Statement from the Commandant of the Marine Corps

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES

01.12.2012

Courtesy Story

Communication Directorate             

HEADQUARTERS MARINE CORPS - "I have viewed an internet video that depicts Marines desecrating several dead Taliban in Afghanistan.

I want to be clear and unambiguous, the behavior depicted in the video is wholly inconsistent with the high standards of conduct and warrior ethos that we have demonstrated throughout our history. Accordingly, late yesterday I requested that the Naval Criminal Investigative Service pull together a team of their very best agents and immediately assign them responsibility to thoroughly investigate every aspect of the filmed event. Additionally, I am assigning a Marine General Officer and senior attorney, both with extensive combat experience, to head up an internal Preliminary Inquiry into the matter. Once the investigation and Preliminary Inquiry are complete and the facts have been determined, then the Marine Corps will take the appropriate next steps. Rest assured that the institution of the Marine Corps will not rest until the allegations and the events surrounding them have been resolved. We remain fully committed to upholding the Geneva Convention, the Laws of War, and our own core values."

Point of contact for this issue is Headquarters Marine Corps, Division of Public Affairs Media Section: 703-614-4309 or by email to [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 01.12.2012
• Date Posted: 01.12.2012 10:57
• Story ID: 82318
• Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US