UCMJ Prosecutions for Crimes Against Civilians in Combat Zones: DOD Advisory Group to Examine

Secretary of Defense Panetta has directed the Defense Legal Policy Board to form a subcommittee to examine "military justice in cases of U.S. Service members alleged to have caused the death, injury, or abuse of non-combatants in Iraq or Afghanistan," dating back to October 2001, in recognition that "for offenses that take place in a country in which we operate alongside the civilian population, it is critical that our system of military justice be efficient, fair, dependable, and credible." Note that the review is not to focus on allegaions of detainee abuse, friendly fire incidents, or collateral damage issues.  Think instead of situations like Haditha. The order directs the new subcommittee to be co-chaired by Judith Miller (former DOD GC) and Walter Huffman (formerly TJAG-Army), and to include among others retired Army General Pete Chiarelli and Marine Lt. Gen. John Sattler.