Marine Officer Calls Killing of Women and Children Routine:

"I thought it was very sad, very unfortunate, but at the time, I did not suspect any wrongdoing from my Marines," Lt. Col. Jeffrey R. Chessani, commander of the 3rd Battalion of the 1st Marines, said. (Reported by The Washington Post.)

Col. Chessani was the commander of the battalion involved in the Haditha killings last November. "I did not have any reason to believe that this was anything other than combat action," he added. The quotes were provided to The Washington Post by someone sympathetic to the enlisted men involved in the action, according to the news story.

The story portrays a commander who bought any story his subordinates provided him and was completely disengaged with the actions the troops under him were taking.

Those of us who are veterans will recognize the pattern.