Webb: U.S. Central Command Commits to Independent Investigation into the Battle of Wanat

SO THE SENATE IS OPENING AN INVESTIGATION ON THE BATTLE OF WANAT WHERE MY BROTHER WAS KILLED.
WE'VE BEEN FIGHTING FOR THIS TO HAPPEN FOR MONTHS...
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR IT MIGHT COME TRUE.
IM GLAD THIS IS HAPPENING.
I DO WONDER WHAT WILL COME OF IT.

For Immediate Release:
Contact: Jessica Smith-202-228-5185
Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Webb: U.S. Central Command Commits to Independent
Investigation into the Battle of Wanat
Senator called for examination of actions taken at
each level of the chain of command

Washington, DC - Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) announced today that the U.S. Central Command will investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the combat action that occurred July 13, 2008, at Wanat Village in Afghanistan’s Nuristan Province. On July 9, 2009, Senator Webb called for an investigation into the engagement which resulted in a 75 percent casualty rate for the 2nd Platoon, Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team (CJTF-101).

According to the U.S. Central Command, Gen. David Petraeus has appointed Lt. Gen. Richard F. Natonski, commander of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, to lead the investigation which “will address issues that have arisen since the completion of an earlier Army investigation and also address circumstances beyond the tactical level.”

Senator Webb responded: “Nearly three months ago, I wrote to the Department of Defense inspector general to request an independent examination of the actions taken at each level of the chain of command during the Battle of Wanat. This battle resulted in the deaths of nine soldiers and the wounding of an additional 27. Allegations of negligence at senior levels in the chain of command were brought to my attention. It is important that they be addressed.

“For these reasons, a more thorough and independent investigation is necessary to establish the facts, resolve any question of command accountability, and determine if there are lessons for future operations in Afghanistan. We owe the families of those killed and wounded nothing less.”

A copy of Senator Webb’s July 9, 2009, letter to the Department of Defense inspector general may be found at http://www.webb.senate.gov/pdf/DODIGJuly_9_2009.pdf