Wanat Afghanistan Battle Review Released

Army Releases Findings of Wanat Review

June 23, 2010 Secretary of the Army John McHugh announced today that the Army has completed action on the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) independent investigation of the July 13, 2008, battle fought by soldiers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team at Wanat, Afghanistan. This engagement claimed the lives of nine U.S. soldiers and resulted in 27 casualties.

On Jan. 27, McHugh appointed Gen. Charles Campbell, former commander of U.S. Army Forces Command, to review the CENTCOM investigation and take appropriate actions with regard to officers identified therein. Campbell’s examination involved a detailed analysis of the CENTCOM investigation, as well as a review of the original investigation conducted by the 101st Airborne Division.

On March 5, based upon his initial review of the CENTCOM investigation, Campbell initiated adverse administrative actions against former officers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team’s chain of command. As part of administrative due process, each officer was given full access to both the CENTCOM and 101st Airborne Division investigations. Additionally, Campbell afforded each officer the opportunity to submit matters for his consideration. They provided extensive additional written information to Campbell, which was not previously provided to the CENTCOM or the 101st Airborne Division investigators. Campbell also met with each of the officers. Continued

But, and rightfully so, the Families:

For Parents, The Battle of Wanat Rages On

23 June 2010 Families of 9 Dead Soldiers Voice Anger at U.S. Army For Acquitting Those They Believe Let Their Sons Die

The Battle of Wanat was an earlier turning point in the Afghan war in July of 2008.

An American outpost was nearly overrun. Nine soldiers had been killed.

Since then, the families of those nine killed have been demanding answers to why their sons were left exposed so deep in enemy territory, reports CBS News national security correspondent David Martin.

"As a parent, you just want to be told directly exactly what happened, and not have it be cherry coated or be lied to," said Frankie Gay. "And I feel like I was lied to."

One investigation found no one at fault. Then a second found three officers negligent, even though one of them, Capt. Matthew Myer, was awarded the Silver Star for his fighting that day. Continued