Return to Transcripts main page
Live From...
U.S. Colonel Avoids Court-Martial
Aired December 12, 2003 - 15:02 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: A U.S. colonel dodges a bullet in Iraq. Lieutenant Colonel Allen West learned today he'll forfeit two months pay for the violent interrogation of an Iraqi detainee back in August. West could have been court-martialed, with the possibility of years in prison.
CNN's Alphonso Van Marsh has been keeping us up to date from Tikrit. He joins us now with what appears to be the final word -- Alphonso.
ALPHONSO VAN MARSH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Miles. That's exactly right.
What appears to be the final word is key here. We're getting word from West's lawyer that a decision has come down from the commanding general here at the 4th Infantry Division. As you mentioned some of the details, the commanding general has decided to go ahead with that Article 15 administrative punishment.
Some details that we're learning, as you mentioned, is that the military will dock West's pay by $2,500 per month for two months. We understand that he'll be assigned to the rear detachment of the 4th Infantry Division. That basically means, while members of the 4th Infantry Division are here fighting the war in Iraq, West will be in charge of those who aren't.
We understand that he'll take that position while awaiting the processing of his retirement. And we understand, from the lawyer again, West's lawyer is saying that this decision should not affect West's retirement or his pension -- Miles.
O'BRIEN: Alphonso Van Marsh in Tikrit, thank you very much -- Kyra.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired December 12, 2003 - 15:02 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: A U.S. colonel dodges a bullet in Iraq. Lieutenant Colonel Allen West learned today he'll forfeit two months pay for the violent interrogation of an Iraqi detainee back in August. West could have been court-martialed, with the possibility of years in prison.
CNN's Alphonso Van Marsh has been keeping us up to date from Tikrit. He joins us now with what appears to be the final word -- Alphonso.
ALPHONSO VAN MARSH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Miles. That's exactly right.
What appears to be the final word is key here. We're getting word from West's lawyer that a decision has come down from the commanding general here at the 4th Infantry Division. As you mentioned some of the details, the commanding general has decided to go ahead with that Article 15 administrative punishment.
Some details that we're learning, as you mentioned, is that the military will dock West's pay by $2,500 per month for two months. We understand that he'll be assigned to the rear detachment of the 4th Infantry Division. That basically means, while members of the 4th Infantry Division are here fighting the war in Iraq, West will be in charge of those who aren't.
We understand that he'll take that position while awaiting the processing of his retirement. And we understand, from the lawyer again, West's lawyer is saying that this decision should not affect West's retirement or his pension -- Miles.
O'BRIEN: Alphonso Van Marsh in Tikrit, thank you very much -- Kyra.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
