Last year, I began research and writing on the case of Pat Tillman. One of the central characters in the Tillman story was Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Kauzlarich. Kauzlarich was the Regimental Executive Officer for 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan in 2004, when Pat Tillman was killed by friendly fire. He was also a key figure in the Pentagon’s attempts to first cover up, then spin the fratricide. Kauzlarich was the officer assigned to conduct a second investigation of the circumstances of Pat Tillman’s death. The first investigation — conducted by Captain Richard Scott — had found criminal negligence and professional incompetence, so a higher-ranking officer was required by law to follow-up in the event that a General Court Martial would become necessary. Not surprisingly, no one was charged with either, though some minor administrative actions were taken, including reassignments out of the Rangers and two officers receiving “letters of reprimand.” But that is not what this commentary is about. This is about Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Kauzlarich, a Washington Post writer, and the power of cultural myths.

FULL ARTICLE AT TRUTHDIG (Readers are encouraged to post comments there)

Posted by stan in Analysis