RE: MAJ Hasan and the Fort Hood Shootings

Comments by Don of Indy:

RE: MAJ Hasan

I've read many comments trying to figure out how a MAJ came to this point.

First, let me explain how the Army works. Any person who has graduated from pre-med can join the Army and is automatically appointed to the rank of CPT; some to MAJ based upon their speciality. The Army does require them to attend an 8 week basic officer's course (mostly educating them about the Army, i.e. wearing the uniform, marching, UCMJ, firing a rifle, etc.) before they report to their first hospital position. A shrink is considered a Doc.

Also, members of the Medical Corp are managed outside the normal procedures for all other officers (except Lawyers). Their assignments and promotions are managed by only senior Docs. They are not subject to the same time-in-grade rules. Promotions are non-competitive, promotion is based upon performance. With a shortage of Docs, it doesn't take much to get promoted. Most are based upon longevity, or an enticement to remain in the Army after they have fulfilled their obligation.

That brings us to Hasan. Despite what the NYTimes says (Hasan is an alleged Muslim convert), is Lebanese born in the US as a Muslim. When he was in college he was disciplined for anti-words and actions. After he joined the Army there are records of him making and doing the same while stationed at Walter-Reed. He was transfered to Ft Hood, where he engaged in the same words and actions. Apparently, all of this overlooked and/or ignored.

Don's opinion. He got away with it in college due to PC. When he joined the Army, I'm sure the acquisition board where anxious to fill a need. The Army was getting bad press about all the mental problems and any new shrink would be welcome. And, him being a Muslim was a plus (diversity). So what he did in college did not out weigh what the Army wanted. While at Walter-Reed, the same two reasons kept him on the job. His little indiscretion were ignored. But, when he got to be too much, they farmed him out to Ft Hood, rather than create a vacancy or address the problem. They sent a hand grenade, with the pin half way pulled, to a point of no return.

Once he got to Ft Hood, he continued his words and actions. His medical supervisor, COL Lee, has admitted that he was aware of what was going on, but, stopped short of trying to solve the problem. Same two reasons. Hasan came down on order for deployment to Iraq and it pushed him too far.

His family are now saying that it is the Army's fault for not letting him get out of the Army. Hasan took his promotion to MAJ, not long ago, and when he did he incurred an additional obligation. Someone is holding his feet to the fire. The family say he was being harassed about his religion. Ignoring his rants that I'm sure caused some reaction.

I am not defending him, I hope he rots in hell. In my mind this was a planned attack and he deserves to be hanged for treason and shot for murder. Also, I hope the Army reviews it acquisition program and the Medical Corp comes to grips with its mismanagement of their officers. Ignoring discipline problems only leads to disaster.