What are your thoughts on President Obama accepting responsibility for the deaths of American hostages during operations in Afghanistan?

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 10:24:10 -0400

What are your thoughts on this latest press conference with President Obama?

http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/23/politics/white-house-hostages-killed/index.html

U.S. drone strike accidentally killed 2 hostages - CNNPolitics.com

President Barack Obama announced Thursday that a U.S. counterterrorism operation targeting an al Qaeda compound in January accidentally killed two innocent hostages, including one American.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Apr 23 at 2015 10:37 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 10:37:43 -0400

As President, he is ultimately responsible. It goes with the job.

Did he have personal control of the operation? Could he realistically have prevented it? NO... But he is still has to accept the responsibility that comes with the office he holds.

I used to tell people that the most trouble I ever got into in my career was when I was at home, in my own bed, with my own wife, fast asleep at 0200 in the morning and I was getting in deep crap and did not know it yet, because a young MP PFC was doing something really stupid at that moment. As his commander, I was responsible for what he did. Just comes with the territory.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Apr 23 at 2015 10:46 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 10:46:14 -0400

Even though he is most likely not directly involved and isn't responsible, someone had to take responsibility for it. It had to be him. It's the price to pay when you're a leader.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 10:48 AM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 10:48:58 -0400

I agree thus far. Its an unfortunate part of the job as a leader, accepting responsibility for failures or faults. I think it demonstrates leadership and integrity, which is an example for junior leaders and followers alike.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Apr 23 at 2015 11:03 AM

LTC John Shaw — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 11:03:36 -0400

Wow! He took responsibility and did not try to blame Bush. It is times like these when I can be proud of President Obama. I can't say that I feel this very often.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Apr 23 at 2015 11:07 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 11:07:40 -0400

Its great to see that the CIC is accepting responsibility for this, as he should. As far as the collateral damage (2 hostages killed) I feel for them and their families, however this is an unfortunate aspect of war.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Apr 23 at 2015 11:23 AM

CPT Pedro Meza — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 11:23:12 -0400

In all Military Operations the Commander In Chief holds ultimate responsibility, this is a moot question.

Response by CPO Greg Frazho made Apr 23 at 2015 11:28 AM

CPO Greg Frazho — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 11:28:38 -0400

It ranks up there with Carter accepting responsibility for the failure of Desert One. He has to take responsibility, if that gives you an idea of what was going on there. But I'm certainly not going to give him any kudos for doing what any reasonably-conscienced person would do.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 11:35 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 11:35:48 -0400

When Seal Team 6 killed Osama, our CIC took the praise for giving the order. It is only appropriate he takes the bad with the good. In the end, he is OUR CIC, I may not agree with him (I don't have too), but I support him and all my commanders. Otherwise, why do it. His job is to be in charge of the bureaucracy that is the military. Tough job if you think about it.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Apr 23 at 2015 11:47 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 11:47:16 -0400

If the question was simply "What are your thoughts on President Obama" I'd say none because he doesn't deserve the energy I'd waste on synaptic relays but...

How can you take responsibility for something you don't have a clue about even if the buck stops at your desk? Mouthing the word means nothing. Resigning after a string of pi$$ poor decisions like the head of the Secret Service and now DEA, now THAT makes a statement about responsibility.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Apr 23 at 2015 11:50 AM

Col Joseph Lenertz — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 11:50:18 -0400

Good on him! Whenever someone accepts responsibility for events outside their control, it raises my opinion of them, and elevates the office they hold.

Response by Cpl Patrick Reade made Apr 23 at 2015 12:17 PM

Cpl Patrick Reade — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 12:17:45 -0400

It's a start

Response by SPC Angel Guma made Apr 23 at 2015 12:42 PM

SPC Angel Guma — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 12:42:13 -0400

Not that I personally like President Obama or would go golfing with him (mainly because I'm a bad golfer) but at least he owned up to it.

That's saying something in an era where emails go mysteriously disappearing.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Apr 23 at 2015 1:10 PM

MSG Floyd Williams — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 13:10:37 -0400

Collateral damage unfortunately it happens to the best of leaders in command, whatever good or bad happens Leaders have to give a logical answer for it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 1:24 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 13:24:03 -0400

As the CINC, he needs and SHOULD take full responsibility for the drone, counterterrorism operation. I was honestly quite surprised that he didn't pass the buck! They knew what happened 3 months ago, but they are now just declassifying the information? That's not immediate.

I hate being critical about all this, but two men sat in wait for more than 3 years and NOTHING was done to ensure their release. I couldn't imagine sitting there waiting for MY Country to save me and they end up being the ones that ensured my death.

The POTUS knew exactly what happened in January and the only reason there will be a "review to identify and learn from their mistakes (even though he clearly stated that there weren't any and that our Country followed ALL the guidelines)" is to satisfy the outrage some of the American People and Warrens family will have.

He states that "even with Warren’s health deteriorating, the enemy deprived him of his family or loved ones." Where was this in the beginning, 3 years ago when he also stated that once he found out Warren was taken prisoner that he said do what ever you can to get him home?? Warren’s wife states differently:

"I want to thank Congressman John Delaney, Senator Barbara Mikulski, and Senator Ben Cardin - as well as specific officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation - for their relentless efforts to free my husband." Mrs. Weinstein added, "Unfortunately, the assistance we received from other elements of the U.S. Government was inconsistent and disappointing over the course of three and a half years."

Inconsistent and disappointing. Where was the same drive that got back a deserter and released 5 Gitmo detainees? No I don't think this negotiation should have been done and no I wouldn't agree to it being done to save Warren, but if it were GOING to be done, I'd rather it had.

An INNOCENT civilian.

Does anyone know where the "declassified information" is located? I have to see this.

More than 2,400 dead as Obama’s drone campaign marks five years.

http://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/2014/01/23/more-than-2400-dead-as-obamas-drone-campaign-marks-five-years/

More than 2,400 dead as Obama’s drone campaign marks five years | The Bureau of Investigative...

Five years ago, on January 23 2009, a CIA drone flattened a house in Pakistan’s tribal regions. It was the third day of Barack Obama’s presidency, and this was the new commander-in-chief’s first covert drone strike.

Response by SGT William Howell made Apr 23 at 2015 1:35 PM

SGT William Howell — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 13:35:57 -0400

This is the first time I know of that he has accepted responsibility for anything that has happened on his watch.

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made Apr 23 at 2015 1:54 PM

COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 13:54:23 -0400

There is a first time for everything. Easy to take responsibility when something goes right. First time I remember in six years where responsibility has been taken when something did not go right. Interesting that this is coming out three months after the fact. Guess it was about to go public.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 2:58 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 14:58:56 -0400

I'm not gonna say that it's about time he ultimately takes responsibility for something so...I commend him, maybe a past Sec of State should follow suit.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Apr 23 at 2015 3:12 PM

Cpl Jeff N. — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 15:12:57 -0400

It is easy to accept responsibilty for something when there is no negative consequence for accepting it. There is no price to be paid for it.

It is interesting that this happned months ago and we are just hearing about it. In addition to two hostges being killed, two American citizens collaberating with the enemy were killed.

I have no issue with that. I have supported the drone strikes but find it interesting that none of the lefty orgs are screaming foul when Americans are killed at the hands of their governement (death sentence) without due process.

Response by CW5 Jim Steddum made Apr 23 at 2015 3:38 PM

CW5 Jim Steddum — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 15:38:10 -0400

I like that he accepted responsibility for something bad that happened. It clearly was outside of his direct decision making.

I am trying to remember when the last time that happened?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 4:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 16:36:19 -0400

He can say whatever he wants, and own up to whatever he wants....he still will never get a Christmas card from me.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 6:41 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 18:41:49 -0400

The President is the Commander and Chief. He is ultimately responsible for our failures and successes. I commend him accepting responsibility. Most politicians would simply accept recognition for the successes and avoid association or responsibility with anything with negative connotations.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 8:18 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 20:18:03 -0400

It is reasons like this I support our president, not just as a soldier and being obliged to do it, but also as a voting naturalized citizen of the United States.
He is the trigger man at the higher level operations. He gave the go for Osama just as he gave the go for this incident. He takes the good and the bad on his shoulders. You have to respect that.

Response by CSM James Winslow made Apr 24 at 2015 2:18 AM

CSM James Winslow — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 02:18:27 -0400

Political maneuvering to elicit a public response (generally called a "sympathy vote"). He was not the one who pulled the trigger, but he gave the order. If he was not made aware of the presence of hostages in the area, then the Intelligence community failed. We sometimes make the mistake of assuming that just because there are hostages, they are innocent of any actions on their part that bought them there. There is more to the story of the "why and how" of this situation than we will ever know, just as in the case of SGT Bergdahal.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Apr 24 at 2015 3:28 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 03:28:35 -0400

Deaths raise wider questions about drone strikes ...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/hostages-deaths-raise-wider-questions-about-drone-strikes-civilian-toll/2015/04/23/c70568f6-e9e5-11e4-9767-6276fc9b0ada_story.html?hpid=z1

Hostages’ deaths raise wider questions about drone strikes’ civilian toll

The administration is considering whether its policies go far enough in eliminating the risk of deadly errors.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 24 at 2015 3:35 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 03:35:32 -0400

This might be too soon but...I hear they are getting purple hearts, and the decision to do so was basically over night.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 3:54 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 03:54:35 -0400

I think it's a good move taking responsibility. He is the Commander-In-Chief, but its also is about being accountable. I may have my own reservations about him, but without a doubt, he did the right thing here.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 12:51 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 00:51:12 -0400

I find it very odd that he has taken responsibility for this. He hasn't taken responsibility for any of his past failures. Why would he become all noble now?

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 8:43 AM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 08:43:43 -0400

It's war. People die. They did the strike with bad intel and paid the price

Response by SPC Michael Frugoli made Apr 25 at 2015 12:25 PM

SPC Michael Frugoli — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 12:25:50 -0400

I'm glad that he owned up it does come with the job . Actually surprised he didn't give up terrorists to get the hostages back

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 25 at 2015 12:26 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 12:26:05 -0400

It makes him look more like a paper tiger than a real one.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 7:38 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 19:38:05 -0400

Right thing to do. This is the kind of stuff that I was hoping for in 2008.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 9:02 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 21:02:59 -0400

I like that he took responsibility. I'm sure he doesn't care, regardless. But, it's good that he said something.

Response by SFC Tyrone Almendarez made Apr 28 at 2015 10:27 PM

SFC Tyrone Almendarez — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 22:27:50 -0400

That's what leaders do. Accept responsibility. We as leaders step up to the toe line and raise are chins when getting accolades or being reprimanded.

Response by SPC Neil Hood made Apr 29 at 2015 1:50 PM

SPC Neil Hood — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 13:50:59 -0400

Owning responsibility is poison to most politicians. Praiseworthy but he has nothing to lose.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 9:43 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2015 09:43:37 -0400

Not sure except that if this is the recent case in which there was a party that had a Jewish sounding name. You can bet that there was pressure from different political (PAC's) groups here stateside that demanded the President go public and claim he shouldered some blame for the horror. And don't think that's not how it works.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 3:27 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2015 15:27:12 -0400

I have zero (0) respect for the man outside the office of the presidency. But I give him his props for accepting responsibility which is ultimately his anyway.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 3:11 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 03:11:45 -0400

Ultimately, there is only ONE party responsible for those deaths: The people holding them against their will.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 13 at 2015 10:14 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Wed, 13 May 2015 22:14:42 -0400

Money in no way solves anything but start writing checks to the family and invite them to the White House for dinner with the President. He needs to be for the people regardless of their origin or skin color.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2015 6:36 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Jul 2015 18:36:00 -0400

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Oct 26 at 2015 6:12 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 18:12:48 -0400

I would be outraged if he said that he didn't hold any responsibility for what happened.
Everyone knows that our President is responsible for every action taken by our country, and most especially by the military. Just as the CO of a ship is responsible for everything that happens while he is in command so is our President. Doesn't matter if awake or asleep, he still is ultimately responsible for what happens.