Kentucky Reservists file formal complaint
According to an internal source and the USA Today, my former Army Reserve Unit (the 'Flying Tigers') 8/229th Avn Regt based in Ft. Knox Kentucky has filed a formal complaint citing inordinate restrictions during pre-deployment training in Ft. Hood, TX. This is no surprise to IVAW and the Operation Recovery efforts to bring to light the mistreatment of soldiers both on this specific base and the Army in general. The complaint filed April 1st is signed by 178 soldiers, nearly half of the battalion, was written by Captain Brad Docimo an operations officer. While training lock-down is a far less serious injury than deploying soldiers with untreated PTSD, MTS, and TBI symptoms, the culture of neglect spreads far and wide.
Soldiers have rights. Exercising these rights in the form of a complaint is a start, but many soldiers feel that this type of action or further action can decrease or eliminate chances of promotion, cause extra duty assignments, or even physical harm. This is why Iraq Veterans Against the War is critical voice for those veterans who cannot speak out. Standing up for the fair treatment of soldiers is one of IVAW core principles along with reparations for Iraqi citizens and an immediate withdraw.
