, intimidation and the celebration of one’s self. The fact that he felt he needed to summon all of the captains to hear his response to Col. Yingling’s critique seems like he’s grasping for straws in aquiring the respect of his subordinates. Subordinates that seem to have wisened up to the good old boy program that placed this General in the position he currently holds and said “I don’t want have any part of it” by marching out the front gates, back into the civilian world.
I think that more people would speak out here at division except that 4ID being the true military professionals they are maintain their professionalism and quietly suffer through this 50 something year old’s infantile tantrums and pointless directives that have cost the lives of how many Iraqis trying to assist MND-B’s effort.
Posted by Ben K on Sun 28 Dec 2008 at 04:15 PM