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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted at 3:09 p.m., Friday, August 25, 2006

Report released recommending Watada's court-martial

By Dan Nakaso
Advertiser Staff Writer

An Army investigating officer said 1st Lt. Ehren Watada is "sincere in his beliefs" about the war in Iraq but recommended that Watada's case move to a general court-martial.

"As an officer and leader his refusal to obey a lawful order can not be excused and serves to embolden others to commit the same or similar misconduct," Lt. Col. Mark Keith wrote in his report, dated Tuesday, in which Keith found reasonable grounds that Watada violated Article 87 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (missing movement), Article 88 (contempt toward officials), and Article 133 (conduct unbecoming an officer).

The report can be viewed online at www.lewis.army.mil/pao1/media.htm.

Keith's non-binding recommendation will be forwarded to the special court-martial convening authority, Watada's brigade commander, who will forward it to the general court-martial convening authority, the I Corps and Fort Lewis Commanding General, Lt. Gen. James Dubik for final disposition.

Dubik's options include recommending no action be taken, administrative actions or uniform code of military justice proceedings to include a general court-martial.

In his report, Keith wrote that Watada's "beliefs regarding the war in Iraq do not excuse his refusal to deploy or his public statements."

Keith found reasonable grounds that Watada — a 1996 Kalani High School graduate — used "contemptuous words against the president of the United States during multiple media interviews."

"1st Lt. Watada's contempt for the president serves to break down the good order and discipline of all military personnel by casting doubt regarding his integrity and leadership attributes while under the stress of combat operations."

In finding reasonable grounds that Watada committed conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman, Keith recommended that the convening authority "consider 1st Lt. Watada's convictions, age, lack of experience and the significant influence of third parties as they impact his convictions. Although he is clearly misguided regarding the legality of the war, his personal physical conduct (manner of expression, demeanor and oral communication skills) during his various public interviews has been consistent with the proper conduct of an Army officer. I find his message (contempt for civilian leadership and description of Army actions on the ground as 'wholesale slaughter') and his actions (missing movement) support a charge of conduct unbecoming an officer."