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John Tranberg, Pittman's civilian defense attorney, countered that Pittman and other reservist guards were thrust into a war zone in order to run an enemy prisoner-of-war camp with no training and almost no support.
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Pittman, 40, a federal prison guard in New York in his civilian life,
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Don't you just love defense attorneys? "He was not properly trained to be a prison guard"
I would love to ask this attorney exactly what type of training does it take to know right from wrong? Exactly which class covers the criteria for beating the shit out of an unarmed detainee / prisoner. If you can justify self defense, go for it.
The ONLY bright spot in this whole incident is in the last paragraph:
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A general court-martial is scheduled to begin later this month for Maj. Clarke Paulus, who allegedly ordered Hatab dragged. Whitehorse base commander Maj. Michael Froeder faces charges of negligence and abuse of prisoners
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At least the Corps is looking to hold the CO accountable. That is one thing that we do well with our Naval bretheren. When a ship runs aground, it isn't the chief who is getting relieved. It may have been the Sgt who kicked this POW, breaking his ribs, but it is the CO (and his boss) who either allowed the atmosphere that allowed it to happen, or didn't crush it when it occurred.
The responsibility of command and leadership is tough, and cuts both ways.
A sad incident all the way around.