US, Allied Troops in Iraq to undergo 'Core Values' training
Washington, June 1 (UNI) A top US commander in Iraq today ordered that all US and allied troops in Iraq will have to undergo new ''core values'' training on how to operate professionally and humanely.
Not only will leaders discuss how to treat civilians under the rules of engagement, but small units also will be ordered to go through training scenarios to gauge their understanding of those rules according to orders give by the top US Commander in Iraq, Army Gen George W Casey.
The US military investigation of how US Marines handled the reporting of events that led to the troops allegedly killing 24 civilians last November in the Iraqi town of Haditha, has revealed that some officers gave false information to their superiors, who then failed to adequately scrutinize the reports that should have caught their attention, the Washington Post said today quoting an Army official.
The three-month probe, led by Army Maj Gen Eldon Bargewell, is also expected to call for changes in how US troops are trained for duty in Iraq, the official said.
The training, would include slide-shows, highlight ''the importance of adhering to legal, moral and ethical standards on the battlefield,'' said Lt Gen Peter W Chiarelli, Multi-National Corps-Iraq commander in a statement today. ''As military professionals, he said, ''it is important that we take time to reflect on the values that separate us from our enemies.'' The promotion of a top Marine general also has been put on hold.
Bargewell has pursued two lines of investigation: not only whether falsehoods were passed up the chain of command, but also whether senior Marine commanders were derelict in their duty to monitor the actions of subordinates, the Post said.
The inquiry, which revealed multiple failures, is expected to conclude by the end of this week and the Bargewell report, is expected to be delivered to top commanders by the end of the week.
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