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WASHINGTON, June 1, 2006 – The top coalition operational commander in Iraq has directed his subordinate commanders to conduct training in "core warrior values" for all coalition forces, highlighting the importance of adhering to legal, moral and ethical standards on the battlefield, military officials here announced today.
Officials said U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, Multinational Corps Iraq commander, ordered the training to reinforce and sustain training servicemembers received prior to their deployment to Iraq.
The order comes as the military investigates allegations of servicemembers killing unarmed Iraqi civilians.
"Of the nearly 150,000 coalition forces presently in Iraq, 99.9 percent of them perform their jobs magnificently every day," Chiarelli said. "They do their duty with honor under difficult circumstances.
"They exhibit sound judgment, honesty and integrity. They display patience, professionalism and restraint in the face of a treacherous enemy," he continued. "And they do the right thing even when no one is watching. Unfortunately, there are a few individuals who sometimes choose the wrong path."
Unit leaders will get a slide presentation with training vignettes they can adapt to their organizations. The training package emphasizes professional military values and the importance of disciplined, professional conduct in combat, Iraqi cultural expectations and the second- and third-order effects of actions that are contrary to professional military values, officials said.
"As military professionals, it is important that we take time to reflect on the values that separate us from our enemies," Chiarelli said. "The challenge for us is to make sure the actions of a few do not tarnish the good work of the many."
Units will conduct the training over the next 30 days.
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