Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Military Law Review 220-Summer-2014
Military Law Review 220-Summer-2014
Volume 220
Summer 2014
MILITARY
LAW
REVIEW
ARTICLES
THE MILITARY JUSTICE DIVIDE: WHY ONLY CRIMES AND MILITARY LAWYERS BELONG IN THE
COURT-MARTIAL PROCESS
Major Elizabeth Murphy
TRANSGENDER SERVICE: THE NEXT SOCIAL DOMINO FOR THE ARMY
Major Mark R. Milhiser
BALANCING THE SCALES: APPLYING THE FAIR COMPENSATION PRINCIPLE TO DETERMINE
RECOVERY FROM COMMERCIAL ITEM CONTRACTS TERMINATED FOR THE GOVERNMENTS
CONVENIENCE
Major Phillip T. Korman
IF I HAVE TO FIGHT FOR MY LIFESHOULDNT I GET TO CHOOSE MY OWN STRATEGY? AN
ARGUMENT TO OVERTURN THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICES BAN ON GUILTY
PLEAS IN CAPITAL CASES
Major Frank E. Kostik Jr.
STEWARDSHIP AND THE RETIRED SENIOR LEADER: TOWARD A NEW PROFESSIONAL
ETHIC
Colonel George R. Smawley
IF A TREE FALLS IN THE WOODS AND THE GOVERNMENT DID NOTHING TO CAUSE IT, DOES
IT STILL INVOKE THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA)? EVALUATING KARUK TRIBE V. U.S.
FOREST SERVICE AND ITS IMPACT ON AGENCY ACTION UNDER ESA
Commander David M. Sherry
THE FIFTEENTH ANNUAL SOMMERFELD LECTURE: THE STRUCTURE OF THE CYBER
MILITARY REVOLUTION
Paul Rosenzweig
BOOK REVIEWS
Department of the Army Pamphlet 27-100-220
Summer 2014
CONTENTS
ARTICLES
The Secret to Military Justice Success: Maximizing Experience
Major Jeffrey A. Gilberg
Migs and Monks in Crimea: Russia Flexes Cultural and Military Muscles Revealing
Dire Need for a Stronger International Norm of Uti Possidetis
Major Justin A. Evison
90
The Military Justice Divide: Why Only Crimes and Lawyers Belong in the
Court-Martial Process
Major Elizabeth Murphy
129
191
218
242
Stewardship and the Retired Senior Leader: Toward a New Professional Ethic
Colonel George R. Smawley
292
If a Tree Falls in the Woods and the Government Did Nothing to Cause It, Does It
Still Invoke the Endangered Species Act (ESA)? Evaluating Karuk Tribe v. U.S.
Forest Service and Its Impact on Agency Action Under the ESA
Commander David M. Sherry
316
The Fifteenth Annual Sommerfeld Lecture: The Structure of the Cyber Military
Revolution
Paul Rosenzweig
344
BOOK REVIEWS
Five Lieutenants: The Heartbreaking Story of Five Harvard Men Who Led America to
Victory in World War I
Reviewed by Major Christopher A. LaCour 363
The Savior Generals: How Five Great Commanders Saved Wars That Were LostFrom
Ancient Greece to Iraq
Reviewed by Major David Trainor 372
BOARD OF EDITORS
MAJ LAURA A. ODONNELL, Editor
MAJ DAN E. STIGALL, Assistant Editor
MAJ KEIRSTEN H. KENNEDY, Assistant Editor
MR. CHARLES J. STRONG, Technical Editor
ii
iii
iv
editor. Bound copies are not available and subscribers should make their
own arrangements for binding, if desired.
REPRINT PERMISSION: Contact the Technical Editor, Military
Law Review, The Judge Advocate Generals Legal Center and School,
U.S. Army, ATTN: ALCS-ADA-P, Charlottesville, Virginia 229031781.
vi
Volume 220
Summer 2014
Judge Advocate, U.S. Army. Presently assigned as Brigade Judge Advocate, 1st
Sustainment Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas. LL.M., 2014, The Judge
Advocate Generals School, U.S. Army, Charlottesville, Virginia; J.D., 2004, University
of Maryland School of Law; Bachelor of Arts, 2000, Bowdoin College. Previous
assignments include Military District of Washington, 2005008 (Administrative Law
Attorney, 20052006; Trial Counsel, 20062008); Aberdeen Proving Ground, 2008
2010 (Defense Counsel); and, Fort Drum, 20102013 (Special Victim Prosecutor).
Member of the bars of Massachusetts, Maryland, the District of Columbia, The Court of
Appeals for the Armed Forces, and the United States Supreme Court. This article was
submitted in partial completion of the Master of Laws requirements of the 62nd Judge
Advocate Officer Graduate Course.
1
Narcotics Anonymous World Service Conference Literature Sub-Committee 11 (Nov.
1981). Interestingly, this quotation has often been misattributed to Albert Einstein. See
Michael Becker, Einstein on Misattribution: I probably didnt say that, BECKERS
ONLINE J. (Nov. 13, 2012) [hereinafter Narcotics Anonymous], available at
http://www.news.hypercrit.net/2012/11/13/einstein-on-misattribution-i-probably-didntsay-that/ (analyzing and presenting the possible actual sources for this quotation, to
include Narcotics Anonymous literature).
2
See Major Derrick W. Grace, Sharpening the Quill and Sword: Maximizing
Experience in Military Justice, ARMY LAW., Dec. 2010, at 24 (The Armys military
justice system suffers from a lack of experienced practitioners.).
[Vol. 220
See id. at 31 (pointing out that [o]ften, young, untested counsel in the Army are
assigned cases with little or no supervision or their supervisors lack the time and
experience to provide mentorship).
4
See, e.g. id. See also Major Nathan J. Bankson, A Justice Managers Guide to
Navigating High Profile Cases, ARMY LAW., July 2012, at 4; Brigadier General John S.
Cooke, The Twenty-Sixth Annual Kenneth J. Hodson Lecture: Manual for CourtsMartial 20X, 156 MIL. L. REV. 1 (1998); Major David L. Hayden, Major Willis C. Hunter
& Major Donna L. Wilkins, Training Trial and Defense Counsel: An Approach for
Supervisors, ARMY LAW., Mar. 1994, at 21; Kenneth J. Hodson, Military Justice:
Abolish or Change?, 1975 MIL. L. REV. 579 (1975); Lieutenant Colonel Gary J. Holland,
Tips and Observations from the Trial Bench, ARMY LAW., Jan. 1993, at 9; Major Fansu
Ku, From Law Member to Military Judge: The Continuing Evolution of an Independent
Trial Judiciary in the Twenty-First Century, 199 MIL. L. REV. 49 (2009); Major Stephen
J. McManus, TRIALS: Advocacy Training for Courts-Martial, 35 REP. 16, no. 3 (2008);
Lieutenant Colonel Edye U. Moran, A View from the Bench: The Guilty PleaTraps for
New Counsel, ARMY LAW., Nov. 2008, at 61; Major Lawrence J. Morris, Keystones of the
Military Justice System: A Primer for Chiefs of Justice, ARMY LAW., Oct. 1994, at 15;
Colonel Joe P. Peck, Critique of Counsel Subsequent to Trial, 15 A.F. L. REV. 163
(1973); Colonel Charles N. Pede, Military Justice, The Judge Advocate and the 21st
Century, ARMY LAW., Apr. 2011, at 32; Charles D. Stimson, Sexual Assault in the
Military: Understanding the Problem and How to Fix It, Heritage Foundation, Special
Report from the Douglas & Sarah Allison Ctr. for Foreign Poly Stud., no. 149, Nov. 6,
2013, available at http://report.heritage.org/sr149.
5
See e.g., Grace, supra note 2; Bankson, supra note 4; Cooke, supra note 4; Hayden,
Hunter & Wilkins, supra note 4; Hodson, supra note 4; Holland, supra note 4; Ku, supra
note 4; McManus, supra note 4; Moran, supra note 4; Morris, supra note 4; Peck, supra
note 4; Pede supra note 4; Stimson, supra note 4.
2014]
MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
Major Jeffrey A. Gilberg, Criminal Law Survey (2014) [hereinafter Gilberg Survey]
(on file with author). The survey was anonymous, meaning that all survey responses
have been coded numerically so that nobody other than this author can attribute any
comment to any particular person. To the extent that a specific comment is referenced in
this article, such reference is merely be to that code, rather than to a name. Additionally,
responses are also designated by position. Specifically, chiefs of justice are designated as
COJ; regional defense counsel are designated as RDC; senior defense counsel are
designated as SDC; special victim prosecutors are designated as SVP; trial counsel are
designated as TC; and, court reporters are designated as CR. Therefore, as an example, a
comment made by the 117th trial counsel would be cited as TC117. Additionally, when
referencing any of the anonymous survey responses in this article, the male pronouns
(e.g., he, him) are used over the corresponding female pronouns (e.g., she, her).
However, use of the male pronoun thus does not mean that the referenced survey
response was provided by a male. Similarly, whenever a survey response references
another individual (e.g., an SVP with whom the survey respondent has worked), that
other individual is also referenced as a male (e.g., he, him). Again, this does not mean
that the referenced individual is actually a male. This choice was made to make the
article easier to read by avoiding the use of the terms he/she and him/her.
7
Id. For purposes of this article, military justice litigation positions are those positions
that are actively involved with prosecuting or defending courts-martial, to include COJs,
SDCs, TCs, DCs, and SVPs.
8
Id.
[Vol. 220
Donald Rumsfeld, the two-time former U.S. Secretary of Defense, once admitted that
he was not sure if he had ever had a truly original thought in his entire life. DONALD
RUMSFELD, RUMSFELDS RULES: LEADERSHIP LESSONS IN BUSINESS, POLITICS, WAR, AND
LIFE, at xii (2013). While Rumsfelds admission may be an exaggeration, it nonetheless
highlights an important point; logical solutions often originate in the best practices of
others, building upon their ideas. The plan proposed in this article is no different.
10
Cooke, supra note 4, at 1112. Brigadier General Cooke retired in 1998 as a brigadier
general.
11
Id.
12
See id. at 3 (stating that there is a necessity for military justice to change if it is to
survive and thrive).
2014]
MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
13
Hodson, supra note 4, at 604. Prior to serving as the Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of
Military Review (from 1971 to 1974) Major General Hodson served as The Judge
Advocate General (TJAG) of the U.S. Army Judge Advocate Generals (JAG) Corps (as
27th TJAG from 1967 to 1971). Major General Hodson retired in 1974 as a major
general.
14
Id. See also Peck, supra note 4, at 163 (noting that the inexperienced are assisting
each other, which often multiplies the frequency of errors).
15
Holland, supra note 4, at 9. Lieutenant Colonel Holland retired as a colonel.
16
Id. See also Major Matthew McDonald, A View from the Bench: You Dont Know
What You Dont Know, ARMY LAW., July 2010, at 38, 39 (stating that it should not be
incumbent upon the military judge to catch the mistakes of counsel). Major McDonald
remains on active duty and has since been promoted to lieutenant colonel.
17
Morris, supra note 4, at 15. Major Morris retired as a colonel.
18
Id. (noting that the number of total courts-martial went from 5,803 in 1980 to 1,778 in
1992).
19
Id.
[Vol. 220
20
Id. See also Hayden, Hunter & Wilkins, supra note 4, at 21 (stating that new trial
and defense counsel will not have the benefit of their supervisors experience to the same
extent that their predecessors had).
21
Cooke, supra note 4, at 13. Reduced caseloads have similarly affected the other
services as well. See McManus, supra note 4, at 16 (observing that the decreasing
number of courts-martial has contributed to an overall decrease in litigation
experience).
22
Ku, supra note 4. Major Ku remains on active duty and has since been promoted to
lieutenant colonel. Since publishing her article, she has served as a Deputy Staff Judge
Advocate (DSJA) in Afghanistan, a military judge in the Armys first judicial circuit, and
is currently the Chief of the Defense Counsel Assistance Program (DCAP). E-mail from
Lieutenant Colonel Fansu Ku, to Major Jeffrey A. Gilberg (Feb. 6, 2014, 14:59 EST) (on
file with author).
23
Ku, supra note 4, at 75.
24
Id. at 81 ([T]he supposition that all [j]udge [a]dvocates know how to effectively
practice military justice may no longer be valid.).
25
Major E. John Gregory, The Deployed Court-Martial Experience in Iraq 2010: A
Model for Success, ARMY LAW., Jan. 2012, at 6, 8. Major Gregory remains on active
duty and has since been promoted to lieutenant colonel. E-mail from Lieutenant Colonel
E. John Gregory, to Major Jeffrey A. Gilberg (Mar. 13, 2014, 19:22 EST) (on file with
author).
26
Gregory, supra note 25, at 8.
2014]
MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
27
Id. at 89.
Bankson, supra note 4, at 4. Major Bankson remains a major serving on active duty in
the Litigation Division at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. E-mail from Major Nathan Bankson, to
Major Jeffrey A. Gilberg (Feb. 6, 2014, 09:52 EST) (on file with author).
29
Bankson, supra note 4, at 7, 11.
30
Id. at 26.
31
Grace, supra note 2, at 24. Major Grace remains a major serving on active duty.
Since the publication of his article, Major Grace has served as the Assistant Executive
Officer at The Judge Advocate Generals Legal Center and School (TJAGLCS), a SDC in
Afghanistan, and the COJ at Fort Bliss, Texas. E-mail from Major Derrick W. Grace, to
Major Jeffrey A. Gilberg (Feb. 6, 2014, 09:56 EST) (on file with author).
32
Grace, supra note 2, at 24 n.3.
33
Id. app.
34
Of the 107 survey respondents, 32 were TCs, 10 were senior trial counsel (STCs), 21
were COJs, 21 were SDCs, 21 were DCs, and 2 were not in any of the categories listed
above. E-mail from Major Derrick W. Grace, to Major Jeffrey A. Gilberg (Nov. 1, 2013,
11:00 EST) (on file with author) [hereinafter Grace e-mail].
28
[Vol. 220
35
Grace, supra note 2, at 24. The author obtained the raw data from Major Graces
Survey, which was compiled in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, via e-mail. Grace e-mail,
supra note 34. The percentages that are referenced in this article that pertain to Major
Graces Survey were determined by examining this raw data, rather than simply citing the
percentages that Major Grace selected for inclusion in his article. This author wished to
quantify the survey results in a slightly different way than the manner chosen by Major
Grace for his article. It is important to note that the raw data provided by Major Grace
includes the responses received from 105 judge advocates, rather than the 107 referenced
in Major Graces final article. This is due to Major Grace receiving responses from two
judge advocates who either did not provide their position or the position was outside the
focus of Major Graces analysis. Therefore, although their responses could not be used
for the raw data, their experience warranted inclusion in his article. Additionally, some
of those 105 judge advocates chose to not respond to all of the questions posed by his
survey. For example, only 103 of 105 provided a figure as to how many total cases they
had litigated; only 98 of 105 provided data as to how many contested cases they had
litigated; and, only 94 of 105 provided data as to how much time they had served in
military justice positions during their respective JAG Corps careers. Due to all of the
factors described above, the percentages referenced in this article may not perfectly
match the percentages referenced in Major Graces published article.
36
See generally Major Derrick W. Grace, Criminal Law Survey (2009) [hereinafter
Grace Survey] (on file with author). Although the conventional rule is to spell out
numbers zero to ninety-nine in text and footnotes, this author has elected not to do so in
many sections of this paper. This choice was made to make those sections easier to read.
37
Id.
38
Grace, supra note 2, at 26.
39
Grace Survey, supra note 36.
40
Id.
2014]
MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
41
Id. See also Grace, supra note 2, at 26 (The fact that a STC at one post has
prosecuted more than thirty cases does not assist the TC at a different post whose STC
has little experience and whose COJ is at [ILE] for three months.); Peck, supra note 4, at
163 (concluding that many counsel are unprepared to litigate because they lack an
experienced counsel from whom they can seek guidance and assistance).
42
See generally Gilberg Survey, supra note 6.
43
Id.
44
After coordinating with the Trial Counsel Assistance Program (TCAP) and the
Defense Counsel Assistance Program (DCAP), the accuracy of those lists was confirmed
and/or adjusted by directly contacting the individual judge advocates listed through the
spring of 2014.
45
See generally Gilberg Survey, supra note 6. This was determined by asking each COJ
and SDC how many counsel they supervise and adding all of their respective responses
together. Id. See Appendix A (Distributed Surveys).
10
[Vol. 220
in early 2014, 445 active duty Army judge advocates were serving in
military justice litigation positions.46
Next, in order to obtain a snapshot of the military justice experience
possessed by all 445 of these judge advocates, SVP, COJ, and SDC
survey participants were asked to report back on the total number of
courts-martial they have litigated, how many of those cases were
contested, how many of them were in front of a panel, and how many
total months of their JAG Corps careers they have spent serving in
military justice positions.47 Additionally, COJs and SDCs were asked to
do the same for the counsel they supervise by polling them
individually.48 Thus, the survey sought to obtain the experiential data of
all 230 TCs and all 110 DCs. 49 The survey was successful in achieving
100% participation, meaning that every current SVP, COJ, and SDC
responded, thereby providing a complete indication of the Army JAG
Corps current military justice experience, as represented by the litigation
statistics personally provided by the 445 judge advocates currently
serving in military justice litigation positions.50
The results are troubling. On average, the 445 judge advocates
currently serving in the JAG Corps military justice litigation positions
have tried 16.9 total courts-martial; of those, 7.3 are contested courtsmartial and 4.5 are panel cases.51 Moreover, 48.5% (compared to 41.7%
in the Grace Survey52) of survey respondents have tried 10 or fewer total
cases and 78.0% (compared to 74.5% in the Grace Survey53) have tried
10 or fewer contested courts-martial.54 Broken down further, 71.7%
(compared to 66.7% in the Grace Survey55) of responding TCs have tried
46
See generally id. This number was determined by adding the total number of SVPs
(23), COJs (48), SDCs (34), TCs (230), DCs (110) to reach the combined total of 445.
Additionally, five RDCs also participated in this survey; however, for purposes of this
article, those positions, while in the military justice arena, are not considered litigation
positions.
47
See id. See Appendix A (Distributed Surveys).
48
Id.
49
See generally id.
50
Id.
51
Id. Even more troubling is that the median for these values (total courts-martial,
contested courts-martial, panel cases) reflect an even lower level of experience. Id.
52
Grace Survey, supra note 36.
53
Id.
54
Gilberg Survey, supra note 6.
55
Grace Survey, supra note 36.
2014]
MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
11
Id.
62
12
Position
Total Cases
Average /
Median
Total
Contested
Cases
Average /
Median
Total Panel
Cases
Average /
Median
230 TCs
48 COJs
110 DCs
34 SDCs
23 SVPs
Total
(445)
7.42 / 5
29.0 / 23
18.3 / 16.5
31.8 / 30
58.7 / 50
16.9 / 10
3.2 / 1
11.6 / 8
7.7 / 7
11.4 / 10
30.8 / 25
7.3 / 4
2.0 / 1
8.1 / 6
4.6 / 3
7.0 / 6
20.2 / 15
4.5 / 2
[Vol. 220
Total
Months in
Military
Justice
Average /
Median
13.16 / 11
45 / 45
25.9 / 26
45.5 / 40
71.5 / 72
25.2 / 18
67
See, e.g., United States v. Hornback, 73 M.J. 155 (C.A.A.F 2014) (providing an
example of just how detrimental it can be to send an inexperienced practitioner into court
alone).
68
Id.
69
Id.
70
Id. at 156.
71
Id. at 15659.
2014]
MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
13
72
Id. at 160.
Id. at 162.
74
Id. at 16465.
75
Id. at 165 n.1.
76
Id.
77
Id.
78
See id.
79
See Morris, supra note 4, at 36 (stating that one way to exploit the experience is to
second-chair cases); Bankson, supra note 4, at 12 (suggesting that more experienced
counsel can coach, train and mentor the junior counsel as they work on the case
together).
80
See Peck, supra note 4, at 163 (encouraging counsel to keep an inquisitive mind and
not be ashamed to ask for suggestions and guidance from more experienced counsel);
Colonel Dennis F. Coupe & Major Charles E. Trant, The Role of Chiefs of Military
Justice as Coaches of Trial, ARMY LAW., Aug. 1987, at 5, 9 (stressing that
[c]onstructive post-trial critiques immediately after trial, with followup after reading the
record of trial, stretch the trial experience into a learning continuum).
73
14
[Vol. 220
integrity of the case.81 In fact, some of the sister services have already
launched litigation programs that seek to provide on-the-job professional
development to junior judge advocates while also litigating a highquality case.
In 1972, the Air Force (AF) created the STC program to identify its
best and most experienced litigators to serve as STCs and try the
toughest cases.82 These cases include sexual assault, child abuse, and
homicides.83 Currently, there are 18 AF STCs who are hand-selected
litigators stationed across the United States, Europe, and Asia.84 The
program has been integrated into the fabric of [AF] military justice85
and is utilized by AF SJAs from the investigation stage all the way
through trial to maximize the quality of the governments case.86 With
an experienced litigator available to SJAs, cases are litigated and
litigated well.87
Lieutenant Colonel Brian M. Thompson, who currently manages the
AF STC program, reports that the AFs overall conviction rate in sexual
assault cases last year was 20% higher when a qualified STC was
detailed to the case.88 But, most importantly, these 18 STCs also
approach each case as an opportunity to teach, train, and develop the
junior judge advocate sitting with them at counsel table.89 As Lieutenant
Colonel Thompson points out, STCs are typically teamed with a judge
81
See Coupe & Trant, supra note 80, at 11 (concluding that quality coaching will result
in cases being tried more effectively and professionally).
82
Major Brian M. Thompson, Fact Sheet: Senior Trial Counsel . . . The Air Force
Special Victims Unit (Feb. 20, 2013) [hereinafter AF STC Fact Sheet] (on file with
author). Major Thompson remains on active duty in the Air Force and has since been
promoted to lieutenant colonel.
83
Id.
84
E-mail from Lieutenant Colonel Brian M. Thompson, to Major Jeffrey A. Gilberg
(Feb. 18, 2014, 11:50 EST) (on file with author).
85
AF STC Fact Sheet, supra note 82. The O-6 Chief of the AF Government Trial and
Appellate Counsel Division supervises the program through the O-5 Chief Senior Trial
Counsel (CSTCs), who provides mentoring, feedback, and detailing decisions to STCs
while also maintaining an active caseload (12 to 15 courts-martial per year). Major Brian
M. Thompson, Fact Sheet: The Air Force Special Victims UnitCurrent Structure In
Detail (Feb. 20, 2013) [hereinafter AF SVU Fact Sheet] (on file with author).
86
AF STC Fact Sheet, supra note 82.
87
E-mail from Lieutenant Colonel Brian M. Thompson, to Major Jeffrey A. Gilberg
(Feb. 17, 2014, 12:21 EST) (on file with author).
88
Id. (stating that the AF sexual assault conviction rate is 67% when an appropriately
qualified STC is detailed to the case, versus 47% when one is not).
89
Id.
2014]
MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
15
advocate who has less than two year[s] experience and likely has
prosecuted fewer than five courts-martial.90 This, he argues, benefits
the junior TCs by providing them one-on-one attention from seasoned
[judge advocates], who review and supervise their work during the
cauldron of actual courts-martial.91 As such, the AF has succeeded in
implementing a prosecution program that not only results in quality cases
litigated by experienced counsel, but also provides effective military
justice professional development to inexperienced counsel, thereby
developing the next generation of [AF] litigators.92
Similarly, the United States Marine Corps (USMC) carefully details
TCs and DCs to courts-martial so that appropriate and qualified
individuals litigate cases.93 Marine Corps judge advocates may be
detailed as a TC, ATC, DC, and ADC by their commanding officer, OIC,
or designee.94 Further, detailing TCs must be based upon the
perspective, experience, qualifications, and other traditional officer
duties of the counsel being considered.95 Likewise, detailing defense
counsel, which rests with the Chief Defense Counsel (CDC), also
considers the perspective experience of counsel.96
However, striving to produce well-litigated cases by detailing
competent litigators is only half of the USMC objective; it is also USMC
policy to detail ATCs and ADCs to litigate these cases with an assigned
first chair.97 Similar to the AFs STC program, the USMCs detailing
policy also strives to present well-litigated cases while also utilizing real
cases as training opportunities to teach, train, and mentor co-counsel.98
90
Id.
Id.
92
Id.
93
U.S. MARINE CORPS, ORDER P5800.16A, MARINE CORPS MANUAL FOR LEGAL
ADMINISTRATION paras. 1204, 2006 (31 Aug. 1999) (C7, 10 Feb. 2014) [hereinafter
LEGADMINMAN].
94
Id.
95
Id. para. 1204(2)(b).
96
Id. paras. 2006(1)-(2).
97
See id. (The detailing of assistant defense counsel to contested and/or complex cases
is encouraged.).
98
See U.S. MARINE CORPS, MARINE CORPS MILITARY JUSTICE REPORT FISCAL YEAR
2013, at 9 (6 Mar. 2014) (stating that the USMC provides mentorship and on-the-job
training offered by the [regional trial counsel] and other experienced judge advocates)
[hereinafter USMC REPORT].
91
16
[Vol. 220
Like the Marines and the AF, the Army has launched an initiative of
its own that seeks to exploit the litigation experience within its Corps. In
January 2009, the Secretary of the Army directed the creation of 15
[SVP] authorizations.99 These SVPs, from lieutenant colonel to captain,
are to focus exclusively on litigation and training during 3-year tours
with an emphasis on sexual assault.100 In May 2011, the SVP program
was expanded to a total of 23 SVPs.101 Because of the sensitive and
emotional demands of the position, only those individuals with the right
trial skills and people skills are selected to serve as SVPs.102 The SVPs
are regional positions thatalthough assigned to the United States Army
Legal Services Agency (USALSA) at Fort Belvoir, Virginiaare
physically dispersed with duty at various installations across the Army to
serve not only that installation but also their entire respective geographic
area of responsibility (AOR).103
An SVPs mission is twofold.104 First, it is to develop and litigate
special victim cases within their geographic [AOR].105 SVPs should be
detailed to prosecute sexual assault cases and family violence cases and
must be consulted in every sexual assault and special victim case in their
respective jurisdictions.106 Second, the SVPs mission is to develop,
implement, and execute sexual assault and family violence training
programs for investigators and TCs in their respective AORs.107 This
twofold mission of litigation and training is managed by TCAP, which
requires each SVP to regularly coordinate and report on the number and
status of each pending case within their jurisdictions.108
99
Major General Scott C. Black, Special Victim Prosecutors and Highly Qualified
Experts in Military Justice, TJAG SENDS, Jan. 2009 [hereinafter SVP Program
Announcement].
100
Id.
101
Lieutenant General Dana K. Chipman, Expansion of Special Victim Prosecutor
Program, TJAG SENDS, May 26, 2011 [hereinafter SVP Expansion Announcement].
102
Id.
103
Policy Memorandum 14-06, Office of The Judge Advocate General, U.S. Dept of
Army, subject: Special Victim ProsecutorsPOLICY MEMORANDUM 14-06 para. 4.
(22 Jan. 2014) [hereinafter SVP Policy Memorandum]. An SVPs rating chain includes
both an installation and an OTJAG-level supervisor. Id. para. 5.
104
Id. para. 3.
105
Id.
106
Id. paras. 7b-c.
107
Id. para. 3b.
108
Id. para. 3d. The SVPs comply with this requirement by updating the online SVP
database as well as submitting a case tracker and significant action slide each month to
the Chief of TCAP. Telephone Interview with Lieutenant Colonel Alex Pickands, Chief,
TCAP (Mar. 12, 2014) [hereinafter Pickands Interview].
2014]
MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
17
Similar to the AFs STC Program and the USMCs detailing policies,
the Armys SVP program also successfully leverages litigation
experience by pairing seasoned practitioners with junior counsel in real
cases.109
Each case is a valuable training opportunity for an
inexperienced attorney to learn from a battle-tested litigator.110 For
example, as one current SVP noted, a substantial amount of his time is
spent teaching TCs a great deal about how to be a TC.111 A former
SVP noted that at trial, he would take the time to explain to the TC
everything they were doing and also why they were doing it.112 Another
former SVP revealed that on cases in which he was detailed in front of
the bar, the TCs received scores of hours of one-on-one live advice,
assistance, collaboration, and strategy.113 These efforts were and
continue to be instrumental in TC development.
The SVP program demonstrates that pairing seasoned litigators with
new counsel both greatly enhances the professional development of those
new counsel and also improves the quality of the case presented.
Lieutenant Colonel Alex Pickands, who previously served as SVP at Fort
Hood and currently manages the SVP program as Chief of TCAP, reports
that SVPs have significantly increased the quality of our litigation
practice.114
Additionally, one current SVP described an important
motion session during which the TC became flustered, leaned over, and
whispered Sir, youve got this right? Because I am way out of my
league here.115 The SVP was able to step in and provide the appropriate
response, which the MJ later acknowledged had assisted him in issuing
the appropriate ruling.116 Although the primary motivation behind the
SVP programs creation may not have been to pair experienced litigators
with junior counsel on real cases, it has nonetheless become a convenient
side-benefit of the program.
109
18
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2014]
MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
19
Position
(Number of
Responses)
Responded
Yes
Responded
Yes/No
Total of Yes
and Yes/No
Responses
Responded No
TC Responses
(121)
93 (76.9%)
12 (9.9%)
105 (86.8%)
16 (13.2%)
COJ Responses
(42)
35 (83.3%)
7 (16.7%)
42 (100%)
0 (0%)
SVP Responses
(35)
32 (91.4%)
3 (8.6%)
35 (100%)
0 (0%)
SDC Responses
(33)
17 (51.5%)
12 (36.4%)
29 (87.9%)
4 (12.1%)
CR Responses
(25)
17 (68%)
4 (16%)
21 (84%)
4 (16%)
MJ Responses
(8)
4 (50%)
4 (50%)
8 (100%)
0 (0%)
Total (264)
Percentage
198
75%
42
15.9%
240
90.9%
24
9.1%
Gilberg Survey, supra note 6. The five RDCs who participated in this survey were
not asked the question. See Appendix A (Distributed Surveys).
123
Gilberg Survey, supra note 6. It is important to acknowledge that of those 240 survey
respondents that answered yes, 42 of them noted that they have also observed cases
where the SVPs contribution to the professional development of the junior judge
advocate sitting with them at trial was less than what it could have been. Id. Of the 24
survey respondents that answered no to the question of whether SVPs contribute to the
military justice development of junior judge advocates, 11 complained that the SVP was
not sufficiently qualified, 10 of them critiqued the SVPs lack of involvement in the case,
and 7 criticized the SVP for not sharing the case enough at trial. Id. Additionally, 6
commented that the SVP was not interested in teaching the TC. Id.
124
See, e.g., id. SVP1 (Ive tried to take on a mentorship role to empower them to take
ownership of their cases . . . .), SVP11 (describing himself as a teaching SVP who is
there to assist TCs in every aspect of their work), SVP24 (characterizing every case as a
training opportunity).
125
See generally id.
20
[Vol. 220
Id. COJ5 (The SVP provided an example of what right looked like for the TC, and
guided the TC through the challenging parts of the case.), COJ12 ([H]aving an
experienced litigator assisting during the trial showed the TCs what right looks like and
provided experience to draw from at future trials.).
127
Id. COJ16.
128
Id. COJ7 (characterizing the SVP as invaluable), COJ30 (noting that the SVP has
been an invaluable asset that helps to develop the TC not only with the nuances of
navigating the complex development/changes in Art[icle] 120 over the last 6 y[ea]rs, but
also helps them to understand the court-martial process as a whole), COJ35
(commenting that their SVP was invaluable, serving as a rock that counsel have relied
upon).
129
Id. COJ6 (describing the SVP as an indispensable asset in mentoring and coaching
junior TCs).
130
Id. COJ1.
131
Id. SDC2.
132
Id. SDC5. This SDC even went as far to analogize this scene to that of a frenzy of
baby piglets trying to get to the teat of knowledge. Id.
133
Id. SDC22 (noting that the SVPs [o]n the spot guidance and corrections were
evident).
134
Id. SDC27 (stating that the SVP was helpful and worked through solutions with the
trial counsel instead of just telling them what to do).
135
Id. SDC7 (I have no doubt that the SVP contributed significantly to the TCs level of
preparedness and presentation.).
136
Id. SDC19.
2014]
MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
21
In one survey response, an SVP encouraged this author to ask the TCs with whom he
worked to obtain more accurate information since, in his view, those TCs are strong
willed enough to provide an honest assessment of the SVPs contribution. Id. SVP6.
138
See Appendix A (Distributed Surveys).
139
Id.
140
See generally Gilberg survey, supra note 6.
141
Id. It is important to acknowledge that of those 105 survey respondents, 12 of them
noted that the SVP programs overall impact upon their professional development was
less than what it could have been. Id.
142
Id.
143
Id. TC74. See also id. TC41 (If I had to pinpoint one person who developed me the
most as a litigator, it would have to be this SVP.), TC51 (If it wasnt for our SVP, I
would have been lost.).
144
Id. TC84. See also id. TC54 (I grew leaps and bounds thanks to the participation of
the SVP.), TC96 (volunteering that the SVP was the first lawyer to really mentor me on
how to try a case and make me feel confident in the product).
145
See, e.g., id. TC46 (acknowledging that the SVP was/is paramount to my
development).
146
See, e.g., id. TC13 (crediting the SVPs involvement as instrumental in my
professional development.).
22
[Vol. 220
See, e.g., id. TC52 (noting that the SVP was integral in my preparation).
See, e.g., id. TC109 (writing that having an SVP at the table was essential to my
military justice professional development).
149
See, e.g., id. TC68 (labeling the SVP as vital to my professional development).
150
See, e.g., id. TC16 (describing an SVP as a phenomenal legal resource, but more
importantly, a great officer and person).
151
See, e.g., id. TC44 (writing that the SVPs assistance was indispensable on a very
difficult case).
152
See, e.g., id. TC67 (The SVPs participation contributed to my [military justice]
professional development immensely.).
153
Id. TC47. See also id. TC28 (The SVPs involvement throughout trial preparation
opened my eyes to considerations I would not have otherwise made.).
154
See Appendix A (Distributed Surveys). The five RDCs that participated in this
survey were not asked this question. Id.
155
Gilberg Survey, supra note 6. It is important to acknowledge that of those 241 survey
respondents that answered yes, 37 of them also noted that in at least one case, the
SVPs contribution to the quality of the case was less than what it could have been. Id.
Of the 23 survey respondents who answered no, 14 of them cited the SVPs busy
workload as the reason, whereas 8 of them believe that the SVP(s) they worked with were
not sufficiently qualified. Id.
156
See e.g., id. SVP6 (I believe almost no child case would have gone forward or had
the minor victim testify if it wasnt for the SVP [p]rogram.), SVP18 (reflecting that a
few cases were put in the win column that perhaps should not have been all because we
had the better more logically sound theory), SVP24 (asserting that [o]n at least one
case Im convinced that my being on the case was the difference between an acquittal and
a conviction), SVP25 (recalling one case in which important evidence would not have
been admitted but for the SVPs presence), SVP29 (estimating that [i]n approximately
one-third of [his] cases, [he] uncovered a victim or victims that law enforcement had
never found).
157
See generally id.
148
2014]
MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
Total of
Yes and
Yes/No
Responses
106
(87.6%)
23
Position
(Number of
Responses)
Responded
Yes
Responded
Yes/No
TC
Responses
(121)
COJ
Responses
(42)
SVP
Responses
(35)
SDC
Responses
(33)
CR
Responses
(25)
MJ
Responses
(8)
Total (264)
Percentage
98 (81.0%)
8 (6.6%)
30 (71.4%)
11 (26.2%)
41
(97.6%)
1 (2.4%)
32 (91.4%)
2 (5.7%)
34
(97.1%)
1 (2.9%)
22 (66.7%)
8 (24.2%)
30
(90.9%)
3 (9.1%)
19 (76%)
3 (12%)
22 (88%)
3 (12%)
3 (37.5%)
5 (62.5%)
8 (100%)
0 (0%)
204
77.3%
37
14.0%
241
91.2%
23
8.7%
Responded
No
15 (12.4%)
See, e.g., id. COJ14 (commenting that TCs generally have little experience, and
having a more experienced litigator in the courtroom is essential), COJ17 (noting that
the SVPs experience was evident during the trial in almost every imaginable event one
would expect a junior TC to stumble over).
159
Bankson, supra note 4, at 11.
160
Gilberg Survey, supra note 6.
161
Id.
162
Id. COJ34.
24
[Vol. 220
Id. COJ47.
Id. COJ31. See also id. COJ8 (asserting that the SVPs familiarity with the same
experts/issues contributed greatly to the presentation of the governments case).
165
Id. SDC9.
166
Id. SDC5.
167
Id. SDC2 (finding that the SVPs have streamlined [g]overnment cases and avoided
what would have otherwise been a needless presentation of additional witnesses).
168
Id. SDC33.
169
Id. SDC16.
170
Id. SDC19.
171
Id. SDC6.
172
Id. It is important to acknowledge that of those 106 survey respondents, 8 of them
also noted that the SVPs contribution to the quality of the case that was presented at trial
was less than what it could have been. Id.
173
Id.
174
Id. TC16. See also id. TC33 (I am 100% positive that the case would have been lost
but for the SVP.), TC88 (wondering what would have happened without the SVP).
164
2014]
MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
25
175
Id. TC24.
Id. TC34 (noting that in the bridge-the-gap session that followed the trial, the military
judge commented that he had never seen a more effective cross of the defense expert
forensic psychiatrist as the SVP had done in that case). See also id. TC108 (admitting
that without the SVP, the use of [the governments] experts would have been far less
effective).
177
Id. TC43 (crediting the SVPs skill in closing argument with singlehandedly
winning one of his cases). See also id. TC35 (noting that the SVPs closing argument
without a doubt put the nail in the coffin and solidified the guilty verdict).
178
Id. TC3 (acknowledging that the SVPs handle on the rules of evidence contributed a
great deal to allowing the government to get into evidence material that otherwise might
have been left out, and to stop defense from entering into evidence improper evidence).
179
Id. TC4 (praising the SVP for developing and executing a coherent presentation . . .
of the case).
180
Id. TC30. See also id. TC59 (stating that at trial, our SVP was one of the best
litigators I have seen).
181
See Appendix A (Distributed Surveys).
182
See generally Gilberg Survey, supra note 6.
183
Id.
176
26
[Vol. 220
COJs
SDCs
CRs
MJs
RDCs
Total
Percentage
32
27
12
80
70.8%
22
11
46
40.7%
11
11
31
27.4%
See, e.g., id. COJ7 (The strength of the SVP program is the institutional knowledge
and subject matter expertise [SVPs] bring to the process.), SDC20 (noting that having
someone who has looked at a number of cases and tried a number of contested courtsmartial is the SVP [p]rograms greatest strength), CR13 (commenting that one of the
programs strengths is that [e]xperienced litigators are in the courtroom assisting the
junior litigators).
185
See, e.g., id. COJ37 (The TCs like having a seasoned, experienced litigator assist
them, especially with issue spotting, making charging decisions, and developing themes
for sentencing.), SDC1 (stating that [m]any SVPs are quality litigators that can be a
tremendous asset to new TCs), CR22 (observing that SVPs mentor trial counsel by
sharing sensitive cases).
186
See, e.g,. id. COJ15 (stating that the harmonizing disposition of cases across the
Army is a strength of the SVP program), SDC15 (observing that the SVP program
allows an experienced litigator to provide an honest assessment of the strengths and
weaknesses of a case), CR13 (finding that [c]ases are cleaner and flow easier, from
start to finish).
187
See, e.g., id. COJ14 (commenting that the SVP program gives victims more
confidence in the system), SDC7 (noting that a principle strength of the SVP program is
that it prioritizes taking care of victims), CR4 (asserting that [t]he additional body to
work with that victim is a huge asset).
188
See generally id.
2014]
MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
Contributes to
better victim
care
Provides a
needed focus
to sexual
assault in the
military
Helps retain
quality judge
advocates by
allowing them
to remain in
the courtroom
SVP Selection
Undecided /
Unsure
Continuity
There are
none
27
11
19
16.8%
14
12.4%
10
8.9%
2
0
1
0
1
4
1
0
0
0
5
4
4.4%
3.5%
3
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
3
2
2.7%
1.8%
189
See, e.g., id. COJ11 (observing that SVPs are often so over-extended that its hard
for them to keep a hand in everything), SDC23 (stating that SVPs are so busy that they
cannot get involved in cases early), CR8 (asserting that some SVPs have way too much
on their plate).
190
See, e.g., id. COJ22 (noting that there are not enough [SVPs] to go around), SDC29
(observing that SVPs are spread thin), CR7 (I dont believe there are enough SVPs out
there to handle the caseload.).
191
See, e.g., id. SDC24 (remarking that the attitude some SVPs bring is not simply one
of zealously seeking justice but rather one of being on a mission from God), CR16
(noting that some SVPs are becoming too personally involved with cases and are
[losing] sight of what is important in the case).
192
See, e.g., id. COJ3 (frustrated by his inability to detail the SVP to anything outside the
program), COJ13 ([SVPs] arent accountable to the chain of command, so when the
results arent what was hoped for, the very junior TC is held to task, and perhaps didnt
understand the trial strategies that got to a particular endstate.).
193
See, e.g., id. COJ27 (commenting that many of the SVPs are not as experienced as I
feel they should be), SDC7 (One weakness I see with the SVP program is that it does
not always recruit experienced prosecutors, especially in smaller jurisdictions.), CR8
(observing that some SVPs still have issues with basics such as proper demeanor and
appearance in court, how to properly enunciate when arguing, coordinating evidence in
28
[Vol. 220
COJs
16
SDCs
7
CRs
7
MJs
0
RDCs
5
Total
31
Percentage
27.4%
16
24
21.2%
23
20.4%
7
9
12
5
1
3
2
4
1
2
2
1
1
1
0
18
17
17
15.9%
15.0%
15.0%
11
9.7%
2
4
0
6
2
0
1
2
4
0
0
0
1
0
0
10
8
4
8.9%
7.1%
3.5%
2014]
MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
29
30
[Vol. 220
The idea that every contested case should be litigated by an experienced counsel is
not novel. See, e.g., McDonald, supra note 16, at 40 (stating that many trial issues could
be resolved by greater involvement by first-line supervisors); Grace, supra note 2, at 31
(stressing that detailing an experienced litigator to every contested case would provide
junior counsel with quality supervision sitting right next to them in court).
207
U.S. ARMY TRIAL JUDICIARY, https://www.jagcnet.army.mil/USATJ# (last visited
Mar. 19, 2014).
208
U.S. ARMY TRIAL DEFENSE SERV., https://www.jagcnet.army.mil/8525781C
0048C0D5 (last visited Mar. 19, 2014).
209
SVP Expansion Announcement, supra note 101.
2014]
MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
31
E-mail from Teresa Scalzo, to Major Jeffrey A. Gilberg (Jan. 29, 2014, 17:26 EST)
(on file with author).
211
PowerPoint Presentation of Commander Aaron C. Rugh, on Navy Prosecution
Regions slide 1 (Oct. 10, 2013) [hereinafter Navy Prosecution Regions] (on file with
author). The nine regions are: Mid-Atlantic, Naval District of Washington, Southeast,
Midwest, Northwest, Southwest, Hawaii, Japan, EURAFSWA. Id.
212
Id. slide 2.
213
Id.
214
Id.
215
Id.
216
Id.
217
PowerPoint Presentation of Major Mark D. Sameit, on Commandant of Marine Corps
directed reorganization of USMC legal community slides 12 (Oct. 10, 2013) [hereinafter
USMC Legal Community] (on file with author). The four regions are: the National
Capital Region, East, West, and Pacific. Id. slide 1.
218
Marine Administrative Message, 416/12, 011520Z Aug 12, Commandant, Marine
Corps, subject: Provision of Legal Services Support para. 3A [hereinafter MARADMIN
416/12].
32
[Vol. 220
219
Id. para. 3D. The Legal Services Support Sections (LSSS) regional offices are
located at MCB Camp Butler (Pacific), MCN Camp Lejeune (East), MCB Camp
Pendleton (West), and MCN Quantico (National Capital Region). Id.
220
Id.
221
Id. para. 3E. The nine permanent (LSSTs) are located at MCB Camp Butler (Camp
Foster), MCB Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay), MCB Camp Lejeune, MCAS Cherry Point,
MCRD Parris Island, MCB Camp Pendleton, MCAS Miramar, MCAGCC Twenty Nine
Palms, and MCB Quantico. Id.
222
USMC Legal Community, supra note 217, slides 12.
223
Id. slide 1.
224
Id.
225
MARADMIN 416/12, supra note 218, para. 3F. The chain of command runs from
the LSST OIC, up through the LSSS OIC and the respective regional MCI SJA with the
OICs of the LSSSs and LSSTs exercising direction and control over their sections and
teams. Id.
226
Id. para. 3G.
227
Id. para. 3L.
2014]
MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
33
E-mail from Commander Aaron R. Rugh, to Major Jeffrey A. Gilberg (Mar. 11, 2014,
14:59 EST) (on file with author).
229
Id.
230
Memorandum from Staff Judge Advocate, to the Commandant of the Marine Corps,
to Commandant of the Marine Corps (6 Mar. 2014), included in USMC REPORT, supra
note 98.
231
See Appendix B (Proposed Military Justice Regional Alignment).
34
[Vol. 220
232
Major Percival Park, The Army Judge Advocate Generals Corps, 19751982, 96
MIL. L. REV. 5, 34 (1982).
233
Id.
234
Id. See also Pickands Interview, supra note 108.
235
The Chief of TCAP would ordinarily hold the rank of colonel.
236
The Deputy of TCAP would ordinarily hold the rank of lieutenant colonel.
237
The TCAP Training Officers would ordinarily hold the rank of major or captain.
238
The Chief Prosecutors (CPs) would ordinarily hold the rank of lieutenant colonel.
239
The SVPs would ordinarily hold the rank of major. See Gilberg Survey, supra note 6,
TC84 (I think SVPs should be MAJs with a particular level of experience), SDC20
(observing many times where a captain SVP was challenged to explain things in greater
detail to senior officers because even though the words may be the same, if he was a
[major], there would be a lot more credibility behind his statements without having to
explain his level of trial experience).
240
The STCs would ordinarily hold the rank of captain.
241
Every position that operates under the TCAP umbrella would officially be assigned to
the U.S. Legal Services Agency (USALSA).
2014]
MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
35
242
There would also be at least two Highly Qualified Experts (HQEs) assigned to TCAP
to assist with its dual mission. The HQEs would continue to be utilized as they are
nowas both case consultants and conference instructors. See Appendix C (Proposed
Government and Defense Litigation Models).
243
Creating a regional litigation position is not a new idea. See, e.g., Grace, supra note
2, at 24 (proposing that the Army should add a regional military justice practitioner).
244
Of course, the SJA would always be free to deviate from this default. But, unless the
SJA affirmatively does so in a particular case, such detailing decisions would normally be
made by CPs, with consultation and input from the COJ. This is similar to how many
offices already function with the COJ handling most detailing decisions.
36
[Vol. 220
The Chief of TCAP would assist the CP with the logistics of ensuring that an attorney
is available to be detailed in the conflicted SVPs place.
246
In the event that there is not an SVP or a CP available, the Chief of TCAP would
make one of the STCs or TCAP Training Officers available to the CP to detail to the case
in the conflicted SVPs place.
247
The Chief of TCAP would assist the CP with the logistics of ensuring that an attorney
is available to be detailed in the conflicted STCs place.
2014]
MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
37
248
In the event that there is not an STC or a CP available, the Chief of TCAP would
make one of the SVPs or TCAP Training Officers available to the CP to detail to the case
in the conflicted SVPs place.
249
See, e.g., Gilberg Survey, supra note 6, COJ32 (identifying one of the weaknesses of
the SVP program as the SVPs inability to assist in depth on non-victim cases), SDC12
(suggesting that it would be nice to have an experienced prosecutor on staff for all types
of cases), SDC34 (asking why we need an expert for cases with victims but not for
other complex cases, such as BAH fraud?).
250
The COJs should utilize the CPs, SVPs, and STCs as instructors when designing,
scheduling, and executing local TC training. See Lieutenant Colonel Maureen A. Kohn,
Special Victim UnitsNot a Prosecution Program but a Justice Program, ARMY LAW.,
Mar. 2010, at 68, 73 (encouraging SVPs to work closely with COJs because part of the
SVPs role is to mentor and guide the trial counsel); Hayden, Hunter & Williams, supra
note 4, 29 (noting that [r]egularly scheduled in-house training is another important tool
that the supervisor can use to enhance the advocacy skills of assigned counsel).
38
[Vol. 220
2014]
MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
39
40
[Vol. 220
B. Working Together:
Position
263
Masterton, supra note 252, at 16. Lieutenant Colonel Masterton retired as a colonel.
Id.
265
The Chief of DCAP would assist the RDC with the logistics of ensuring that a
qualified attorney is available to be detailed in the conflicted SDCs place.
264
2014]
MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
41
266
See Gregory, supra note 25, at 17 (It is therefore imperative that a specific TC and a
specific OSJA take ownership of the case.).
267
See Gilberg Survey, supra note 6, COJ30 (highlighting the importance of SVPs being
an asset of the SJA and the COJ).
268
Cooke, supra note 4, at 28 (writing that [m]ore attention also needs to be paid to the
role and responsibility of staff judge advocates).
269
Peck, supra note 4, at 163 (stressing the importance of seeking SJA guidance when
appropriate).
270
See, e.g., Gilberg Survey, supra note 6, SVP7 (describing the assistance that he
provides as encouraging the TCs to own the case and helping them with complicated
areas without taking the case away from them).
42
[Vol. 220
271
Morris, supra note 4, at 26 (Too few courts-martial occur for counsel to acquire
enough experience by only trying cases solo.); Gregory, supra note 25, at 25 n.117
(asserting that in many cases, detailing too many counsel often results in a loss of unity of
effort). See also Gilberg Survey, supra note 6, CR21 (observing multiple cases in which
the quality of the case presentation suffered because there were too many counsel at the
governments table).
272
See Gilberg Survey, supra note 6, SVP1 (advocating that TCs should be encouraged
to take ownership of their cases).
273
For the government, this means either a CP, SVP, STC, or TCAP Training Officer.
For the defense, this means either a RDC, SDC, or DCAP Training Officer.
274
See Kohn, supra note 250, at 76 (emphasizing that [t]eamwork is the key element in
sexual assault investigations and prosecutions).
275
See Morris, supra note 4, at 28 (stressing that [c]ounsel literally should touch every
case every day).
276
See Lieutenant Colonel James H. Kennedy, III, Pragmatic Execution of Foundational
Leadership, 39 REP. no. 1, 4, 6 (2012) (The most important and hardest part of being a
successful military justice attorney: preparation.).
2014]
MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
43
cases are won by careful preparation before trial, not brilliant advocacy
during trial.277
For the government, the CP would decide whom to detail to the
casealthough, ordinarily it would be the local TC assigned to the
jurisdiction from which the case arose and the geographically closest
SVP or STC. In the event that the experienced counsel is unable to
assume such an active and early role, he must inform his CP as soon as
possible so that another experienced counsel may be detailed in his place
immediately. Once a case changes from a contest to a guilty plea, the CP
will ordinarily replace the experienced litigator with another local TC to
provide that other junior TC with an opportunity to gain additional
litigation experience.278 Even though the case has become a guilty plea,
both detailed counsel should continue to work as a team, each
performing their share of the work by dividing the labor evenly.
Similarly for the defense, the RDC would decide whom to detail to
the casealthough, ordinarily it would be the local DC who has
established an attorney-client relationship and the geographically closest
SDC. In the event that the identified SDC is unable to assume such an
active and early role, he must inform his RDC as soon as possible so that
another experienced counsel may be detailed in his place immediately
(and preferably prior to establishing an attorney-client relationship).279
However, unlike the government, if a case changes from a contest to a
guilty plea, the SDC may remain on the case, depending upon the
circumstances.280
Masterton, supra note 252, at 22. See also McDonald, supra note 16, at 39
(suggesting that counsel can overcome basic mistakes with better trial preparation).
278
However, in certain cases, the experienced litigator would remain on the case even
after the case has changed from a contest to a guilty plea. For example, an SVP or STC
might remain on a guilty plea if the TC was new, continuity of victim care required it, or
the SJA demanded it.
279
Masterton, supra note 252, at 7 (stressing that it is important to identify conflict cases
as early as possible).
280
This is primarily due to the client dynamics making it more difficult for DCs to
switch in and out of cases; they are not the fungible counsel that TCs are.
44
[Vol. 220
281
See Coupe & Trant, supra note 80, at 11 (emphasizing that an experienced
practitioner can raise pretrial and post-trial issues and offer suggestions on trial
preparation that simply would not occur to new counsel); McDonald, supra note 16, at
39 (Counsel should not hesitate to seek the advice of more experienced practitioners and
bounce ideas off more experienced litigators.).
282
See Captain Elizabeth Cameron Hernandez & Captain Jason M. Ferguson, The Brady
Bunch: An Examination of Disclosure Obligations in the Civilian Federal and Military
Justice Systems, 67 A.F. L. REV. 187, 237 (2011) (suggesting that counsel should seek
supervisory intervention when appropriate). Of course, for certain disagreements among
defense counsel, the tiebreaker could be the client as opposed to the RDC.
283
In the event that the RDC is unable to offer support, the DCs would seek guidance
and support either from DCAP or another RDC designated by DCAP.
284
See, e.g., Morris, supra note 4, at 31 (A scorecard filled with convictions is not
necessarily a measure of success.).
285
See Gilberg Survey, supra note 6, TC42 (recalling one case in which the victim was
satisfied even though there was an acquittal because of the great efforts made by the
prosecution team to get justice for her).
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MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
45
everything I had to this case.286 When that statement is true for both
sides, justice has been doneregardless of the result.287
The criminal justice system works best when opposing sides are both competently
represented. See id. SDC4 (admitting that he would much rather deal [with] somebody
on the other side who is competent).
287
See Colonel Jeffery R. Nance, A View from the Bench: So, You want to Be a
Litigator?, ARMY LAW., Nov. 2009, at 48, 56 (The better we are at what we do, the more
likely justice will be achieved in every case. That should be what we are all about.);
Kennedy, supra note 276, at 6 (suggesting that [a] truly effective justice program
requires all organizations involved, not just the legal office, to be fully proficient at their
part in the process).
288
Grace, supra note 2, at 31 (stating that the ASI is a great start in placing qualified
practitioners in appropriate positions).
289
Proposing changes to the current ASI system is not a new idea. See id. at 3132
(suggesting that certain changes should be made to the current ASI system so that its
utility as an assignment tool would not be useless).
290
Policy Memorandum 08-2, Office of the Judge Advocate General, subject: Military
Justice Additional Skill Identifiers (21 July 2008) [hereinafter TJAG Policy Memo 08-2];
Major General Scott C. Black, Additional Skill Identifiers in Military Justice, 37-17,
TJAG SENDS, July 2008 [hereinafter TJAG SENDS 37-17]. Major General Black retired
as a lieutenant general.
291
Policy Memorandum 11-7, Office of the Judge Advocate General, subject: Military
Justice Skill Identifiers, para. 2a (9 June 2011) [hereinafter TJAG Policy Memo 11-7].
46
[Vol. 220
292
Id. para. 2b. See also Pede, supra note 4, at 35 (suggesting that the ASI system is
meant to incentivize and motivate [judge advocates] to train and to seek jobs in [military
justice]).
293
JAGCNET, Frequently Asked Questions on the Military Justice ASI Program,
https://www.jagcnet.army.mil/ (last visited Mar. 26, 2014) [hereinafter ASI FAQ].
294
TJAG Policy Memo 11-7, supra note 291, para. 3; JAGCNET, Implementing
Guidance Military Justice Additional Skill Identifier Program para. 5b,
https://www.jagcnet.army.mil/ (last visited Mar. 26, 2014) [hereinafter ASI Guidance].
295
TJAG Policy Memo 11-7, supra note 291, para. 2b; TJAG Sends 37-17, supra note
290.
296
TJAG Policy Memo 11-7, supra note 291, para. 4; TJAG Sends 37-17, supra note
290. The Basic (ASI 1) requires 18 months as a trial or defense counsel or the litigation
of 15 courts-martial, three of which must have been contested; the Senior (ASI 2)
requires 30 months of military justice experience or the litigation of at least 36 courtsmartial, seven of which must have been contested; the Expert (ASI 3) requires at least 48
months of military justice experience or the litigation of at least 45 courts-martial, 12 of
which must have been contested; and, the Master (ASI 4) requires 96 months of military
justice experience or the litigation of at least 80 courts-martial, 18 of which must have
been contested. Id. paras. 4a-d. Each ASI level also imposes educational requirements as
well. For example, while the Basic (ASI 1) requires completion of the Judge Advocate
Officer Basic Course, the Criminal Law Advocacy Course (CLAC), and a qualifying
TCAP or DCAP training, the Senior (ASI 2) requires completion of two advanced
military justice or litigation courses and a written recommendation from a qualifying
military justice practitioner. Id. Further, the Expert (ASI 3) requires completion of the
Judge Advocate Officer Graduate Course and a written recommendation from a
qualifying military justice practitioner. Id. para. 4c. Although the Master does not
require any additional schooling, it does impose the additional requirements of working
in a qualifying supervisory position and a written recommendation from a qualifying
military justice practitioner. Id. para. 4d. See Appendix D (Current and Proposed ASI
Prerequisites).
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48
[Vol. 220
Pede, supra note 4, at 35. Colonel Pede remains on active duty and has since been
promoted to brigadier general.
305
In his 2010 article, Major Grace also criticized the ASI program, suggesting that as
currently set up, it does not accurately capture the military justice expertise of Army
attorneys. Grace, supra note 2, at 24.
306
See generally Gilberg Survey, supra note 6.
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49
were in front of a panel, and how many total months of their JAG Corps
careers they have spent serving in military justice positions.307
Additionally, the survey also received responses from five RDCs,
thereby providing data for a total of 450 active duty judge advocates.308
From this data, this author was able to determine which ASI each of the
450 survey participants would qualify for under each method of ASI
achievement (i.e., time in military justice vs. number of cases
litigated).309
The results reveal that under the current ASI model, there are far too
many judge advocates who qualify for a higher ASI under the time spent
in military justice method than they would otherwise qualify for under
the number of cases litigated method.310 Specifically, of the 450 survey
respondents, 160 (35.6%) of them fall into this category.311 In contrast,
only 26 (5.8%) qualify for a higher ASI based upon the number of cases
they have litigated.312 The remaining 264 (58.7%) would qualify for the
same ASI regardless of which metric is used (i.e., time in military justice
vs. number of cases litigated).313
Even more troubling, there are 40 (8.9%) survey respondents who
would actually qualify for an ASI two levels higher based upon the
amount of time spent in military justice than the ASI level they would
otherwise qualify for based upon the number of cases litigated.314 On the
flip side, only two (0.4%) would qualify for an ASI level two levels
higher based upon the number of cases litigated than the ASI level they
would otherwise qualify for based on the amount of time spent in
military justice. (See Table 6, Current ASI System Analysis.)315
307
50
Position
SDCs /
DCs (144)
COJs /
TCs (278)
SVPs (23)
RDCs (5)
Total
(450)
Percentage
# of
counsel
achieving
a higher
ASI
under the
# of
months
in
military
justice
method
[Vol. 220
# of
counsel
achieving
a higher
ASI
under the
# of
cases
litigated
method
# of
counsel
achieving
an ASI
two
levels
higher
under the
# of
cases
litigated
method
# of
counsel
that
would
qualify
for the
same
ASI
under
either
method
67
(46.5%)
80
(28.8%)
8
(34.8%)
5 (100%)
160
# of
counsel
achieving
an ASI
two
levels
higher
under the
# of
months
in
military
justice
method
16
(11.1%)
20
(7.2%)
4
(17.4%)
0 (0%)
40
12
(8.3%)
9 (3.2%)
0 (0%)
5
(21.7%)
0 (0%)
26
0 (0%)
0 (0%)
2
65
(45.1%)
189
(68.0%)
10
(43.5%)
0 (0%)
264
35.6%
8.9%
5.8%
0.4%
58.7%
2 (0.7%)
2014]
MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
51
military judge alone. In fact, the survey revealed that 201 (44.7%) of the
450 survey respondents have tried multiple contested cases before a
military judge alone.319 This number is remarkably large considering
that 245 (54.4%) of the 450 respondents have tried five or fewer
contested courts-martial in their entire career.320 Moreover, 178
(45.41%) of the 392 contested courts-martial that were tried in 2013 were
tried before a military judge alone (as opposed to before a military
panel).321
As such, the ASI criteria should be expanded to include not only the
total number of cases and total number of contested cases, but also the
total number of panel cases litigated.322 Specifically, ASI 1 should
require 2 panel cases; ASI 2 should require four panel cases; ASI 3
should require 8 panel cases; and, ASI 4 should require 12 panel cases.323
As the logistical complexity of trying a case before a military panel
cannot be overstated, those who understand those dynamics must be
identified in the Armys ASI initiative. Interestingly, the Navys
Military Justice Litigation Qualification (MJLQ), which is their version
of the Armys ASI, already accounts for the number of cases tried before
a military panel.324 The Army should follow suit.
Finally, the ASI scale as a whole should be altered to ensure that the
increased requirements for each ASI level are consistently gradual. For
example, the total number of cases required for each ASI should be in
15-case increments (15 cases required for ASI 1, 30 cases for ASI 2, 45
cases for ASI 3, and 60 cases for ASI 4).325 Similarly, the total number
of contested cases required for each ASI should be in 4-case increments
(4 contests for ASI 1, 8 contests for ASI 2, 12 contests for ASI 3, and 16
contests for ASI 4).326 And, the total number of panel cases should be set
319
52
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at 2 for ASI 1, 4 for ASI 2, 8 for ASI 3, and 12 for ASI 4.327 This
gradual model makes more sense and is easier for applicants to
understand what is required to qualify for the next ASI level.
In order to test whether these proposed changes would actually
address the problems identified above, this author examined the data
provided by the 450 survey respondents and determined which ASI each
of them would qualify for under the amended ASI system outlined
above.328 The results of this analysis revealed that only 69 (15.3%)
compared to 160 (35.6%) under the current ASI systemwould qualify
for a higher ASI based upon the amount of time they have spent in
military justice than the ASI they otherwise would qualify for based
upon the number of cases they have litigated.329 In contrast, 70 (15.6%)
counselcompared to 26 (5.8%) under the current ASI systemwould
qualify for a higher ASI based upon the number of cases they have
litigated.330 The number of counsel that would qualify for the same ASI
level under either model would increase from 264 (58.7%) under the
current ASI system to 310 (68.9%) under the proposed ASI system.331
Finally, only 8 (1.8%) survey respondentscompared to 40 (8.9%)
under the current ASI systemwould qualify for an ASI level two levels
higher based upon the amount of time spent in military justice than the
ASI level they would otherwise qualify for based upon the number of
cases litigated. (See Table 7, Proposed ASI System Analysis.)332
327
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53
# of counsel
achieving a
higher ASI
under the #
of months in
military
justice
method
# of counsel
achieving an
ASI two
levels higher
under the #
of months in
military
justice
method
# of counsel
achieving a
higher ASI
under the #
of cases
litigated
method
# of counsel
achieving an
ASI two
levels higher
under the #
of cases
litigated
method
# of counsel
that would
qualify for the
same ASI
under either
method
SDCs/DCs
(144)
31 (21.5%)
5 (3.5%)
34 (23.6%)
1 (0.7%)
79 (54.9%)
COJs / TCs
(278)
31 (11.2%)
2 (0.7%)
25 (9.0%)
3 (1.1%)
222 (79.9%)
SVPs (23)
5 (21.7%)
1 (4.3%)
11 (47.8%)
3 (13.0%)
7 (30.4%)
Position
RDCs (5)
3 (60%)
0 (0%)
0 (0%)
0 (0%)
2 (40%)
Total (450)
69
70
310
Percentage
15.3%
1.8%
15.6%
1.6%
68.9%
333
Id.
54
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See, e.g., id. TC115 (suggesting that his previous civilian experience as an assistant
district attorney helped make him a better Army litigator).
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A sample memorandum would be available for all judge advocates to review in order
to assist them.
336
E-mail from Master Sergeant Angela Jenkins, to Major Jeffrey A. Gilberg (Mar. 21,
2014, 15:30 EST) [hereinafter Jenkins e-mail] (on file with author).
337
Id.
338
Under the proposed simplified application process, letters of recommendation would
no longer be required and waivers of any of the ASI level prerequisites would no longer
be granted. Whether one achieves a particular ASI or not would be a simple question:
either the applicant meets the experience and training requirements or not. With such a
straightforward approach, it would no longer be necessary for such an involved and
intricate approval process to exist.
56
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Army judge advocates (51.2% of the JAG Corps) who have been
awarded a military justice ASI.339 While this is a great start, it merely
scratches the surface of what could be inventoried. Instead, ASI selfcertification should be an annual requirement for every active duty Army
attorneymuch like the requirement for all judge advocates to selfcertify that they are a member of a specific bar and in good standing to
practice law in that state. This way, on an annual basis, JAG Corps
leadership would have access to a current snapshot of the Corps
proficiency in military justice; as a Corps, we would know exactly how
many of our attorneys are certified at each ASI level, each year.
Furthermore, JAG Corps leadership would have the ability to review the
specific military justice litigation experience of any single judge
advocate simply by looking at the memorandum of experience for that
particular individual.
Admittedly, implementing this requirement could be difficult. Many
applicantsparticularly those who have been serving in the JAG Corps
for many years and perhaps not kept the best recordsmay have
difficulty including all of their training and litigation experience in their
memorandum. Perhaps the required format of the memorandum could
be relaxed for those judge advocates who have been in the JAG Corps
for more than four years.340
For example, rather than requiring these judge advocates to list every
case they have ever litigated, they would be permitted to only list their
top 5 to 10 most significant cases and estimate how many total cases they
have litigated, how many of them were contested, and how many of them
were before a military panel. However, for these individuals, an ASI
would be awarded strictly based upon the amount of time the applicant
has spent in military justice positions and not the number of cases that
they have litigated (since those figures are merely estimates that are
unverifiable).
339
Jenkins e-mail, supra note 336. There are 2000 active duty judge advocates in the
U.S. Army JAG Corps. PowerPoint Presentation of Lieutenant Colonel Laura J. Calese,
Field Grade Assignments Officer, Office of the Judge Advocate General, Personnel,
Plans & Training Office, on 62nd Graduate Course Presentation slide 25 (Sept. 9, 2013)
(on file with author) [hereinafter Calese Presentation].
340
The four-year threshold is suggested because that ordinarily would coincide with the
length of time of ones first tour. Simply stated, with a little focus and effort, every firsttour judge advocate should be able to sit down and reconstruct the names and number of
cases that he has litigated during that time.
2014]
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58
[Vol. 220
would be one huge step in the right direction); Stimson, supra note 4 (arguing that
establishing a military justice career track is the best way to strengthen the military
criminal justice system over the long term).
344
NAVY QUALIFICATION, supra note 324, para. 3a(1).
345
Id. para. 1.
346
Id. paras. 1, 3a(4).
347
Id. paras. 3b, 3c, 3d. The Specialist I MJLQ requires four years in service and
participation in ten panel cases, of which at least five must be as lead counsel; the
Specialist II MJLQ requires ten years in service, of which at least three years must be in a
MJLQ billet, and participation in 20 members cases, of which at least ten must be as lead
counsel; the Expert MJLQ requires 16 years in service, of which at least eight years must
be in a MJLQ billet, and participation in 40 members cases, of which at least 20 must be
as lead counsel. Id.
348
Id. para. 3g(1), enclosure 7.
349
Id. para. 3g(1).
350
Id. para. 3i(2).
351
Id.
352
See Gilberg Survey, supra note 6, SDC7 (suggesting that [a]n SVP candidate should
satisfy baseline criteria for [numbers] of contested / panel cases before [being] admitted
to the program).
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59
23 of the SDCs an ASI 3;353 and, CPs, RDCs, MJs, and TCAP/DCAP
leadership an ASI 4.354 Neither the TCs nor the COJs would be coded
positions.355 In total, 266 positions would be ASI-coded, with 102 of
them at the ASI 3 or 4 levels. (See Table 8, Proposed Military Justice
Position Coding.)356
ASI Prerequisite
Total
None
ASI 1
ASI 2
278
110
54
266
ASI 3
ASI 4
Total Coded
Positions
46
56
353
While the ASI prerequisite for half of the SDCs would be ASI 2, the ASI prerequisite
for the other half would be ASI 3. This would provide DCAP with a comparable level of
litigation experience to what the SVPs and STCs would collectively provide TCAP.
354
See Ku, supra note 4, at 75 (commenting that the trial experience requirement for
military judges is not high, and is in fact rather modest).
355
The TCs would not be coded positions for obvious reasonsmost are junior attorneys
just starting their JAG Corps careers. However, the COJs would not be coded to allow
those senior captains and junior majors, who have not yet had the opportunity to practice
military justice, do so for purposes of following the traditional broadly skilled career
path.
356
There would be 56 positions coded as ASI 4. Those 56 positions would be comprised
of the 27 active duty MJs, Chief of TCAP, Deputy of TCAP, Chief of TDS, Deputy of
TDS, Operations Officer for TDS, Chief of DCAP, Deputy of DCAP, the 11 CPs, and the
11 RDCs. There would be 46 positions coded as ASI 3 (the 23 SVPs and 23 of the
SDCs). There would be 54 positions coded as ASI 2 (the remaining 23 SDCs, all 23
STCs, and the 8 TCAP/DCAP Training Officers). Finally, the 110 DCs would be coded
as ASI 1 positions.
60
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2014]
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62
[Vol. 220
exist, such a position ignores the evolving needs of the Army. A system
that draws upon the benefits of both is required in order to maximize the
overall legal proficiency of the Armys law firm.371 The plan proposed
in this article accomplishes this very goal.
Specifically, at any given time, there would be approximately 125
active duty judge advocates serving in the Armys Military Justice
Career Track (AMJCT).372 Any post-graduate course judge advocate
may apply for selection into the AMJCT. An annual board would
convene to determine which judge advocates are selected. From this
pool of approximately 125 AMJCT personnel, PPTO would fill the 102
ASI 3 and 4 coded positions described above (i.e., MJs, TCAP/DCAP
leadership, CPs, RDCs, SVPs, and half of the SDCs). The remaining 23
would be assigned to non-military justice assignments for what the Navy
calls a disassociated tour.373 All personnel on the AMJCT would, at
some point in their respective careers, complete at least one disassociated
tour.374 This will keep these judge advocates current on the overall
mission of the JAG Corps, while adding to the institutional Army
knowledge that they must draw upon when they inevitably return to a
litigation position.375 Allowing judge advocates to serve a disassociated
tour would also address the problem of military justice burnout
something that many Army litigators have experienced.
In order to encourage the Armys most highly qualified military
justice practitioners to apply for the career track, some measure must be
taken to ensure that those that are selected are not punished at promotion
time for deviating from the broadly skilled judge advocate model.376 The
Navys career track includes language for inclusion in promotion board
precepts so that board members might understand the importance of a
371
See Gilberg Survey, supra note 6, CR6 (commenting that some attorneys are not cut
out for the courtroom and belong in legal assistance forever).
372
See Grace, supra note 2, at 34 (stating that the JAG Corps must maintain a core of
seasoned [military justice] practitioners).
373
See Stimson, supra note 4, at 22.
374
No judge advocate should ever serve in more than three consecutive military justice
billets.
375
Stimson, supra note 4, at 22 (advocating that the Navys requirement of serving in a
disassociated tour provides many benefits both to the individual involved and the JAG
Corps as a whole).
376
See Gilberg Survey, supra note 6, COJ35 (suggesting that the JAG Corps must make
sure [SVPs] are taken care of as they exit the program).
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63
64
[Vol. 220
See Pede, supra note 4, at 32 (News coverage is invariably followed by calls for
action.).
382
Ku, supra note 4, at 81.
383
TJAG SENDS 37-17, supra note 290 (These ASIs do not guarantee the right to
remain in military justice throughout an officers career.); ASI FAQ, supra note 293
(Officers should and are expected to balance their experience in all of our core
competencies.).
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65
said over the years, the best way for an inexperienced litigator to learn is
by trying real cases.384 But, on the other hand, there is simply too much
at stake to send brand new counsel into the courtroom by themselves.385
The proposed plan reconciles these two competing interests by allowing
brand-new litigators to gain valuable litigation experience so long as they
are accompanied into the courtroom by an experienced practitioner as
their co-counsel.
It also guarantees that this will happen in every
contested case, thereby providing quality mentorship and supervision
during an actual case while also maintaining the integrity of that case.
Major Grace wrote that [t]here is no substitute for time in the
courtroom.386 Yet, in reality, there isit is time in the courtroom with
an experienced litigator.387
Until the SVP program was implemented, there was no formal Army
initiative that provided every new counsel local access to an experienced
military justice practitioner.388 Although there have been COJs, SDCs,
and RDCs for quite some time, it was simply the luck of the draw as to
whether experienced litigators actually occupied those positions. As Part
One of the survey illustrates, those positions are often filled with judge
advocates that simply do not have enough experience to provide
meaningful mentorship.389
384
Hayden, Hunter & Williams, supra note 4, at 28 (The best way for inexperienced
counsel to learn advocacy skills is to try cases.); Grace, supra note 2, at 25 (There is no
substitute for experience when it comes to litigating cases.); Holland, supra note 4, at 16
(Undoubtedly, an attorney should gain experience in the courtroom.); Stimson, supra
note 4, at 13 (There is no substitute for actual experience.); Coupe & Trant, supra note
80, at 9 (arguing that counsel probably receive their most significant training while
actually preparing and trying real cases).
385
See Holland, supra note 4, at 16 (maintaining that the military justice system cannot
afford to allow counsel to perform alone without ensuring that they are trained
properly).
386
Grace, supra note 2, at 26.
387
See Morris, supra note 4, at 15 (asserting that counsel learn even more from their
mistakes when those mistakes are filtered and interpreted by someone who not only can
diagnose the error but also can talk them through solutions and alternative approaches to
future cases). See also Gilberg Survey, supra note 6, SVP12 (stressing that [i]ts the
note-passing and whispering at the table that help spur-of-the-moment decisions happen
and change the course of trials).
388
See Pede, supra note 4, at 33 (discussing the benefit afforded to TCs that are able to
learn from and consult with their more experienced colleagues).
389
See generally Gilberg Survey, supra note 6.
66
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Although the SVP model has begun to correct this problem, it is not
sufficiently staffed to do so in every case.390 Due to the number of
special victim cases and the impossibility of an SVP being in two places
at one time, there remain far too many cases where new counsel are sent
into the courtroom without an experienced practitioner by their side.391
By expanding the SVP program, creating a CP, and redefining what it
means to be an RDC, SDC, and STC, the Corps would be able to
guarantee every TC and DC local access to quality mentorship and
litigation expertise in every single contested case, regardless of where in
the world they are assigned. No longer would such access be luck of the
draw.
Moreover, the concept of the experienced litigator stepping aside
once a case changes from a contested court-martial to a guilty plea
cannot be understated. Not only does it allow the junior practitioner to
assume more responsibility in a lower threat environment, but it also
allows a second junior practitioner to sit at counsel table in the
experienced litigators place to gain valuable courtroom experience.
Even though the case is no longer contested, it nonetheless offers the
attorneys involved an excellent opportunity to improve their advocacy
skills in a real case. As then Lieutenant Colonel Edye U. Moran, who
served as a military judge in the 2d Judicial Circuit, once wrote, learning
how to properly prepare for a guilty plea should speed the transition
from inexperienced counsel to polished litigator.392
See, e.g., id. COJ7 (stressing that there are not enough SVPs), RDC5 (concluding
that [s]ome jurisdictions need more SVPs to cover the case load).
391
See, e.g., id. TC14 (stating that the SVP was not available to sit for the trial), TC39
(noting that his SVP was way too busy to assist on every 120 case), COJ11 (observing
that due to the SVPs busy workload, its hard for them to keep a hand in everything).
392
Moran, supra note 4, at 66. Lieutenant Colonel Moran has since been promoted to
colonel and currently serves as an Army Reserve military judge with the 150th Legal
Operations Detachment (LOD). ARMY KNOWLEDGE ONLINE, https://www.us.army.
mil/suite/designer (last visited Mar. 13, 2014).
393
Bankson, supra note 4, at 5 (defining high-profile cases as those cases receiving
significant and persistent media attention).
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394
68
[Vol. 220
The proposed model would provide both the government and the
defense with the systemic capability to litigate complex, high-profile
caseswherever they may arisewithout having to disrupt other offices
and other personnel assignments. One of the responsibilities of the CPs
would be to identify those cases that arise within their respective AORs
that may generate media attention or significant public interest. When
those cases are identified, CPs would report them to the Chief of TCAP.
At that point, the Chief of TCAP would examine the case and decide
whether it warrants inclusion on the governments list of pending highprofile cases. If it does, the Chief of TCAP would ordinarily detail one
of the 11 CPs to handle the case along with another experienced
practitioner (either a second CP, SVP, STC, or TCAP Training Officer).
Similarly, whenever an RDC identifies a high-profile case that arises
within his AOR, he must report that case to the Chief of DCAP, who
would then examine the case and decide whether it warrants inclusion on
the defenses list of pending high-profile cases. If it does, the Chief of
DCAP would ordinarily detail one of the 11 RDCs to handle the case
along with another experienced practitioner (either a second RDC, SDC,
or a DCAP Training Officer).
In essence, the proposed litigation model would provide the Chiefs
of TCAP and DCAP a pool of experienced practitioners to choose from
to handle high-profile cases, whenever and wherever they may arise.
Specifically, with 11 CPs and 11 RDCs to consider, the Chiefs of TCAP
and DCAP would have systemic expertise to draw upon to assign a
litigation expert to serve as lead counsel in these cases. And, based upon
the degree of public interest that the case may receive, the Chiefs of
TCAP and DCAP would each be empowered to detail a second CP or
RDC to the case in the event that he feels it is warranted. With 61
experienced litigators to choose from, the Chiefs of TCAP and DCAP
would never again have to ask for help outside of their allocated
resources to prosecute or defend high-profile cases.403 Similar to the
Navys MJLCT, which enables the highest quality of representation in
complex criminal litigation,404 this proposed plan would provide the
Army with a mechanism to do the same.
403
The government would have 11 CPs, 23 SVPs, 23 STCs, and 4 TCAP Training
Officers to choose from. Similarly, the defense would have 11 RDCs, 46 SDCs, and 4
DCAP Training Officers to choose from.
404
NAVY QUALIFICATION, supra note 324, para. 3a(1).
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69
405
Gilberg Survey, supra note 6. Of the 198, 42 of them were COJs, 35 of them were
SVPs, and 121 were TCs (past and present) who prosecuted a contested case with an SVP
as co-counsel. Id.
406
Id. It is important to acknowledge that of those 166 survey respondents answering
yes, 28 of them noted that they have also observed cases where the SVPs contribution
to the quality of victim care was less than what it could have been. Id. Of the 32 survey
respondents that answered no to the question of whether SVPs contributed to the
quality of victim care, most of them explained that it did not have anything to do with the
SVPs ability. Id. For example, 15 explained that it was the TC who served as the
primary contact for the victim; 12 clarified that the SVPs remote geographic location
interfered with the quality of care provided; and, 19 reported that the SVP was either too
busy or too late to become involved in the case. Id. In fact, only 7 of the 32 answering
no to this question complained of the SVPs competency in one way or another. Id.
407
See, e.g., id. SVP6 (relating that in one case, the victim e-mailed the prosecutors I
dont know how I can ever thank you for everything youve done for me), SVP11
(describing positive feedback that he received from numerous victims indicating that they
were very pleased with the way they were guided through the legal process by the
prosecution), SVP30 (indicating that due to the inexperience of TCs, SVPs assume the
role of educating TCs just how important it is to keep victims informed on a regular
basis).
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Position
(Number of
Responses)
Responded Yes
Responded
Yes/No
Total of Yes
and Yes/No
Responses
Responded No
TC Responses
(121)
81 (66.9%)
15 (12.4)
96 (79.3%)
25 (20.7%)
COJ Responses
(42)
28 (66.7%)
10 (23.8%)
38 (90.5%)
4 (9.5%)
SVP Responses
(35)
29 (82.9%)
3 (8.6%)
32 (91.4%)
3 (8.6%)
Total (198)
Percentage
138
69.7%
28
14.1%
166
83.8%
32
16.2%
Id. COJ37. See also id. COJ1 (stating that [t]he SVP made it a point to act as a
protector and advocate for the victim).
409
Id. COJ34.
410
Id. COJ31. See also id. COJ47 (relating that the SVP in his jurisdiction is so effective
in dealing with victims that he is known as the victim whisperer).
411
Id. TC94.
412
Id. TC63.
413
Id. TC8.
414
Id. TC15.
415
Id. TC26.
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71
Id. TC35.
Id. TC45, TC47, TC77.
418
Id. TC109.
419
Id. TC37. See also id. TC53 (At times, I would become frustrated with the victim . .
. I couldnt understand her decisions or her comments about the case. . . . The SVP
consistently put me back on the tracks and helped me understand her state of mind and
helped me encourage her to testify, which she did, resulting in a conviction to an Art[icle]
120 offense. A non-SVP co-counsel doesnt do that.).
420
See generally id. Although circumstances often require an inexperienced counsel to
go into court alone, it is something that the Army should try its best to avoid. See id.
SDC5 (stating that putting justice in the hands of a novice TC when an SVP is available
would be like the Miami Heat sitting LeBron James on the bench in the playoffs just so
that Larry Drew can get experience).
421
See, e.g., id. COJ 40 (reporting that their SVP only sits on cases about half the time
because he has to take care of other jurisdictions). See also id. COJ6 (asserting that
SVPs are at their best as trainers working informally with local counsel on cases).
422
Id.
423
Id. SDC20.
417
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See id. TC65 (describing his experience of litigating a case with an SVP as what I
imagine playing with Kobe Bryant would be like. We had greater successes than we
would have had otherwise, but he was not interested in sharing the ball.).
425
Pottinger e-mail, supra note 321.
426
Last year there were 392 contested courts-martial, which, if split proportionately
among all SVPs and STCs, would average 8.5 contested cases each year per counsel. Id.
Although this is a healthy case loadparticularly in light of all the other SVP/STC
responsibilities such as reviewing every case in their AOR, providing local training,
assisting with TCAP training while TDY, etc.it is manageable and realistic.
427
Gilberg Survey, supra note 6, SDC2 (writing that [f]rom what I have seen, the SVP
program is staffed by the JAGCs most skilled and experienced litigators), COJ22
(describing SVP selection as one of the programs strengths), CR8 (noting that the
selection is focused on finding the best litigators possible).
428
Id.
429
Id. TC57.
430
Id. TC90. See also id. CR2 (describing an SVPs performance at trial as horrible).
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73
431
See, e.g., id. TC41 (distinguishing the quality of two SVPs by describing one as
setting him up for failure and crediting another with making him the litigator that he is
today), CR6 (characterizing the two SVPs that he has observed as polar opposites),
RDC5 (declaring that not all SVPs are created equal).
432
See, e.g., id. COJ4 (stating that some SVPs were overzealous and seemed to just
seek convictions), SDC1 (suggesting that SVPs sometimes become so invested in
getting a conviction that they lose sight of whether justice is really being done), CR16
(finding that some SVPs become too personally involved with the victims and lose sight
of what is important in the case).
433
Id. COJ11. See also id. COJ27 (asserting that many SVPs are not as experienced as
they should be).
434
Id. RDC5.
435
See generally id.
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expert to litigate special victim cases without doing the same for the
defense.436
First, it is questionable whether the SVP program does anything
more than provide a balance that previously did not exist. Overall, the
litigation experience of DCs is more than double that possessed by
TCs.437 More specifically, the average DC has litigated 18.3 total courtsmartial, with 7.7 of them contested and 4.6 of them in front of a military
panel.438 In contrast, the average TC has only litigated 7.4 total courtsmartial, with 3.2 of them being contested and 2.0 of them being in front
of a military panel.439 Of course, this makes sense as most TCs are brand
new and most DCs have previously served in a military justice
position.440 Moreover, after factoring in the experience of SDCs, the
discrepancy in experience between those who try cases for the defense
and those who do so for the government (prior to the SVP program) was
even greaterthe averages for the defense jump to 21.5 total courtsmartial, 8.6 contests, and 5.2 panel cases per DC.441 Adding an
experienced SVP to the prosecution merely minimizes the significant
advantage that the defense previously enjoyed over the government.
Nonetheless, to the extent that the SVP program does provide the
government with an unfair advantage over the defense, the proposed plan
addresses this concern by redefining what it means to be an SDC.
Similar to how the government would utilize its 23 SVPs and 23 STCs,
the defense would utilize its 46 SDCs in the same wayby detailing
them to all contested cases. Just as SVPs and STCs would use real cases
as training opportunities to teach and mentor junior TCs, SDCs would do
the same for DCs. Furthermore, just as the STCs and SVPs would be
coded as ASI 2 and ASI 3 positions respectively, the SDC billets would
be coded similarly, with half of them as ASI 2 positions and the other
half as ASI 3 positions. Finally, just as the SVP positions would be filled
by judge advocates in the AMJCT, the 23 SDC positions coded as ASI 3
436
Id. See, e.g., id. COJ14 (complaining that it is fundamentally unfair to provide
specialized, experienced prosecutors to the government, but nothing analogous to the
defense), SDC5 (arguing that adding the SVP only stacks the deck further against the
accused), CR9 (suggesting that TDS should have somewhat of a parallel
organization).
437
Id.
438
Id.
439
Id.
440
See generally id.
441
Id.
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75
billets would be as well. Thus, the proposed plan would provide the
defense with a framework that mirrors that of the government, providing
it with a comparable and equivalent level of expertise to draw upon when
detailing counsel to cases.442
See id. SDC33 (suggesting that the government and the defense should each have
regional litigators to consult on difficult cases and be detailed to cases that require
specialized expertise).
443
Pede, supra note 4, at 32.
444
Holland, supra note 4, at 16.
445
Grace, supra note 2, at 31 (Trial work offers the best training and development
opportunity in military justice; there is no substitute for real work in real cases.).
446
Major Jay Thoman, Advancing Advocacy, ARMY LAW., Sept. 2011, at 35
(emphasizing that teaching trial advocacy is one of the most critical duties of a
supervising attorney in the trial arena).
447
Kennedy, supra note 276, at 6; Hayden, Hunter & Williams, supra note 4, at 31
(asserting that advocacy skills only improve through practice and dedication).
448
E-mail from Lieutenant Colonel Alex Pickands, to Major Jeffrey A. Gilberg (Mar. 21,
2014, 12:41 EST) (on file with author).
449
Id.
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E-mail from Lieutenant Colonel Fansu Ku, to Major Jeffrey A. Gilberg (Mar. 21,
2014, 12:39 EST) (on file with author) [hereinafter Ku e-mail]. Specifically, DCAP
offers DC 101, a course designed to assist newly assigned TDS counsel, approximately
five times each year. Id. DCAP also offers DC 201, which is a course designed to assist
all TDS counsel, multiple times each year. Id.
451
While the Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course provides advocacy training to brand
new judge advocates, the Intermediate Trial Advocacy Course (ITAC) is targeted towards
those litigators that have assumed TC/DC responsibilities within the past six months. Email from Major Jeremy Stephens, to Major Jeffrey A. Gilberg (Mar. 24, 2014, 11:07
EST) (on file with author).
452
Ku e-mail, supra note 450.
453
Stimson, supra note 4, at 5.
454
McManus, supra note 4, at 17.
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77
VII. Conclusion
H.F. Sparky Gierke, former Chief Judge of the United States Court
of Appeals for the Armed Forces, noted that a strength of our military
justice system has been its capacity to change with the times.455 And,
the times have changedthe number of cases each year has dwindled,
mission requirements are expanding, and the global and political
landscape is constantly evolving.456 Moreover, todays cases are more
complicated to prosecute and defend than in years past.457 Meanwhile,
the OTJAG Criminal Law Division continues to look for ways to
improve [judge advocate] practice.458 The best way to change with the
times and improve judge advocate practice would be to implement the
systemic changes advocated in this article.
By realigning the Armys geographical jurisdiction, creating new
supervisory positions while redefining those that already exist, altering
the current military justice ASI system, and coding certain positions as a
part of a newly established military justice career track, the JAG Corps
would set itself up for military justice success. Together, all of these
changes provide better legal services to the Army and its Soldiers. It is
time for the JAG Corps to once again demonstrate its capacity to change
with the times by recognizing and addressing the lack of litigation
experience within its military justice practice. As Colonel Nance, a
military judge at the trial level, observed, trial advocacy is not easy.459
However, by implementing the proposed plan and maximizing the
litigation experience of our law firm, we could make it easier. Why
wouldnt we? Anything else would be insane.460
455
H.F. Sparky Gierke, The Thirty-Fifth Kenneth J. Hodson Lecture on Criminal Law,
193 MIL. L. REV. 178, 181 (2007). Gierke also served as a judge advocate from 1967 to
1971, which included a year as a military judge. Id. See also Ku, supra note 4, at 87
(suggesting that we need to continually examine how we carry out our statutory
mission).
456
See James B. Roan & Cynthia Buxton, The American Military Justice System in the
New Millennium, 52 A.F. L. REV. 185 (2002) (concluding that the American military
justice system is not static or outdated; it is dynamic and evolving).
457
Stimson, supra note 4, at 22.
458
Pede, supra note 4, at 36.
459
Nance, supra note 287, at 56.
460
See Narcotics Anonymous, supra note 1.
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Appendix A
SurveySpecial Victim Prosecutors
Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey below. This survey is
to gather data regarding the experiences of our Special Victim
Prosecutors (SVP), both past and present. Information provided,
including any comments, will not be linked to any particular
individual. You may type your responses directly on this survey,
save as a new document, and email it to me at
[email protected].
1. When and where did you serve as an SVP?
2. Approximately how many total court-martial have you litigated
(as either government or defense)?
a. Approximately how many of that total were contested
cases?
b. Approximately how many of that total were panel cases?
3. Approximately how many total months of your JAG Corps
career have you served in a military justice position (e.g., TC, COJ,
SVP, DC, SDC, TCAP, DCAP, etc)?
4. For purposes of this question, please think about all of the
contested cases that you have prosecuted as an SVP in which you sat
at counsel table with a Trial Counsel (TC).
a. How many contested cases have you sat at counsel table
as an SVP with a TC.
b. Please list the names of all TCs with whom you have sat
at counsel table with in a contested case as an SVP.
c. Do you believe that your participation in the contested
case contributed to that TCs military justice
professional development more so or less so than if you
were not detailed to the case? Please explain your
answer by providing specific examples, if possible.
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80
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2014]
MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
81
82
[Vol. 220
5. Please answer Questions #2, 2a, 2b, and 3 for each DC that you
supervise. For purposes of this question, it is not necessary to
include names. For example, if you supervise three (3) DCs, your
answer might look like this:
DC #1: 22 cases; 6 contested; 5 panel; 26 months
DC #2: 8 cases; 2 contested; 1 panel; 8 months
DC #3: 5 cases; 2 contested; 1 panel; 6 months
6. For purposes of this question, please think about all of the
contested cases that you have seen where an SVP sat at counsel table
with a Trial Counsel (TC).
a. Do you believe that the SVPs participation in the
contested case contributed to that TCs military justice
professional development more so or less so than if that
SVP was not detailed to the case? Please explain your
answer by providing specific examples, if possible.
b. Do you believe that the SVPs participation in the
contested case contributed to the quality of the case that
was presented at trial? Please explain by providing
specific examples, if possible.
7. For purposes of this question, please think about all of the
contested cases that you have seen where an SVP did not sit at
counsel table with a TC. These do not have to just be sex cases.
a. What are the worst mistakes that you have seen a TC
make in a case in which he/she did not have the benefit
of an experienced litigator sitting with him/her?
b. Do you believe that if that TC had an experienced
litigator sitting with him/her at counsel table in those
cases that he/she would have been less likely to make
those mistakes? Why or why not?
8. What do you view as the strengths of the SVP Program?
9. What do you view as the biggest weaknesses or problems with
the SVP program?
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83
SurveyTrial Counsel
Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey below. This survey is
to gather data regarding the experiences of Trial Counsel (TC) in
contested cases in which a Special Victim Prosecutor (SVP) sat at
counsel table. Information provided, including any comments, will
not be linked to any particular individual. You may type your
responses directly on this survey, save as a new document, and email
it to [email protected].
1. How many contested cases have you prosecuted with an SVP
sitting with you at counsel table as your co-counsel?
2. At the time of each of each of the contested cases referenced in
your response to Question #1, approximately how many contested
cases had you litigated (either as government or defense) at that point
in time? For example, lets say that you have prosecuted (3) three
contested cases with an SVP. Your answer might look something
like this:
At the time of case #1, I had never litigated a contested
court-martial before that was my first one. At the time of
case #2, I had previously litigated 3 other contested courtsmartial that was my fourth one. At the time of case #3, I
had previously litigated 6 other contested courts-martial
that was my seventh one.
3. For purposes of this question, please think only about the
contested cases that you have prosecuted as a TC in which an SVP
sat with you at counsel table.
a. Do you believe that the SVPs participation with you in
these contested cases contributed to your military justice
professional development more so or less so than if the
SVP was not detailed to these cases? Please explain your
answer by providing specific examples, if possible.
b. Do you believe that the SVPs participation with you in
these contested cases contributed to the quality of care
that was provided to the victim(s) in these cases? Please
explain your answer by providing specific examples, if
possible.
84
[Vol. 220
SurveyCourt Reporters
Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey below. This survey is
to gather data regarding the observations of Court Reporters (CR)
during contested cases. Information provided, including any
comments, will be anonymous meaning that they will not be linked
to any particular individual. You may type your responses directly
on this survey, save as a new document, and email it to
[email protected].
1. How many total years have you served as a court reporter in the
military?
2. Approximately how many total contested courts-martial have
you reported?
a. Approximately how many of that total were panel cases?
b. Approximately how many of that total were cases on
which an SVP sat at counsel table?
c. How many different SVPs have seen try a contested
court-martial?
3. For purposes of this question, please think about all of the
contested cases that you have seen where an SVP sat at counsel table
with a Trial Counsel (TC).
a. Do you believe that the SVPs participation in the
contested case contributed to that TCs military justice
professional development more so or less so than if that
SVP was not detailed to the case? Please explain your
answer by providing specific examples, if possible.
b. Do you believe that the SVPs participation in the
contested case contributed to the quality of the case that
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85
SurveyMilitary Judges
Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey below. This survey is
to gather data regarding the observations of Military Judges (MJ)
during contested special victim cases. Information provided,
including any comments, will be anonymous meaning that they will
not be linked to any particular individual. Please type your
responses directly on this survey, save as a new document, and email
it to [email protected].
1. Approximately how many months have you served as a Military
Judge (MJ)?
Prior to becoming a MJ, approximately how many total courtsmartial had you litigated (as either government or defense)?
Ballpark Guesses are perfectly fine!
86
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2014]
MAXIMIZING EXPERIENCE
Appendix B
Proposed Military Justice Regional AlignmentInstallations by
Circuit
87
88
[Vol. 220
Appendix C
Propose Government and Defense Litigation Models
2014]
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Appendix D
Current ASI Prerequisites
89
90
[Vol. 220
Judge Advocate, U.S. Army. Presently assigned as Chief of Training Policy, Office of
the Judge Advocate General, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. LL.M, 20092010, The Judge
Advocate Generals School, U.S. Army, Charlottesville, Virginia; J.D., 2001, The John
Marshal Law School, Chicago, Illinois; B.A., 1997, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale,
Michigan. Previous assignments include Brigade Judge Advocate, 170th Infantry
Brigade, Baumholder, Germany, and Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan; International &
Operational Law, U.S. Army Europe & Seventh Army, Heidelberg, Germany, 2007
2009; Senior Trial Counsel, Eighth Army, Camp Humphries, Korea, 20062007; Defense
Counsel, Mosul, Iraq, 2006; Defense Counsel, Darmstadt, Germany, 20052006; Trial
Counsel, V Corps, Darmstadt, Germany, 20035005; Operational Law, Kuwait &
Baghdad, Iraq, 2003; Legal Assistance and Administrative Law, V Corps, Darmstadt,
Germany 20022003. Member of the Bar of Illinois.
1
Ott Ummelas, Putin's 21-Year Quest to Be Russian Guardian Began in Estonia,
BLOOMBERG NEWS (Apr. 14, 2014), http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-04-13/putin21-year-quest-to-be-guardian-of-russians-began-in-estonia.html.
See also Valery
Sharifulin, Peskov: Putin Is Guarantor of Russian Worlds Security, ITAR-TASS NEWS
AGENCY (Mar. 7, 2014), http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/722667.
2
Id. In 2005, after winning a second presidential term, Putin told the nation that the
Soviet collapse in 1991 was a genuine tragedy for the Russian people. Id.
2014]
91
I. Introduction
Flights to Sochis beachside airport arrive from all points north in
Russia as August brings a flood of sun-starved tourists to the warm
beaches of the Black Sea. Approaching planes fly south over the resort
city and out across the water before turning in a low U to land just
meters beyond the sun-glinting waves. Near the beach, onion domes rise
up against the sky, their golden surfaces glistening in the sun.
Worshipers file into a cathedral for the Russian Orthodox liturgy on
Sunday morning, pressing close in the crowded sanctuary, lighting
candles, and venerating icons in the shadow of sweeping flower-adorned
walls. The rhythmic hum of a Znamenny Chant evokes Byzantine
visions of the Middle Ages as the wafting incense completes the celestial
transcendence. An intrepid American, visiting the church, steps outside
to break the reverie and notices a constant stream of flights taking off
from the airport into the clear, blue sky. The lumbering passenger jets
hang over the swimming throngs on the beach as they gain altitude. But,
the quieter, higher-pitched whine of the Mikoyan-i-Gurevich or MiG
fighters really grab his attention. Two, four, six, eight . . . it is easy to
lose count. The fighters bank right, engage afterburners and head with
belligerent resolve toward the closest landmass to the west: Ukraine.
This fictional account of conflict between Ukraine and Russia
demonstrates current Russian cultural trends and ambitions. Russia
violated uti possidetis3 by sponsoring Crimeas secession vote from
Ukraine and subsequently annexing Crimea in March of 2014.4 Russias
action demonstrated a warped view of self-determination5 and a
3
Uti possidetis is the doctrine that colonial administrative boundaries will become
international boundaries when a political subdivision or colony achieves independence.
BLACKS LAW DICTIONARY (8th ed. 2004). See also Steven R. Ratner, Drawing a Better
Line: Uti Possidetis and the Border of New States 90 AM. J. INTL L. 590, 590 (1996).
[U]ti possidetis provides that states emerging from decolonization shall presumptively
inherit the colonial administrative borders that they held at the time of independence.
Id.
4
David M. Herszenhorn, Crimea Votes to Secede from Ukraine as Russian Troops Keep
Watch, N.Y. TIMES (Mar. 16, 2014), http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/17/world/
europe/crimea-ukraine-secession-vote-referendum.html?_r=1. See also Matt Smith &
Alla Eshchenko, Ukraine Cries Robbery as Russia Annexes Crimea, CNN (Mar. 18,
2014), http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/18/world/europe/ukraine-crisis/index.html.
5
Self-determination implies the right of an identity group to self-governance, meaning
sovereignty over themselves-limited or complete.
Michael J. Kelly, Political
Downsizing: The Re-emergence of Self-determination, and the Movement Toward
Smaller, Ethnically Homogenous States, 47 DRAKE L. REV. 209, 220 (1999).
92
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2014]
93
94
[Vol. 220
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was founded in 1921 and dissolved in 1991. It
consisted of fifteen republics: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belorussia, Georgia, Kazakhstan,
Kirghizia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldavia, Russia, Tadzhikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine,
and Uzbekistan. ENCYCLOPDIA BRITANNICA, http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/
topic/614785/Union-of-Soviet-Socialist-Republics (last visited June 10, 2014).
20
Frontier Dispute (Burk. Faso/Mali), 1986 I.C.J. 554 (Dec. 22).
21
Id. 20, at 565).
22
Brown-John, supra note 13, at 42.
23
In dicta, the ICJ in Frontier Dispute affirms the exceptional importance [of uti
possidetis] for the African continent and highlights the employment of uti possidetis in
Spanish America. Frontier Dispute, supra note 20, 2021, at 565.
24
Brown-John, supra note 13, at 42.
The concept of uti possidetis as a basis for determining boundaries
has been affirmed in several international documents including
2014]
95
Most scholars note that uti possidetis has been relevant only three
times after the de-colonization of Africa: during the dissolutions of the
USSR, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia in the early 1990s.25 Faced with
an explosion of new states in Europe when the Soviet Union dissolved,
the European Commission (precursor to the European Union26) used the
power of diplomatic recognition to influence the reorganization of
borders in the early 90s.27 New members of the Commonwealth of
Independent States (CIS)28 agreed to the application of the Frontier
Disputes version of uti possidetis.29 Of the fifteen former Soviet
Republics became independent countries, twelve of them constituted the
CIS while the Baltic States of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia did not
join.30 Regions contained within those new states such as Crimea inside
96
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2014]
97
Crimeas Referendum and Secession: Why It Resembles Northern Cyprus More than
Kosovo, BLOG OF THE EUR. J. OF INTL L. (Mar. 20, 2014), http://www.
ejiltalk.org/crimeas-referendum-and-secession-why-it-resembles-northern-cyprus-morethan-kosovo/.
38
Ron Synovitz, Crimea: Annexation And RecognitionThe Legal Battles Ahead,
RADIO FREE EUROPE, RADIO LIBERTY (March 16, 2014), http://fb.rferl.org/content/lawarguments-crimea-annexation-referendum-ukraine-russia/25299060.html.
39
Anna Stepanowa, International Law and the Legality of Secession in Crimea,
CAMBRIDGE J. INTL & COMP. L. (Apr. 20, 2014), http://cjicl.org.uk/2014/04/
20/international-law-legality-secession-crimea/.
40
Laura Smith-Spark, After Crimea, Will Scotland Be Next to Vote on Independence?
CNN (Mar. 18, 2014), http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/18/world/europe/scotlandindependence-referendum-explainer/index.html.
41
Chris Borgen, From Intervention to Recognition: Russia, Crimea, and Arguments over
Recognizing Secessionist Entities, OPINO JURIS (Mar. 18, 2014), http://opiniojuris.org/
2014/03/18/intervention-recognition-russia-crimea-arguments-recognizing-secessionistentities/.
States tend to view the decision to recognize or not recognize an
entity as a state as a political decision, albeit one that exists within an
international legal framework. That legal framework is in part the
rules of statehood. The standard view in international law is that a
state must have (a) a permanent population; (b) a defined territory;
(c) a government; and (d) the capacity to enter relations with other
states . . . . These criteria are meant to reflect the nuts and bolts of
sovereignty: an ability to stand on your own feet, make decisions for
yourself, and undertake international relations. Crimea seems less
like a sovereign than a hothouse flower: alive due to extraordinary
intervention, surviving due to conditions carefully controlled by
others, and with little real say in its destiny.
Id.
42
Id.
98
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2014]
99
100
[Vol. 220
A. History of Crimea
The Tatars settled Crimea in the Middle Ages but Asian and
European contenders fought over the territory for most of its history.51
Although Ukrainians and Russians share a common ethnic background,
Crimea includes a mix of other nationalities and cultures, reflecting its
long stretches of time as the homeland for the Tatar people as well as
other Turkic and European peoples.52 The Ottomans ruled Crimea for
300 years.53 Although the predecessor state (Kiev-Rus) of both Ukraine
and Russia first established a foothold on Crimea by conquering an area
near the present-day city of Sevastopol, no permanent Russian presence
was sustained until 1783.54 Premier Kruschev, in conjunction with the
Soviet Presidium of the Central Committee (Presidium),55 then
50
Joshua Kucera, Can a Russian Naval Base Remain in a Ukrainian City?, SLATE (Feb.
26, 2009), http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/ dispatches/ features/2009/
crimea_scene_investigation/can_a_russian_naval_base_remain_in_a_ukrainian_city.
html.
51
Doris Wydra, The Crimea Conundrum: The Tug of War Between Russian Ukraine on
the Questions of Autonomy and Self-Determination, 10 INTL J. ON MINORITY & GROUP
RTS. 111, 112 (2003).
52
Id.
53
Id. See also Juan Valds & Rosemary Wardley, 300 Years of Embattled Crimea
History in 6 Maps, NATL GEOGRAPHIC (Mar. 5, 2014), http://news.national
geographic.com/news/2014/03/140305-maps-crimea-history-russia-ukraine/.
54
Id.
55
The Presidium of the Central Committee was the successor to the Politburo, which
was established in 1917 and utilized by Stalin for many years as a means of controlling
the government. The Politburo until July 1990 exercised supreme control over the
Soviet government. Politburo, ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA, http://www.britannica.com
/EBchecked/topic/467548/Politburo (last visited 31 May 2014). In 1952,
[m]ore stress was laid on collective leadership within this body
after the tyrannical excesses of Stalin (d. 1953), and the Presidium
was actually strong enough to remove Nikita Kruschev from the
partys leadership in 1964. The old name of Politburo was revived
for the body in 1966. The Politburos membership was nominally
elected by the Central Committee of the Communist Party, but in
truth the Politburo was a self-perpetuating body that itself decided
2014]
101
102
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62
2014]
103
C. Battles of Sevastopol
Sevastopol has a sacred place in the Russian heart. The intense,
sustained struggle by Russian and Ukrainian soldiers in the Crimean War
in the 1850s first romanticized the city in the Russian consciousness and
appears throughout Russian literature. In particular, Leo Tolstoy wrote
about the Siege of Sevastopol during the Crimean War in Sevastopol
Stories.71 His words describing the stubbornness, hardiness, and dogged
survival of the Sevastopol defenders lend a mythic aura to the city. He
depicts Russian troops as joyfully prepared to die . . . for their native
land . . . [l]ong will Russia bear the imposing traces of the epic of
Sevastopol, the hero of which was the Russian people.72 Though
Tolstoys pacifist views may be more familiar to Western audiences, his
writings about Sevastopol have contributed to his legendary status as a
Russian nationalist. 73 Following Hitlers attack of the Soviet Union, the
Soviet government printed 150,000 copies of Sevastopol Stories in an
effort to raise national morale and determination.74 Stalin awarded
Sevastopol the title of Hero City for its heroic stand against German
invaders in 194243.75 More than merely mystical, Sevastopol also has
strategic significance.
The Russian military founded Sevastopol in 1783 as a naval base.76
Built by Russian and Ukrainian soldiers and defended during several
wars, including World War II, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian and
Russian soldiers and civilians fought and died defending the city from
invasion.77 Catherine the Great established a Russian naval presence
there that has lasted until the present time.78 In 1948 Moscow designated
it as a separate Soviet city, not under the rule of the Crimean Oblast in
71
LEO TOLSTOY, THE COSSACKS AND OTHER STORIES 221 (Paul Foote & David McDuff,
trans., 2007).
72
Id.
73
Walter G. Moss, Classics Revisited: Leo Tolstoys Sevastopol Stories, MICH. WAR
STUD. REV. (July 2, 2008), http://www.miwsr.com/tab-2008.asp.
74
Id. at 5.
75
Sevastopol: The Hero City Turns 225, RIA NOVOSTI (Feb. 20, 2009), http://en.ria.ru/
analysis/20090220/120240104.html.
76
Black Sea Fleet (BSF), FEDN OF AM. SCIENTISTS, http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/
russia/agency/mf-black.htm, (last updated Sept. 7, 2000 7:00:00 AM).
77
Patrick Murphy, The Effect of Industrialization and Technology on Warfare: 1854
1878, MILITARY HISTORY ONLINE, http://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/general/articles/
effectofindustrialization.aspx (last visited May 31, 2014).
78
Black Sea Fleet, supra note 76.
104
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which it resided nor under the UkrSSR.79 This special status recognized
the strategic importance of the city as the home port of the Soviet Black
Sea Fleet. Until annexation by Russia in 2014, Sevastopol also served as
the headquarters for the smaller, Ukrainian Black Sea fleet and continues
to serve as a commercial port and as the headquarters for large
companies.80 Ukrainian independence in 1991 revealed this pressing
ownership issue of the Crimean peninsula to the world.
In the mid-1990s, the newly-independent state of Ukraine and Russia
squabbled over the ownership of Crimea and whether Sevastopol was a
Ukrainian city.81 These disagreements faded somewhat with the signing
of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Partnership,82 along with
the lease of the Sevastopol port facilities and division of the Black Sea
Fleet in May, 1997.83 However, even that treaty failed to sever the
Russian connection due to the large Russian naval presence remaining in
Sevastopol. Solidifying the Russian hold, thousands of Russian sailors,
their dependents and retirees call it home.84 Sevastopols population
includes over 70 percent ethnic Russians with ethnic Ukrainians and
others making up the remainder.85 Up until the annexation of Crimea by
Russia, some Russian politicians never accepted a non-Russian
Sevastopol.86 Russian designs on Crimea were so intense and sustained
from the 1990s that they were suspected of supplying passports to
Ukrainian citizens in Crimea.87 It is clear the Russians have considered
79
Wydra, supra note 51, at 113. See also History Confirms Itself: Sevastopol Is a HeroRES.
GROUP,
NOTA
BENE,
http://nbenegroup.com/history/
City,
YOUTH
sevastopol_en.html.
80
Ukrainian Warships Voluntarily Leave Sevastopol: Sources, RT (Mar. 2, 2014),
http://rt.com/news/ukrainian-warships-leave-sevastopol-476/.
81
Kataryna Wolczuk, Catching Up with Europe? Constitutional Debates on the
Territorial-Administrative Model in Independent Ukraine, 12 REGIONAL & FED. STUD.
65, 71 (2002). See also Anka Feldhusen, Geography and the Boundaries of Confidence:
The Russia Factor in Ukrainian Foreign Policy, 23 FLETCHER F. WORLD AFF. 199,
12122 (1999).
82
Spencer Kimball, Bound by Treaty, Russia, Ukraine, Crimea, DW (March 3, 2014),
http://www.dw.de/bound-by-treaty-russia-ukraine-and-crimea/a-17487632. Under
Article 2 [of the Treaty], the neighbors agreed to respect each others territorial integrity,
and confirm the inviolability of the borders existing between them. Id.
83
Feldhusen, supra note 81, at 123.
84
Black Sea Fleet, supra note 76.
85
Census, supra note 62.
86
Kucera, supra note 50.
87
Adrian Blomfield, Russia Distributing Passports in the Crimea, TELEGRAPH (Aug. 17,
2008),
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/2575421/Russiadistributing-passports-in-the-Crimea.html.
2014]
105
the Crimea question since the dissolution of the USSR. The unique
nature of Sevastopol remained a rallying cry for those agitating for
Crimeas return to Russia until its annexation in 2014.
Close cultural connections bound Crimea, Sevastopol, and Russia
together for centuries. However, in the long view of history and
territorial horse-trading, such a connection is not exceptional. Deep,
unique, human connections, won in blood, sweat and tears, overlap most
parts of Europe and elsewhere in the world. Weighing one groups claim
against anothers based on wars, number of lost souls, and broken
destinies is impossible and leads to intractable disputes. The depth of the
Russian attachment to Crimea best illustrates the need for a stronger
principle of uti possidetis to discourage outside interference by Russia in
Ukrainian affairs. Ukraine and Russia both have strong connections to
Crimea. However, under the legal principle of uti possidetis, Crimea
belongs to Ukraine.
106
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A. The Gift
Ukraine is a recognized, constitutional state that exercised control
and dominion over Crimea until its secession in March 2014.93 From the
time of its independence until the present, Ukraine and its boundaries
(including Crimea) have comported with the legal definition of a
sovereign state.94 While Crimea enjoyed more autonomy than other
regions within Ukraine, Ukrainian law limited that autonomy,
subordinating it to the supremacy of the Ukrainian government.95
Ukrainian law places the Ukrainian president and court system over
semi-autonomous Crimea.96 Dependence on funding supplied by the
government of Ukraine solidified that hierarchy.97 This structure again
supports the classic notion of Ukraine being one state, encompassing all
of its Oblasts and semi-autonomous regions.98
92
2014]
107
The transfer of Crimea from the RSFSR to the UkrSSR was not a
random, spontaneous act. Prior to 1954, Crimea was an Oblast within
the RSFSR.99 The transfer of Crimea to Ukraine moved the Oblast from
one Soviet Republic to the other. While symbolic at the time, it inserted
Crimea in Ukraine, where it found itself upon Ukraines independence in
1991. While Crimea enjoyed a brief period of semi-autonomous status
while part of the RSFSR, it had been relegated back to Oblast status well
before the transfer.100 This particular fact weakens any argument that the
transfer was an effort to give Crimea independence or broader
recognition of autonomy.
A popular view is that Kruschev, acting alone, gave Crimea to
Ukraine in 1954.101 Russian politicians and historians attempting to
invalidate the transfer largely ignore the fact that the Presidium gave
unanimous consent to Kruschevs transfer decree.102 The Presidium
into districts (raion), cities (which were further divided into raiony),
and rural settlements. Each unit was represented by a council of
peoples deputies.
Id. at 66, 68.
99
The hierarchy of the Soviet Union consisted of four levels. At the first level were the
different Soviet Socialist Republics or SSRs. These republics had the right to
secede, according to the 1977 constitution. Within that group, Russia was the first among
equals and added the word federated into its designation. Ukraine was a soviet
republic throughout its entire stint in the USSR. Below the Soviet Republics were
Autonomous Republics, which were constituent parts of the Republic. Constitutional
(Fundamental Law) of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, supra note 30.
100
Gwendolyn Sasse, Die KrimRegionale Autonomie in der Ukraine I [Crimea
Regional Autonomy of the Ukraine], 31 BERICHTE DES BUNDESINSTITUT FR
OSTWISSENSCHAFTLICHE UND INTERNATIONALE STUDIEN, 1998 [REPORTS OF THE FEDERAL
INSTITUTE FOR EAST EUROPEAN AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES], at 8, available at
http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-43615.
101
Wydra, supra note 51, at 115.
102
Volodymyr G. Butkevych, Who Has a Right to Crimea, INFOUKES (1992), http://
www.infoukes.com/history/crimea/page-03.html (last visited May 31, 2014). Butkevych
examined the relevant documents, speeches and materials in Russian in his research on
the Russian-Crimean-Ukrainian relationship. His analysis of Crimea from the revolution
to 1954 is from a Ukrainian perspective, with occasional negative views of Bolshevik
policy. Nonetheless, his examinations of the various rulings of the relevant parliamentary
bodies in 1954 are detailed and reveal a painstaking chronology of the events up through
the transfer.
The territory of the Crimean Peninsula was transferred to
Ukraine in accordance with the USSR Constitution of 1936. Article
49 of that document outlined the powers of the USSR Supreme
Soviet, among which no mention was made regarding the transfer of
108
[Vol. 220
2014]
109
B. Ukraine Constitution
The secession of Ukraine violated the Ukrainian constitution and
should be considered a violation of the principle of uti possidetis.
Critical to the discussion is the fundamental fact that Ukraine is an
independent, sovereign state, exhibiting characteristics of sovereignty to
include popular legitimacy . . . discernible territory and population, and
. . . international recognition.113 Although a republic within the Soviet
Union,114 Ukraine voted to become independent in 1991115 and was
accepted as a member of the United Nations shortly thereafter.116 The
109
110
[Vol. 220
2014]
111
112
[Vol. 220
Jeff Israely, Why Kosovo Divides Europe, TIME (Feb. 19, 2008),
http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1714413,00.html.
128
Kosovo has been recognized by 108 countries as of February 12, 2014. Who
Recognized Kosova as an Independent State?, KOSOVO THANKS YOU, http://www.
kosovothanksyou.com/ (last visited May 30, 2014).
129
Kosovo declared independence on February 17, 2008, based on assurances from the
United States and other Western European nations that it would be recognized and
defended. The United States and European Union (EU) felt that Kosovo constituted a
sui generis case that does not call into question the territorial integrity principles of the
UN Charter.
Elitsa Vucheva, EU Fudges Kosovo Independence Recognition,
EUOBSERVER (Feb. 2, 2008), http://euobserver.com/9/25684.
130
Jacques Martin, Russia Threatens to Use Force Over Kosovo, EUROPEAN UNION
TIMES (Feb. 24, 2008), http://www.eutimes.net/2008/02/russia-threatens-to-use-forceover-kosovo.
131
Slomanson, supra note 32, at 5.
132
Accordance with International Law of the Unilateral Declaration of Independence in
Respect of Kosovo, Advisory Opinion, 2010 I.C.J. 403 (July 22).
133
Id. at 436.
2014]
113
Preventing and
114
[Vol. 220
2014]
115
139
Summary of the Comprehensive Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement, BUREAU
EUROPEAN & ASIAN AFF., U.S. DEPT OF STATE (Jan. 20, 2009),
http://www.state.gov/p/eur/rls/fs/101244.htm.
OF
116
[Vol. 220
144
2014]
117
A. Russian Revanchism
Part of Russias re-emergence on the world stage includes a healthy
strain of revanchism.153 Russia continues to exercise more influence and
148
Ukraine Fears It May Be the Next Target for Russia, REUTERS (Aug. 21, 2008),
http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/08/21/us-georgia-ossetia-ukraine-idUSLL402008
0821.
149
Edward Walker, Commentary: NATO Expansion Stoked Russian Paranoia, FREE
LANCE-STAR (Mar. 6, 2014), http://www.freelancestar.com/2014-03-06/articles/30865/
commentary-nato-expansion-stoked-russian-paranoia/.
150
Russia Could Claim Crimea If Ukraine Joins NATOMP, RIA NOVOSTI (Apr. 9,
2008), http://en.rian.ru/world/20080409/104227945.html.
151
Ken Aldred & Martin A. Smith, Imperial Ambition or Humanitarian Concern?
Russia and Its Near Abroad, J. HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE (July 4, 1997),
http://sites.tufts.edu/jha/archives/115.
152
Chris Borgen, Kosovo, South Ossetia, and Crimea: The Legal Rhetoric of
Intervention, Recognition, and Annexation, OPINIO JURIS (Apr. 2, 2014), http://
opiniojuris.org/2014/04/02/kosovo-south-ossetia-crimea-legal-rhetoric-interventionrecognition-annexation/.
153
Revanchism: a usually political policy designed to recover lost territory or status.
MERRIAM-WEBSTERS ONLINE DICTIONARY, http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/
118
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2014]
119
republics on its outskirts such as the Baltics on the western flank and
Kazakhstan and other republics on the Asian Steppe in the east. This
buffer zone offered some protection from hostile neighbors until the Iron
Curtains demise in the early 1990s.
Russia has viewed the disintegration of the Soviet Union as a
humiliating injury.162
Not only were buffers such as Ukraine
detached, the expansion of NATO to the Russian border poured salt into
this wound. This stung for two reasons: One, the historic fear of
enemies-at-the-gates has been rekindled; second, the humiliation has
been reinforced, especially rankling current Russian leadership who
emerged from the USSR and still espouse many of its values.163 Former
republics such as Kazakhstan and Belarus declared independence but
remained part of the looser Commonwealth of Independent States. The
former republics of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia joined NATO and
became openly hostile toward Russia.164 The Warsaw Pact165Russias
previous counterbalance to NATOdissolved with the USSR. Then
NATO moved into the vacuum created by the Warsaw Pacts absence,
even rebuffing Russian overtures to join it.166 Prestige declined not only
outside Russias borders but internally as well.
The Russian population wavered due to declining health, a high
accident rate, and alcoholism.167 Living standards dropped from
previous Soviet levels.168
Russia fought two financially and
162
120
[Vol. 220
sites/markadomanis/2013/05/24/the-intelligence-squared-debate-masha-gessen-has-somereally-strange-ideas-about-the-1990s/.
169
The Warlord and the Spook, supra note 31.
170
Kim Iskyan, On a Roll, BAY LEDGER (Sept. 30, 2005), http://www.blnz.com/news/
2008/04/23/Roll_7721.html.
171
Russias Economy, ECONOMIST (Dec. 22, 2011), http://www.economist.com/blogs/
graphicdetail/2011/12/focus-1.
172
Richer Russians, ECONOMIST (Mar. 12, 2012), http://www.economist.com/blogs/
graphicdetail/2012/03/daily-chart-0.
173
Sochi or Bust: The Conspicuous Dazzle of the Games Masks a Country, and a
President, in Deepening Trouble, ECONOMIST (Feb. 1, 2014), http://www.economist.
com/news/briefing/21595428-conspicuous-dazzle-games-masks-country-and-presidentdeepening-trouble-sochi.
174
Wydra, supra note 51, at 115.
175
Traub, supra note 159.
176
Wydra, supra note 51, at 115.
2014]
121
The West was caught off guard by the fast-paced events of 2014 that
resulted in Russias annexation of Crimea. It might appear obvious that
Russia annexed Crimea in March of 2014 due to instability in Ukraine
after the overthrow of Yanukovich. In retrospect, plenty of warning
signs existed that Russia was biding its time until an opportunity for
annexation arose. The Russian government appeared to be passport
stuffing by issuing thousands of Russian passports to ethnic Russian
inhabitants of Crimea.177 Russias passport imperialism has been
going on since the late 1990s.178 Prominent figures within a Russian
nationalist movement have agitated for years for the return of Crimea to
Russia179 and there were reports of Russian spy activity in Crimea in the
mid 2000s by Russians suspected of initiating efforts toward Crimean
secession.180 Russian agents used similar practices in South Ossetia
before Russias invasion in 2008 as a pretext to defend the Russian
citizens in the breakaway province.181 Russia had set the stage for a
takeover. Several years ago, the looming trigger for annexation seemed
to be over natural gas shipments and payments. Ukraine and Russia have
butted heads over oil and gas payments and shipments through Ukraine
to Europe since 2005.182 Russia halted or reduced gas shipments through
Ukraine over the course of several winters, threatening the energy
supplies of Western European countries as well as Ukraine.183 Before
one of these crises could mushroom again and lead to a fight over
Crimea, the 2014 instability in Ukraine erupted, and Russia sent Special
Forces into Ukraine under the guise of protecting ethnic Russians,184
sponsored secession,185 and annexed Crimea.186
177
122
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2014]
123
The Russian theory of international law has moved from proving that
we too are civilized in the early 18th century via the admiration of
and aspiration towards Western European civilization in the 18th and
19th centuries to the break with the West and the affirmation of
Russias own civilizational primacy in the 20th century.
Id. at 216.
Id. at 217.
198
Id. at 21819.
199
Id.
200
Id.
201
Id. See also The 1,025th Anniversary of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus, ECONOMIST (Jul.
30, 2013), http://www.economist.com/blogs/easternapproaches/2013/07/ukraine-andrussia [hereinafter Kyvian Rus]. Kyvian Rus denotes the mythical birthplace of the
Russian nation, the cradle of Russian civilization. Both Russians and Ukrainians look to
Kyiv or Kiev as the source of their common, Orthodox faith. Id. See also Philip Wythe,
Crisis in Ukraine Affects Communities in America, DAILY TARGUM (Apr. 22, 2014),
http://www.dailytargum.com/opinion/columnists/philip_wythe/crisis-in-ukraine-affectscommunities-in-america/article_f0bc3ac2-c9bf-11e3-9e1e-001a4bcf6878.html.
The
Russian Orthodox patriarch of Moscow, Patriarch Kirill, buffered messages of Christian
spirituality with calls for, an end to the designs of those who want to destroy holy
Russia during Moscows Resurrection Matins services. Id. (citation omitted).
197
124
[Vol. 220
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
Id.
Borgen, supra note 152.
icek, supra note 157, at 9.
McKew & Maniatis, supra note 191.
Id.
Id.
icek, supra note 157, at 2.
Id.
Kyivan Rus, supra note 199.
2014]
125
126
[Vol. 220
VII. Conclusion
As the Russian MiGs approached the southeastern part of the
Crimean peninsula, several Ukrainian MiGs from Kirovske Air Base in
Eastern Crimea flew out to intercept them. The two formations joined
forces and flew together south over the Black Sea to participate in
Trident-Sickle 2014a joint Russian/Ukraine/NATO exercise. This
fictitious ending to the ominous beginning of this article shows an ideal,
peaceful outcome of a seemingly tense situation.
217
Michael Ben-Gad, The Tiny Estonian Town That Could Spell the End of NATO, THE
WEEK (Mar. 27, 2014), http://theweek.com/article/index/258840/the-tiny-estonian-townthat-could-spell-the-end-of-nato.
218
Id.
219
Scott Shackelford, From Nuclear War to Net War: Analogizing Cyber Attacks in
International Law, 27 BERKELEY J. INTL L. 192, 193 (2009).
2014]
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128
[Vol. 220
2014]
129
Judge Advocate, U.S. Army. Presently assigned as Judge Advocate, New York Army
National Guard (NYARNG), 153rd Troop Command, Buffalo, New York. As of October
2014, Senior Associate, Tully Rinckey PLLC, Albany, New York. LL.M., 2014, The
Judge Advocate Generals School, U.S. Army, Charlottesville, Virginia; J.D., 2004, City
University of New York School of Law; B.A., 2001, University of Michigan. Previous
assignments include: Individual Military Counsel, Trial Defense Services, Fort Bragg,
North Carolina, 2013; Trial Counsel, Area Support Group-Kuwait, Camp Arifjan,
Kuwait, 2012; Judge Advocate, NYARNG, 153rd Troop Command, 2011; Senior
Defense Counsel, Trial Defense ServiceEurope, Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, 20092011;
Defense Counsel, NYARNG, 369th Sustainment Brigade, New York, New York, 2008
2009; Mortuary Affairs Officer, NYARNG, 369th Sustainment Brigade, New York, New
York, 20062008; Platoon Leader, NYARNG, 133rd Maintenance Company, Brooklyn,
New York, 20052006; Platoon Leader, NYARNG, 102d Maintenance Company,
Brooklyn, New York 20032005; Ammunition Officer, NYARNG, 107th Corps Support
Group, New York, New York, 20022003; Supply and Services Officer, NYARNG,
107th Corps Support Group, New York, New York, 20012002. Member of the bars of
New York, New Jersey, Supreme Court of the United States, Court of Appeals for the
Armed Forces, and the District Court of New Jersey. This article was submitted in partial
completion of the Master of Laws requirements of the 62nd Judge Advocate Officer
Graduate Course.
1
President Barack Obama, Address at the Naval Academy Graduation (May 24, 2013);
see also Michael D. Shear, Obama Calls for Moral Courage at Naval Academy
Graduation, N.Y. TIMES, May 24, 2013, http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/
25/us/politics/obama-naval-academy-commencement.html.
130
[Vol. 220
Letter from Lieutenant General Craig A. Franklin, former Commander, Third Air
Force, to Secretary Michael B. Donley, Secretary of the Air Force (Mar. 12, 2013) (on
file with author) (detailing his reasons for dismissing the charges against Lieutenant
Colonel James H. Wilkerson III); Kristin Davis, Lt. Col. Whose Overturned Sex Assault
Case Sparked Outrage Will Retire, ARMY TIMES, Oct. 2, 2013, http://www.
airforcetimes.com/article/20131002/CAREERS03/310020019/Lt-col-whose-overturnedsex-assault-case-sparked-outrage-will-retire.
3
Kristin Davis, Lt. Gen. Franklin Will Retire as a 2-star, AIR FORCE TIMES, January 9,
2014, http://www.airforcetimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201401091322/ NEWS/
301090021. As of publication of this article, the retirement grade decision had not yet
been determined.
4
Memorandum for Record from Lieutenant General Susan Helms, subject: Disapproval
of Findings in U.S. v. Herrera (24 Feb. 2012); Craig Whitlock, Generals Promotion
Blocked Over Her Dismissal of Sex-Assault Verdict, WASH. POST, May 6, 2013,
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/generals-promotion-blockedover-her-dismissal-of-sex-assault-verdict/2013/05/06/ef853f8c-b64c-11e2-bd07- b6e0e
6152528_story_1.html; Jeff Schogol, With Nomination Blocked, 3-star Applies for
Retirement, MIL. TIMES, Nov. 8, 2013, http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20131108/
CAREERS03/311080013/Helms-set-retire.
5
Telephone Interview with Lieutenant General (Retired) Susan Helms, former
commander, 14th Air Force Space Command (Mar. 12, 2014).
6
Nancy Montgomery, Former 173rd Commander Handed Reprimand, $300,000 Fine,
STARS & STRIPES, June 14, 2012, http://www.stripes.com/news/former-173rdcommander-handed-reprimand-300-000-fine-1.180356.
2014]
131
Lolita C. Baldor, William Ward, Four-Star General Demoted for Lavish Spending,
Ordered to Repay $82,000, HUFF. POST, Nov. 13, 2012, http://www.huffingtonpost.
com/2012/11/13/william-ward_n_2122379.html.
8
Robert Burns, Petraeus-Broadwell Probe Spreads to Gen. Allen, ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Nov. 13, 2012, http://www.military. com/daily-news/2012/11/13/ petraeus-broadwellprobe-spreads-to-gen-allen.html.
9
Elisabeth Bumiller, Panetta Orders Review of Ethics Training for Military Officers,
N.Y. TIMES, Nov. 15, 2012, http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/16/us/panetta-ordersreview-of-ethics-training-for-officers.html.
10
Jeffrey Collins, Army General Fined, Reprimanded in Sex Case, ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Mar. 20, 2014, http://news.msn.com/crime-justice/army-general-fined-reprimanded-insex-case?ocid=ansnews11.
11
See, e.g., Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013, S. 967, 113th Cong. (2013);
Better Enforcement for Sexual Assault Free Environments Act of 2013, S. 1032, 113th
Cong. (2013); Combating Military Sexual Assault Act of 2013, H.R. 2002, 113th Cong.
(2013); Military Sexual Assault Prevention Act of 2013, S. 548, 113 Cong. (2013); STOP
Act, H.R. 1593 113th Cong. (2013).
12
THE INVISIBLE WAR (Chain Camera Pictures 2012).
13
Id.; Memorandum from Secy of Def., to Secretaries of the Mil. Depts et al., subject:
Withholding Initial Disposition Authority Under the UCMJ in Certain Sexual Assault
Cases (20 Apr. 2012).
132
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14
2014]
133
134
[Vol. 220
2014]
135
24
David A. Schlueter, The Military Justice Conundrum: Justice or Discipline, 215 MIL.
L. REV. 1, 4 (2013); THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GEN.S LEGAL CTR. & SCH., THE
BACKGROUND OF THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE 10 (20 May 1970) [hereinafter
BACKGROUND]; Sameit, supra note 16, at 82.
25
Schlueter, supra note 24 (citing ROBINSON O. EVERETT, MILITARY JUSTICE IN THE
ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES (1956); BRIGADIER GENERAL JAMES SNEDEKER, A
BRIEF HISTORY OF COURTS-MARTIAL (1954); Walter T. Cox, The Army, The Courts, and
the Constitution: The Evolution of Military Justice, 118 MIL. L. REV. 1 (1987); Major
Gerald F. Crump, Part II: A History of the Structure of Military Justice in the United
States, 19211966, 17 A.F. L. REV. 55 (Fall 1975); Edmund M. Morgan, The Background
of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 6 VAND. L. REV. 169 (1953); David A.
Schlueter, The Court-Martial: An Historical Survey, 87 MIL. L. REV. 129 (1980).
26
BACKGROUND, supra note 24.
27
See generally Schlueter, supra note 24 (describing and applying the due process and
crime control models to the military justice system); Fred L. Borch III, Regimental
Historian & Archivist, The Judge Advocate Generals Legal Center and School,
Evolution of the Military Criminal Legal System before the Response Systems to Adult
Sexual Assault Crimes Panel (June 27, 2013), http://www.c-spanvideo.org/
program/AdultSe.
28
Schlueter, supra note 24, at 5658.
136
[Vol. 220
29
See generally BACKGROUND, supra note 24. There were seven versions of the Articles
of War from 1775 to 1948. Amendments include but are not limited to changes in types
of punishment, maximum sentences, statutes of limitation, jurisdiction, and appointment
of counsel. Id. at 35. The MCM has been updated five times since 1970, most recently
in 2012. See MCM, supra note 16.
30
BACKGROUND, supra note 24.
31
Borch, supra note 27.
32
Id.; see also Edward F. Sherman, Military Justice Without Military Control, 82
YALE L.J. 1398 (1973) (describing abolishment of foreign military justice systems and
advocating for civilianization of the military justice system in the United States in order
to provide American servicemen with a greater system of justice). Id. at 1425.
33
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014, Pub. L. No. 113-66, 1702
(2013) (removing commanders ability to disapprove convictions or lesser included
offenses for most offenses under the UCMJ); id. 1705 (requiring a punitive discharge
for rape, sexual assault, rape and sexual assault of a child, and forcible sodomy for
offenses committed after June 24, 2014).
34
U.S. DEPT OF ARMY, REG. 600-20, ARMY COMMAND POLICY paras. 1-5, 3-1, 3-2 (18
Mar. 2008) (RAR 20 Sept. 2012) [hereinafter AR 600-20]; U.S. DEPT OF AIR FORCE
INSTR. 1-1, AIR FORCE STANDARDS para. 1.7.1 (7 Aug. 2012); U.S. DEPT OF NAVY, U.S.
2014]
137
NAVY REGULATIONS, 1990, art. 0802 (14 Sept. 1990); MARINE CORPS MANUAL app. A,
paras. 2000, 2817, 1011 (21 Mar. 1980).
35
AR 600-20, supra note 34, para. 3-2.
36
Id. para. 6-3.
37
See generally U.S. DEPT OF ARMY, REG. 623-3, EVALUATION REPORTING SYSTEM para.
1-8 (5 June 2012) [hereinafter AR 623-3]. In the Army, commanders distribute
command climate surveys to their Soldiers, and the Soldiers anonymously respond to
questions regarding the climate of the unit. Officer evaluation reports are completed by
officers senior to the rated individual and comment on the officers duty performance and
promotion potential.
38
Interview with Major General Anthony Cucolo III, former Commandant, U.S. Army
War Coll., in Carlisle, Pa. (Jan. 22, 2014). As the commandant of the U.S. Army War
College for two years (after relinquishing command in June 2014) he was directly
responsible for the education and leader development of senior military and civilian
leaders in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, and GS-15. His experience as a
Division Commander and War College Commandant uniquely positions him to explain
what is expected of commanders and senior leaders in the armed forces. See also Borch,
supra note 27 (describing how the commander is the individual responsible for
everything that happens to his servicemembers and his unit).
39
Id.
138
[Vol. 220
A. Reporting
One obligation that a commander has is to report certain incidents or
alleged offenses to designated personnel or agencies. In general,
commanders use the established chain of command to inform the higher
headquarters at each level of UCMJ actions.40 Depending on the offense,
a commander must send a serious incident report (SIR) to the higher
headquarters.41 Sexual harassment cases involving a commander in the
rank of O-6 or higher or sexual harassment/assault response and
prevention (SHARP) personnel, curious cases, or cases likely to
receive media attention, must be reported to Headquarters, Department
of the Army.42 Unrestricted reports of sexual assault cases where the
victim is a servicemember must be reported to the installation
commander, first officer in the grade of O-6, and first general officer in
the chain of command, within eight days of receipt.43 The report must
include the victims progress, care, and support, referral to investigators,
details of the incident, and post-incident actions.44 Reporting obligations
ensure that appropriate personnel are informed of incidents that could
affect members of an installation or deployed area, draw media attention,
or that will require further action from those higher in the chain of
command.45
B. Evaluations
Congress has required greater accountability of leaders actions
taken with regard to sexual assault. The secretaries of the military
departments, and thus their subordinate commanders, must ensure that all
40
2014]
139
C. Military Justice
Military discipline is one component of a commanders
responsibility.51 In the armed forces, the UCMJ is an important part of
command authority. The Army views military justice and good order
and discipline as intertwined, and preserving the integrity of the system
is of utmost importance.52 Major General Cucolo underscored this point
when he noted that command authority and the UCMJ go hand-in-hand:
46
Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005, Pub. L.
No. 108-375, 577, 118 Stat. 1812 (2004); see generally U.S. DEPT OF ARMY, REG. 3501, ARMY TRAINING AND LEADER DEVELOPMENT (18 Dec. 2009) (RAR 4 Aug. 2011)
(outlining all mandatory Army training).
47
U.S. DEPT OF ARMY, DIR. 2013-20, ASSESSING OFFICERS AND NON-COMMISSIONED
OFFICERS ON FOSTERING CLIMATES OF DIGNITY AND RESPECT AND ON ADHERING TO THE
SEXUAL HARASSMENT/ASSAULT RESPONSE AND PREVENTION PROGRAM (27 Sept. 2013)
[hereinafter ARMY DIR. 2013-20].
48
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 1721.
49
Id. 1751.
50
Id.
51
AR 600-20, supra note 34, para. 4-1; see also Borch, supra note 27 (stating that
discipline is one piece of everything the commander is responsible for, and the
commander is at the root of the system).
52
See generally Memorandum from Secy of Def., to Secys of the Military Depts, et
al., subject: Integrity of the Military Justice Process (6 Aug. 2013).
140
[Vol. 220
Interview with Major General Anthony Cucolo III, supra note 38.
AR 600-20, supra note 34, para. 1-5.
55
MCM, supra note 16, R.C.M. 303.
56
U.S. DEPT OF ARMY, REG. 15-6, PROCEDURES FOR INVESTIGATING OFFICERS AND
BOARDS OF OFFICERS (2 Oct. 2006) [hereinafter AR 15-6].
57
U.S. DEPT OF ARMY, REG. 195-2, CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION ACTIVITIES app. B (15
May 2009) (RAR 6 Sept. 2011) [hereinafter AR 195-2]; U.S. DEPT OF NAVY, SECY. OF
NAVY INSTR. 5430.107, MISSION AND FUNCTIONS OF THE NAVAL CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIVE
SERVICE para. 6b(1) (28 Dec. 2005).U.S. DEPT OF AIR FORCE, INSTR. 71-101, CRIMINAL
INVESTIGATIONS PROGRAM paras. 1.5, 2.1.2 (8 Apr. 2011).
58
MCM, supra note 16, R.C.M. 306.
54
2014]
141
59
142
[Vol. 220
65
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014, Pub. L. No. 113-66, 1713,
127 Stat. 672 (2013).
66
AR 600-20, supra note 34, para. 8-5.
67
Id.
68
Id. para. 8-3; National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 1716.
69
AR 600-20, supra note 34, para. 8-5; U.S. DEPT OF ARMY, REG. AR 27-10 MILITARY
JUSTICE para. 18-15 (3 Oct. 2011) [hereinafter AR 27-10].
70
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 1706.
71
Interview with Major General Anthony Cucolo III, supra note 38.
72
Borch, supra note 27; see also discussion infra Part V.B.
73
See generally AR 600-20, supra note 34. Commanders at all levels are responsible
and accountable for all personnel, equipment, missions, daily operational requirements,
and military justice.
74
See BACKGROUND, supra note 24.
75
Interview with Major General Anthony Cucolo III, supra note 38.
2014]
143
but whether they should, especially as the pressure to protect victims and
adjudicate every case grows.
The additional military justice requirements, by virtue of a change in
law and policy, are on their face positive steps toward addressing sexual
assault in the military. However, those being evaluated on how they
address sexual assault allegations are also the decision-makers for
military justice. Several retired senior officers testified during the
January 30, 2014, Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crimes
Panel. In support of Senator Gillibrands MJIA removing UCMJ
authority from commanders, Major General (Retired) Martha Rainville,
former Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard (both Army and
Air), stated,
I think that the decisions to prosecute or not should be
based on evidence, independent of preexisting command
relationships and that really our men and women deserve
that fair treatment and due process that would come with
that.
I strongly believe in holding commanders
responsible. That is a given. But we should not confuse
command responsibility with leadership. Commanders
should always be responsible for command climate.
And this change, if made, would allow those
commanders to focus their efforts on command business,
improving the command climate, and on the warfighting
abilities of their units.76
In advocating for military lawyers to make prosecutorial decisions rather
than commanders, she further noted this would let commanders lead, to
free them to focus on mission-readiness and warfighting in their
command climate and inspiring and leading.77
Clearly, commanders have a responsibility to prevent and respond to
sexual assault, command their units, accomplish their missions, and take
care of all of their servicemembers. However, commanders cannot
properly evaluate cases without their loyalties and duties to the accused
76
See Transcript of Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crimes Panel: The Role
of the Commander in the Military Justice System: Perspectives of Retired Senior
Commanders and Former Officers 1112 (Jan. 30, 2014) [hereinafter RSP Transcript],
available at http://responsesystemspanel.whs.mil/.
77
Id. at 1314.
144
[Vol. 220
78
Id. at 44.
Id. at 45, 8687.
80
Charles D. Stimson, Sexual Assault in the Military: Understanding the Problem and
How to Fix It, HERITAGE REP., Nov. 6, 2013, http://report.heritage.org/sr149.
81
For example, a victim might have engaged in misconduct that is punitive under Article
92 of the UCMJ, such as underaged drinking or engaging in a prohibited relationship,
which could lead to her reluctance to report.
82
See generally THE INVISIBLE WAR, supra note 12.
83
General James F. Amos, Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, Heritage Brief at
Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, S.C. 12 (Apr. 19, 2012) [hereinafter Amos
Brief] (transcript on file with the author).
79
2014]
145
146
[Vol. 220
89
MCM, supra note 16, R.C.M. 104(a)(1) (3). The exceptions include: (1)
commanders can receive military justice education; (2) the military judge and counsel
may give statements and instructions in open session; (3) the Judge Advocate General
may professionally supervise and discipline counsel; and (4) counsel, the military judge,
or court-martial member can be prosecuted for a UCMJ offense.
90
Id. R.C.M. 104(b)(1).
91
Id. R.C.M. 104(b)(2).
92
SCHLUETER, supra note 85, at 378 (citing United States v. Drayton, 45 M.J. 180
(1996); United States v. Thomas, 22 M.J. 388 (C.M.A. 1986); United States v. Harris, 65
M.J. 594 (N.M. Ct. Crim. App. 2007); United States v. Gleason, 39 M.J. 776 (A.C.M.R.
1994)).
93
Id. at 36592. Professor Schlueters book includes an extensive explanation of
unlawful command influence (UCI), to include the definitions and examples of actual,
apparent, and perceived UCI, cases that show how UCI was raised at different stages of
the court-martial and against both commanders and other military members, and how to
avoid UCI.
94
United States v. Simpson, 58 M.J. 368, 373 (C.A.A.F. July 1, 2003) (citing United
States v. Biagese, 50 M.J. 143, 150 (C.A.A.F. Apr. 13, 1999)).
95
Id. at 373 (quoting United States v. Ayala, 43 M.J. 296, 300 (C.A.A.F. Sept. 29,
1995)).
96
Id. at 373 (citing Biagese, 50 M.J. at 151 and United States v. Stoneman, 57 M.J. 35,
41 (C.A.A.F. July 5, 2002)).
2014]
147
SCHLUETER, supra note 85, at 371 (citing United States v. Lewis, 63 M.J. 405
(C.A.A.F. Aug. 9, 2006) (government failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the
court-martial was unaffected by UCI); Simpson, 58 M.J. at 37374 (citing Biagese, 50
M.J. at 152 and United States v. Rivers, 49 M.J. 434, 443 (C.A.A.F. Oct. 1, 1998)
(possible remedies include: transfer of case to a different general court-martial
convening authority (GCMCA), orders prohibiting retaliation, changes of venue, liberal
grants of challenge for cause during voir dire, and the use of discovery and pretrial
hearings to delineate the scope and impact of alleged unlawful command influence)).
98
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014, Pub. L. No. 113-66 (2013),
127 Stat. 672. Sections 1701, 1715, 1716, 172326, 173334, 174245, and 1751 require
more action from the commander with regard to sexual assault, while sections 1702,
1705, 1806, 1708, 1741, 1751, and 1753 limit the commanders discretion in sexual
assault allegations and cases.
99
See, e.g., Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013, S. 967, 113th Cong. (2013);
Better Enforcement for Sexual Assault Free Environments Act of 2013, S. 1032, 113th
Cong. (2013); Combating Military Sexual Assault Act of 2013, H.R. 2002, 113th Cong.
(2013); Military Sexual Assault Prevention Act of 2013, S. 548, 113 Cong. (2013); STOP
Act, H.R. 1593 113th Cong. (2013).
100
Jennifer Steinhauer, Remark by Obama Complicates Military Sexual Assault Trials,
N.Y. TIMES, July 13, 2013, http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/14/us/obama-remark-iscomplicating-military-trials.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1 (as quoted in the introduction to
this article).
101
Erik Slavin, Judge: Obama Sex Assault Comments Unlawful Command Influence,
STARS & STRIPES, June 14, 2013, http://www.stripes.com/judge-obama-sex-assaultcomments-unlawful-command-influence-1.225974. In both cases the option for the panel
to punitively discharge the accused Navy seaman was removed from the options for
punishment due to President Obamas comments. Also, in United States v. Betts, 12
188, at 40 (2d Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 2, 2012) and United States v.
Maza, 73 M.J. 507 (N-M. Ct. Crim. App. 2014) (appealed on other grounds), the military
judge ruled that extensive voir dire would be allowed to determine whether and to what
148
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2014]
149
150
[Vol. 220
that led to a finding of UCI by the military judge was a letter submitted
by a judge advocate, the victims special victim counsel, to the
convening authority; she claimed that if the convening authority accepted
the plea offer submitted by the defense, it would have an adverse effect
on my client and the Armys fight against sexual assault112 and
allowing the accused to characterize this relationship as a consensual
affair would only strengthen the arguments of those individuals that
believe the prosecution of sexual assault should be taken away from the
Army.113 Military lawyers, by virtue of their close advisory relationship
with commanders or as advocates for individuals involved in the system,
are positioned to unlawfully influence the process.
Even if commanders no longer had authority in prosecuting courtsmartial, UCI could occur through panel or Article 32 investigating
officer (IO) selection. A GCMCA selects panel members in accordance
with Article 25 of the UCMJ.114 He also selects IOs for Article 32
hearings.115 The military judge and counsel must explore any scintilla of
UCI or bias due to command relationships in voir dire.116 Although the
potential for UCI diminishes when the commander is not involved in the
charging decisions and post-trial, IOs and panel members might be
concerned with how their evaluation reports or promotions will be
affected if they decide a case a certain way.117 Because commanders still
committed unlawful command influence (UCI) by contacting witnesses, discussing the
case on videotape, speaking with prospective court members, and obtaining defense
counsels pretrial motions prior to execution of the pretrial agreement); United States v.
Hamilton, 41 M.J. 32, 37 (C.M.A. 1994) (an SJA could commit UCI because he
generally acts with the mantle of command authority) (citing Kitts, 23 M.J. 108).
112
Zucchino, supra note 103.
113
Alan Blinder & Richard A. Oppel, Jr, Plea Deal Talks Begin After Sexual Assault
Trial Against Army General is Halted, N.Y. TIMES, Mar. 11, 2014,
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/12/us/general-sinclair-sex-abuse-court-martial.html.
114
UCMJ art. 25 (2012).
115
Id. art. 32; see generally SCHLEUTER, supra note 85, 37172. The FY 14 NDAA
mandates that an impartial judge advocate shall serve as the Article 32 hearing officer
whenever practicable, or in exceptional circumstances in which the interests of justice
warrant, by an impartial hearing officer that is not a judge advocate. National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014, Pub. L. No. 113-66, 1702, 127 Stat. 672
(2013). If a judge advocate is not available to serve as a hearing officer, then a judge
advocate must provide legal advice to the hearing officer. Id.
116
See generally SCHLUETER, supra note 85, at 371 and 373.
117
Perhaps the most challenging concern is that panel members might not understand
how they have been unlawfully influenced by congressional legislation, the current
climate of sexual assault, and their leaderships expectations. Furthermore, they might
not be forthcoming with their answers on this subject in a public setting or may conform
their answers to those of the group. See RICHARD WAITES, COURTROOM PSYCHOLOGY
2014]
151
152
[Vol. 220
121
Obama Address, supra note 1; Amos Brief, supra note 83. By contrast, Lieutenant
General David Morrison, Chief of the Australian Army, in response to an investigation
into sexually inappropriate conduct, stated that those who engage in this behavior have
no place in this Army, should get out, and that they did not belong amongst this band
of brothers and sisters. Chief of Army Message Regarding Unacceptable Behaviour
(June 12, 2013), available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaqpoeVgr8U. He
further promised he would be ruthless in ridding the Army of people who cannot live up
to its values and stated he need[s] every one of you to support [me] in achieving this.
Id. In the United States military comments like these by a senior leader easily could be
construed as UCI. However, the Australian military no longer has a convening authority.
Hansen, supra note 118.
122
Memorandum from Secy of Def., to Secys of the Military Depts, et al., subject:
Integrity of the Military Justice Process (6 Aug. 2013).
123
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014, Pub. L. No. 113-66,
1705, 127 Stat. 672 (2013). Congress cured any further potential UCI problems caused
by the Presidents comments by making a dishonorable discharge mandatory in all rape,
sexual assault, rape and sexual assault of a child, and forcible sodomy cases six months
after the Presidents comments. Id.
2014]
153
A. The Accused
When sexual assault allegations must be investigated by the
appropriate service-specific criminal investigative team, an investigation
into the accuseds alleged actions will no longer be left to the discretion
of the recipient of the complaint. Although Army Regulation (AR) 1952 dictated that rape and sexual assault cases are within the purview of
CID, and the general practice was that CID would investigate sexual
assault cases, commanders were not necessarily required to send every
allegation of sexual misconduct to CID.126
Currently, when a
commander receives a report of a sex-related offense, he must
immediately refer the case to the appropriate criminal investigative
division.127 The case cannot be investigated at the local level through a
commanders inquiry or 15-6 investigation.128
When any case
investigated by CID is determined to be founded against a subject, then
the accused will be titled with the offense.129 A founded case is one that
124
Obama-Signed Bill Provides Military Pay, Bonuses, U.S. DEPT OF DEF., Dec. 26,
2013, http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=1214504.
125
ARMED SERV. COMM., FY 14 NDAA House-Senate Bill Text, http://armedservices.
house.gov/index.cfm/ndaa-home?p=ndaa (last visited Jan. 29, 2014).
126
AR 195-2, supra note 57, app. B. For example, if the case involved a minor offensive
touching, then the case, at least initially, might not have been referred to an investigative
division, such as the criminal investigative division (CID).
127
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 1742.
128
MCM, supra note 16, R.C.M. 303; AR 15-6, supra note 56.
129
AR 195-2, supra note 57, para. 1-4. Because this is a CID procedure, an accused is
not titled for an offense as a result of an RCM 303 commanders inquiry or investigation
154
[Vol. 220
under AR 15-6. According to the glossary, a subject is a person about whom probable
cause exists to believe that the person committed a particular criminal offense. Id.
130
Id.
131
Id. para. 1-4.
132
Id. para. 4-4. It is unlikely that a subject will be successful in removing a title. If the
subject, upon request to the Director, U.S. Army Crime Records Center, can prove that
credible information did not exist to believe that the individual committed the offense
for which titled as a subject at the time the investigation was initiated, or the wrong
persons name has been entered as a result of mistaken identity, then the title will be
removed. See also Major Patricia Ham, The CID Titling ProcessFounded or
Unfounded?, ARMY LAW. , Aug. 1998, at 1, 6, 1215.
133
UCMJ art. 32 (2012).
134
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014, Pub. L. No. 113-66,
1702, 127 Stat. 672 (2013).
135
Id.
136
UCMJ art. 32 (2012).
2014]
155
137
156
[Vol. 220
However, more cases will likely go forward. Initial savings on resources at the
Article 32 will be eliminated if more cases with weak evidence are referred to courtsmartial.
144
MCM, supra note 16, R.C.M. 306 discussion (b)(J).
145
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 1708.
146
See generally UCMJ art. 15 (2012); U.S. DEPT OF ARMY, REG. 635-200, ACTIVE
DUTY ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS ch. 10 (6 June 2005) (RAR 6 Sept. 2011)
[hereinafter AR 635-200]; U.S. DEPT OF ARMY, REG. 600-8-24, OFFICER TRANSFERS AND
DISCHARGES ch. 3 (12 Apr. 2006) (RAR 13 Sept. 2011) [hereinafter AR 600-8-24].
147
UCMJ art. 43 (2012).
148
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 1703(a).
2014]
157
for rape has increased since the MCM was amended in 2012.149 The FY
14 NDAA further limits the sentencing options for a panel or military
judge for an accused convicted of sexual assault because the finder of
fact is now required to give a dismissal or dishonorable discharge for a
conviction, actual or attempted, for rape, sexual assault, rape or sexual
assault of a child, and forcible sodomy.150 The accused and convening
authority cannot bargain for a lesser sentence in a pre-trial agreement
than what is required by law when there is a mandatory minimum
sentence for an offense; however, the parties can negotiate a bad-conduct
discharge rather than a dishonorable discharge.151 The sentence the
accused will receive in specific cases under Article 120 will ensure that
servicemembers convicted of these offenses will no longer serve in the
military regardless of any characteristics or factors that could have once
been in their favor and produced the result of continued service despite
their crime.
As a result of the FY 14 NDAA, the accused is suffering an
additional loss with regard to what he can petition for in his clemency
request. Before the passage of the FY 14 NDAA, commanders could
dismiss charges and specifications or change findings of guilty on
charges and specifications to findings of guilty to lesser included
offenses. Now an accuseds conviction can only be set aside or reduced
to that of a lesser included offense if his conviction is: (1) not for rape or
sexual assault, forcible sodomy, or rape or sexual assault of a minor; and
(2) for an offense for which the maximum sentence is no more than two
years and does not include a punitive discharge.152 If the commander
grants the clemency request, he must state in writing his reasons for
doing so.153 For the remainder of offenses under the UCMJ, the
commander can only set aside a conviction or change it to a finding of
guilty to a lesser included offense if the maximum sentence that can be
adjudged is two years or less, and the actual sentence adjudged does not
include confinement for more than six months or a bad-conduct or
dishonorable discharge.154 These provisions substantially limit the
149
UCMJ art. 120 (2012); 2013 Amendments to the Manual for Courts-Martial, United
States, Exec Order No. 13,543, 78 Fed. Reg. 29,559 (May 15, 2013). The maximum
punishment for rape increased from life with or without eligibility for parole to life
without eligibility for parole. Id.
150
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 1705.
151
Id. 1702.
152
Id.
153
Id.
154
Id.
158
[Vol. 220
Cf. Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013, S. 967, 113th Cong. 6 (2013). In
terms of limiting command authority, section 6 is even more restrictive to the accused
and commander because it removes the convening authoritys power to reverse or alter
the findings of a verdict reached by a military panel. Section 6 strikes the provisions
allowing for dismissal of charges and specifically states that convening authorities may
not dismiss charges or change findings of guilty on charges or specifications to guilty to
lesser included offenses.
156
MCM, supra note 16, R.C.M. 1102. Rule for Courts-Martial (RCM) 1102 allows for
post-trial Article 39(a) sessions for inquiries into a matter that arises after trial and that
substantially affects the legal sufficiency of any findings of guilty or the sentence. Rule
for Courts-Martial 1102 also allows for a motion for reconsideration of a trial ruling that
substantially affects the legal sufficiency of any findings of guilty or the sentence. Id.
157
Id.; UCMJ art. 66 (2012); Sameit, supra note 16, at 93. If the accused receives more
than one year of confinement or a punitive discharge, he can still appeal on the basis that
there is no legal or factual sufficiency for the charges of which he was found guilty. Id.
158
UCMJ art. 60 (2012).
159
MCM, supra note 16, R.C.M. 1107(d)(1).
160
Section 1702 of the FY 2014 NDAA also requires the convening authority to provide
a written explanation for eligible cases of a sentence adjudged of less than six months and
without a bad-conduct or dishonorable discharge, in which he disapproves, commutes, or
suspends the sentence.
2014]
159
161
Davis, supra note 2; Whitlock, supra note 4. Lieutenant General (Retired) Helms and
Lieutenant General Franklin were the same GCMCAs who found sufficient evidence of a
crime to send the case forward to court-martial. However, the evidence available at the
Article 32 hearing is not as substantial as that in a complete record of trial, which the
convening authority reviews post-trial. Section 6 of the MJIA, which called for an
absolute prohibition on the commanders authority to set aside findings of guilty or
amend findings of guilty to lesser included offenses regardless of the type of offense, was
in part motivated by the outrage expressed over the clemency granted to Lieutenant
Colonel Wilkerson. Interview with Major Bridget Byrnes, former advisor to Senator
Kirsten Gillibrand, in Washington, D.C. (Dec. 4, 2013).
162
MCM, supra note 16, R.C.M. 201(e)(5), 1203, 1204, 1205. servicemembers have the
right to appeal their convictions to their respective service court of appeals, the Court of
Appeals for the Armed Forces, and ultimately the Supreme Court of the United States.
Id.
163
See infra p. 134 and note 27.
160
[Vol. 220
B. The Victim
Defense counsel will have less access to victims as a result of the
UCMJ provisions in the FY 14 NDAA. For example, a victim is not
required to testify at the Article 32 hearing.164 If the victim elects not to
testify, she will be deemed not available.165 This clear mandate would
likely preclude defense counsel from requesting that the IO indicate that
the victim refused to testify on the Department of Defense (DD) Form
457, IOs Report, thereby eliminating the opportunity for the convening
authority to draw a negative inference from her lack of participation. If
the victim chooses not to participate, then the defense is unable to crossexamine the victim before trial and thus loses the ability to observe the
victims appearance, voice, and mannerisms, assess her credibility, and
obtain recorded sworn testimony about the offense.166 It appears that this
change in the law was prompted by the perception that victims have been
subject to mistreatment at Article 32 hearings.167 Although Congress has
ensured that victims are not subjected to perceived mistreatment, this
provision of the FY 14 NDAA will substantially limit the scope of what
the accused was originally entitled toincluding discovery, an
opportunity for substantial cross-examination, and presentation of
evidenceat the Article 32 hearing.168
Defense counsel could be precluded from or substantially limited in
their ability to talk to the victim before an Article 32 hearing or trial.
Under the MCM, counsel and the court-martial had equal opportunity to
obtain witnesses and other evidence.169 Now, when the trial counsel
notifies the defense counsel of a sexual assault victim in a case involving
a charge under Article 120, 120a, 120b, 120c, or 125, the defense
counsel must request an interview of that victim through the trial
counsel.170 Furthermore, the trial counsel, special victims counsel, or
sexual assault victim advocate must be present during any interview by
the defense counsel if the victim so chooses.171 This substantially
164
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014, Pub. L. No. 113-66, 1702
(2013).
165
Id.
166
LARRY S. POZNER & ROGER J. DODD, CROSS-EXAMINATION: SCIENCE AND
TECHNIQUES 1-2, 1-9 (LexisNexis, 2d ed. 2004).
167
Stan, supra note 140.
168
See UCMJ art. 32 (2012).
169
Id. art. 46.
170
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014, Pub. L. No. 113-66,
1704.
171
Id.
2014]
161
changes the battlefield for defense counsel because in the past, counsel
could contact a victim directly or through her chain of command without
government counsel knowing about or impacting the interview. Also,
during the interview, defense counsel could now be forced to show their
trial strategy and work product to the government counsel. Defense
counsel will likely want to speak to victims, but might choose not to
under the new law, so as not to show their hand before trial. Whether
or not counsel decide to interview the victim, they lose a previously held
advantage that ultimately affects the accuseds chances at trial.
Victims are gaining substantial rights in the military justice system
under the FY 14 NDAA. Victims are now entitled to a special victim
counsel who will represent their interests from the initial report of the
crime through the post-trial process and can even argue motions on a
victims behalf at court-martial.172 In a sexual assault case, the victim
will have the following resources: a trial counsel and special victim
prosecutor handling the case, a special victim counsel, a unit victim
advocate, a victim witness liaison, and any other potential services that
she needs, such as a behavioral health physician.173 The victims opinion
now must be considered by the convening authority who is considering
granting an accuseds request for discharge in lieu of court-martial.174
Additionally, the victim of a case may submit matters to the convening
authority when the convicted servicemember has submitted a petition for
clemency, and her waiver of the right to do so must be in writing.175
During clemency, the convening authority can only consider the victims
character as it was introduced at trial.176 These provisions of the FY 14
NDAA have ensured that the victims voice will be heard, that her rights
will be protected, and that any evidence of bad character is not
introduced to the convening authority if not properly admitted at trial.
172
Id. 1702; LRM v. Kastenberg, 72 M.J. 364 (C.A.A.F. July 18, 2013).
By contrast, the accused is only entitled to be represented by one counsel, which can
be civilian counsel at the accuseds expense, one detailed military defense counsel, or an
individual military counsel as selected by the accused if that counsel is reasonably
available. MCM, supra note 16, R.C.M. 506. It is also important to note that all of the
individuals providing services to the victim work for the Staff Judge Advocate, who
advises the GCMCA.
174
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 1753.
175
Id. 1706.
176
Id.
173
162
[Vol. 220
C. The Commander
The commander is losing independent discretion in the military
justice realm as a result of the FY 14 NDAA. The sentencing, clemency,
initial disposition considerations, and pretrial agreement changes that
affect the accused and victim also affect the commander, as he is the
party who makes the final decision in a case. Military justice decisions
ultimately belong to the commander, and judge advocates advise
commanders on those decisions.177 Prior to the passage of the FY 14
NDAA, there was no explanation required for UCMJ decisions;
commanders could claim that they merely followed the advice of their
lawyers upon issuing an unpopular decision, and judge advocates could
claim that they were only advisors.178 Now, if both the staff judge
advocate (SJA) and convening authority agree that a case should not be
referred, and the convening authority does not refer the case, then the
case will go to the next level in the chain of command for review.179
Additionally, when the SJA advises a GCMCA to refer a case to
court-martial, and the GCMCA does not refer, the case will be submitted
to the Secretary of the military department for review.180 The change in
the law does create more accountability in the system by ensuring that
the SJAs advice and GCMCAs action are being documented and
reported when a case does not go forward. However, unless there are
special circumstances, an accused will have little to no ability to
determine whether anyone influenced a commander to refer a case.181
177
2014]
163
182
Interview with Major General Anthony Cucolo III, supra note 38.
Harvey Bryant Biography, Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crimes Panel,
http://responsesystemspanel.whs.mil/index.php/about/panel/Bryant 9 (last visited June 9,
2014).
184
RSP Transcript, supra note 76, at 287.
185
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 1753.
186
Id.
183
164
[Vol. 220
187
Victims Protection Act of 2014, S. 1917, 113th Cong. 3(g) (as passed by Senate,
Mar. 10, 2014).
188
Id.
189
Interview with Lieutenant General Susan (Retired) Helms, supra note 5.
190
Borch, supra note 27.
2014]
165
191
Hansen, supra note 118. Canada limited the role of commanders in the court-martial
process; the Director of Military Prosecutors now determines the level of court-martial
and panel members for a case, and the military police can request that a case go forward
if the commander does not. Id. at 238. In the United Kingdom, the prosecuting
authority now determines which cases will be referred to court-martial rather than the
convening officer, and a court administrator establishes the logistics of the trial. Id. at
241. Australia abolished the convening authority, and the Director of Military
Prosecutors and Registrar of Military Justice make court-martial decisions. Id. at 243.
See generally Major General Michael D. Conway, Thirty-Ninth Kenneth J. Hodson
Lecture in Criminal Law, 213 MIL. L. REV. (2012).
192
Military Justice Improvement Act, S. 967, 113th Cong. (2013).
193
See Jim Garamone, Leaders Urge Care in Changing Commanders UCMJ
Responsibilities, U.S. DOD AM. FORCES PRESS SERV., June 4, 2013,
http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=120209.
194
Julian E. Barnes, Gen. Odierno Opposes Gillibrand Measure on Sexual Assaults,
WALL ST. J., November 13, 2013, http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2013/11/13/genodierno-opposes-gillibrand-measure-on-sexual-assaults/.
195
Letter from Lieutenant General Flora Darpino et al., to Senator James Inhofe (Oct.
28, 2013) (on file with author).
196
Letter from Lieutenant General (Retired) Jack L. Rives et al., to Senators Carl Levin
and James Inhofe (Aug. 30, 2013) (on file with author).
166
[Vol. 220
RSP Transcript, supra note 76; Letter from Lieutenant General (Retired) Robert K.
Muellner et.al., to Senator Carl Levin (Nov. 13, 2013) (on file with author).
198
Ramsey Cox, Gillibrand: Military Has Zero Accountability for Assaults, THE
HILL, Nov. 20, 2013, http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/190918-gillibrandmilitary-has-zero-accountability-for-assaults.
199
Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013, S. 967, 113th Cong. 2 (2013).
200
MCM, supra note 16, R.C.M. 306.
201
S. 967.
202
See generally MCM, supra note 16, pt. IV. The author performed this calculation by
counting the punitive articles that include offenses with a maximum punishment of up to
and including one year and adding the excluded offenses under the MJIA.
203
Interview with Lieutenant General (Retired) Susan Helms, supra note 5.
2014]
167
Id. Lieutenant General (Retired) Helmss position is that commanders are charged
with the ability to cut through political questions and the emotions of politics. However,
if commanders no longer have UCMJ authority over felony offenses, then civilian courts
should have jurisdiction over these offenses. Her opinion is based on many factors,
including Congresss scrutiny of the system based on politically unpopular decisions and
the recent changes to the UCMJ as a result of the FY 14 NDAA that severely impacts the
rights of the accused. Id.
205
Interview with Major General Anthony Cucolo III, supra note 38.
206
Brigadier General (Retired) Malinda Dunn, Response Systems to Adult Sexual
Assault Crimes Panel, http://responsesystemspanel.whs.mil/index.php/about/panel/dunn.
207
RSP Transcript, supra note 76, at 72.
208
Rear Admiral (Retired) Evans served as a commander in the Navy for eight years
with six years as a GCMCA. In 1992 she also served as the Director of the Navys
Standing Committee on Military and Civilian Women after Tailhook. Id., at 2223.
168
[Vol. 220
Id. at 2627.
Id. at 43.
211
Id. at 86.
212
MCM, supra note 16, R.C.M. 306, 105.
213
Each year the dates for the SOLO courses and the SOLO curriculum are posted on
http://www.JAGCnet.army. mil. COURSE CATALOG: FISCAL YEAR 2014 (The Judge
Advocate Gen.s Legal Ctr. & Sch., 2014), available at https://www.jagcnet2.army.mil/
Portals/Files/ jaglcsfiles.nsf/ Index/d5835b60be18c5cc85257bcd0074cc6b/$FILE/FY14
%20TJAGLCS%20Course%20Catalog%20-%20Approved.pdf (login required).
214
Id.
215
See MCM, supra note 16, R.C.M. 306.
210
2014]
169
216
HOW TO BECOME A JAG LAWYER: 6 STEPS, http://www.wikihow.com/Become-aJAG-Lawyer (last visited Mar. 20, 2014).
217
Officer Basic Course Student Guide provided by Major (Professor) Meghan
Wakefield, Instructor, The Judge Advocate Gen.s Legal Ctr. & Sch., to author (Nov. 26,
2013, 10:15 A.M. EST) (on file with author).
218
Intermediate Trial Advocacy Course Student Guide provided by Major (Professor)
Jeremy Steward, Instructor, The Judge Advocate Gen.s Legal Ctr. & Sch., to author
(Nov. 26, 2013, 10:20 A.M. EST) (on file with author).
219
See RSP Transcript, supra note 76, at 31113. The Honorable Barbara Jones stated
that prosecutors consider facts, law, and risk of defeat at trial. Mr. Bryant stated that
lawyers consider credibility of the victim, probable cause, resources, problems that exist
in a case, and whether or not there should be a conviction.
170
[Vol. 220
Interview with Major Bridget Byrnes, supra note 161. Major Byrnes confirmed that
the one-year cutoff is the bright-line rule that is defined by what constitutes a felony-level
offense. Those offenses deserve the fairest, blindest justice. Id.
221
BLACKS LAW DICTIONARY 694 (9th ed. 2009).
222
Marc Mauer, Felon Disenfranchisement: A Policy Whose Time Has Passed?, 31
HUM. RTS. 16 (2004); see also Andrew S. Williams, Safeguarding the Commanders
Authority to Review the Findings of a Court-Martial, 28 BYU J. PUB. L. (forthcoming
Summer 2014).
223
Gabriel J. Chin, Making Padilla Practical: Defense Counsel and Collateral
Consequences at Guilty Plea, 54 HOW. L.J. 675, 687 (2011).
224
Id. at 689.
225
Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013, S. 967, 113th Cong. 2(a)(4) (2013). The
MJIA specifically excludes several offenses from the mandatory removal from command
authority that carry more than one year of punishment but are military in nature. One
example of this is desertion. UCMJ art. 85 (2012). See also Interview with Major
Bridget Byrnes, supra note 161. Lawyers should decide the disposition on serious
offenses. The offenses that are excluded to remain with commanders are uniquely
military in nature and address disciplinary problems.
2014]
171
removed by her bill. Thus, SA 2099 struck the MJIAs original section
552 and replaced it with an amended version of section 552.226 The
initial version of the MJIA failed to exclude some offenses that are
minor, purely military offenses from the list of those proposed for
removal from command authority, such as Article 92 and many offenses
under Article 134. 227 Article 92 has a maximum sentence of
confinement of two years, and the three possible violations of the article
are: violation of a general order or regulation, violation of a superior
order, and dereliction of duty.228 All three of these offenses are
considered minor and purely military in nature. Several offenses under
Article 134 that are purely military in nature were not excluded due to
their greater than one year of maximum punishment.229 The most recent
version of the MJIA allowed punitive articles 83117, 133, and 134 to
remain within command disposition authority.230
In general, the problem with the MJIA is that some excluded
offenses carry the most severe of maximum punishments, such as death,
and it is unclear why a commander should not have disposition authority
over a bad checks offense under Article 123a but can still dispose of
desertion charges under Article 85.231 It is also unclear why certain
offenses under Article 134 were excluded from removal. Article 134 is
comprised of 55 offenses, including the general article that allows the
government to allege any conduct is illegal if the terminal element, that,
under the circumstances, the conduct of the accused was to the prejudice
of good order and discipline in the armed forces or was of a nature to
bring discredit upon the armed forces.232 Approximately 27 of the
Article 134 offenses carry a maximum punishment of greater than one
year of confinement, and of those 27, only five do not have a companion
226
172
[Vol. 220
233
2014]
173
239
E-mail from Malcolm Squires, Clerk of the Court, Office of the Clerk of Court, Army
Court of Criminal Appeals, to author (Nov. 21, 2013, 16:04 P.M. EST) [hereinafter
Squires e-mail] (on file with author). These figures represent convictions at court-martial
solely for these specific individual offenses; these numbers are not indicative of
convictions where the servicemember was convicted for additional offenses.
Additionally, there were 631 convictions for Article 86 (Absence Without Leave), for
which there is a maximum punishment of less than one year for all offenses with the
exception of being absent without leave for more than thirty days and terminated by
apprehension, which carries a maximum punishment of eighteen months. Id.
240
Id. This does not include convictions for the offense where the servicemember was
convicted of additional offenses.
241
MCM, supra note 16, R.C.M. 201(f)(1)(A)(i).
174
[Vol. 220
242
2014]
175
176
[Vol. 220
252
Id. 2(a)(4); Interview with Major Bridget Byrnes, supra note 159. Major Byrnes
noted that the intent of this decision was to ensure that officers were of a rank where they
could make decisions without fear of reprisal or concern about promotions because they
might be promoted only one or more times in their career, if that. Judge advocates in the
grade of O-6 have the requisite education and experience to make these decisions. Id.
253
But see Stimson, supra note 80, at 1623 (describing civilian prosecutor and public
defender training and practices and advocating for a military career litigation track).
254
Jeremy Herb, Gillibrand Supporters Wary of Her Changes to Sexual Assault Bill,
THE HILL BLOG (Nov. 14, 2013, 5:26 PM), http://thehill.com/blogs/defcon-hill/policystrategy/190344-gillibrand-supporters-wary-of-sex-assault-bill-changes. Cf. Interview
with Major Bridget Byrnes, supra note 159. Senator Gillibrand would not limit the bill to
removal of sexual assault charges in this Congress because separating sexual assault
cases might do more harm than good by highlighting those cases and garnering media
attention for them.
2014]
177
Interview with Major Bridget Byrnes, supra note 161. The genesis of Senator
Gillibrands bill was that she was listening to victims stories, including that horrific
things were happening to them, their chains of command were not acting on their
complaints, and they had nowhere else to go. Senator Gillibrand wanted a bill that took
these cases out of the chain of command, and the bill represents her reaction to what she
heard in those victims voices. Although Congress is focused on sexual assault, Senator
Gillibrand is concerned with a fairer justice system in general that includes sexual assault
under that umbrella. However, limiting the bill to sexual assault is simply reactionary, as
her stated goal is to create an overall better and fairer justice system. Id.
256
Staff Report, General Who Overturned Sexual Assault Conviction Loses Authority
over New Sex Assault case, A.F. TIMES, December 8, 2013, http://www.airforcetimes.
com/article/20131218/NEWS/312180013.
257
Id.
178
[Vol. 220
explored in this article, the revisions to the UCMJ and the current climate
for sexual assault and command authority in general have created a nowin situation for commanders. If commanders prefer and refer cases,
especially those involving sexual assault, they will be subject to
allegations of unlawful command influence. If they do not prefer and
refer cases, these actions could result in negative evaluations, lack of
promotions, demotions, or uncomfortable scrutiny from their superior
commander or the Secretary of the military department.258 In terms of
protecting their careers and the integrity of the military, commanders
should send every case to court-martial in order to deflect scrutiny from
Congress and special interest groups that have little confidence in their
ability to handle crime.259 It is difficult to imagine how the military
justice system would be viewed as one that actually administers justice.
Major General Cucolo discussed the potential second- and third-order
effects of great change to the system and asked how the military would
be able to continue to recruit bright, educated, talented people to join its
ranks if it becomes a system that the civilian populace lack confidence in
and do not perceive as being just.260
The military justice system has greatly changed over the last year
with its new focus on the rights of the victim.261 Criminal cases have
traditionally had only two parties: the government or prosecution and
the accused or defendant. Arguably, the recent congressional legislation
has created another party to the system: the victim.262 Due process in a
258
See generally ARMY DIR. 2013-20, supra note 47; Davis, supra note 2; Whitlock
supra note 4; National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014, Pub. L. No. 11366, 1744, 127 Stat. 672 (2013).
259
Interview with Anonymous Person, supra note 107.
260
Interview with Major General Anthony Cucolo III, supra note 38. Major General
Cucolo believes that the retention of UCMJ authority over commanders is of utmost
importance, even after considering the changes to the law under the NDAA. He could
envision a system where commanders do not have authority over the most heinous of
crimes, but it was difficult for him to imagine a scenario where it would benefit the
accused, accuseds family members, and the military as a whole to relinquish command
authority over the UCMJ. Id.
261
See, e.g., UCMJ art. 6b (2013); 10 U.S.C. 806b (2013).
262
A recent example of an alleged victim impacting a pending case occurred in April
2014 when military defense counsel for Lieutenant Colonel Jay Morse requested the
United States Army Court of Criminal Appeals prohibit the accuseds chain of command
from enforcing its order for the accuseds counsel to cease interviewing witnesses or
potential witnesses as part of their pretrial investigation for his case. The chain of
command ordered the accused to cease and desist his investigation because the alleged
victim was displeased with defense counsels efforts on behalf of their client. Petitioners
Petition for Extraordinary Writ in the Nature of Writ of Prohibition (Apr. 15, 2014).
2014]
179
263
264
265
266
180
[Vol. 220
267
Title 18 and Title 21 include all serious offenses, such as murder, rape, and
kidnapping, but also include drug offenses and desertion. See Appendix (comparing
punitive articles in the MCM to federal criminal statutes).
268
See generally Schlueter, supra note 24, at 59.
269
AR 27-10, supra note 69.
270
Note, The Unconstitutional Burden of Article 15, 82 YALE L.J. 1481, 148586 (1973).
271
The concept of disallowing servicemembers to turn down non-judicial punishment is
not new. States that do not allow their Soldiers to reject non-judicial punishment while in
a Title 32 status under their respective state UCMJs include: Oklahoma, Maine, North
Dakota, Oregon, New Hampshire, Mississippi, Alabama (unless restriction is imposed),
North Carolina, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Georgia (unless serving on State Active
Duty), and Kentucky. Also, a servicemember attached to or embarked on a vessel may
2014]
181
IX. Conclusion
Recent changes to the UCMJ and the perceived culture of sexual
assault in the military have created a minefield for the military justice
practitioner and commanders. The FY 14 NDAA increased the rights of
victims but removed several protections from the accused. The MJIA
took the greatest leap in proposing the removal of some offenses from
commanders, but the division of offenses will not solve the perceived
problem of sexual assault without substantially affecting the rights of the
receive non-judicial punishment without the right to demand trial by court-martial.
MCM, supra note 16, pt. V, para. 3.
272
Commanders could be limited to imposing rank reduction, forfeiture of pay,
restriction, and extra duty as conditions of employment adversely affected by an
individuals misconduct under paragraph 5 punishments. During their respective
interviews, both Major General Cucolo and Lieutenant General (Retired) Helms agreed
with a no-turn-down Article 15 policy. Lieutenant General (Retired) Helms stressed the
need for continued ability of individuals to appeal any Article 15s imposed to ensure they
receive fair and equal treatment and that commanders do not abuse their authority.
Interview with Major General Anthony Cucolo III, supra note 38; Interview with
Lieutenant General (Retired) Susan Helms, supra note 5.
182
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2014]
183
Appendix
UCMJ Punitive Articles Authorizing Greater Than One Year of
Confinement and Companion Statutes Under Title 18 or Title 21,
United States Code273
UCMJ
82 Solicitation to desert
82 Solicitation to mutiny
83 Fraudulent enlistment,
appointment
83 Fraudulent separation
84 Effecting unlawful enlistment,
appointment, separation
85 Desertion
86 AWOL more than 30 days
and terminated by apprehension
87 Missing movement through
design
90 Assaulting, willfully
disobeying superior
commissioned officer (all)
273
U.S.C.
18 U.S.C. 1381 Enticing
desertion and harboring deserters
18 U.S.C. 2192 Incitation of
seamen to revolt or mutiny;18
U.S.C. 373 Solicitation to commit
a crime of violence
18 U.S.C. 757 Prisoners of war or
enemy aliens
18 U.S.C. 2192 Incitation of
seamen to revolt or mutiny; 18
U.S.C. 373 Solicitation to commit
a crime of violence
18 U.S.C. 35 Imparting or
conveying false information
18 U.S.C. 35 Imparting or
conveying false information
18 U.S.C. 498 Military or naval
discharge certificate; 18 U.S.C.
35 Imparting or conveying false
information; 18 U.S.C. 495
Contracts, deeds, and powers of
attorney
18 U.S.C. 1381 Enticing
desertion and harboring deserters
No companion statute
No companion statute
18 U.S.C. 111 Assault
Comparison of Title 18 Sexual Offenses and UCMJ Sexual Offenses tbl., DOD.GOV,
available at http://www.dod.mil/dodgc/php/docs/comparison_with_Title18_3-2-05.pdf.
184
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2014]
106a Espionage
185
public funds
18 U.S.C. 757 Prisoners of war or
enemy aliens; 18 U.S.C. 756
Internee of belligerent nation
18 U.S.C. 757 Prisoners of war or
enemy aliens
18 U.S.C. 793 Gathering,
transmitting or losing defense
information; 18 U.S.C. 794
Gathering or delivering defense
information to aid foreign
government
18 U.S.C. 793 Gathering,
transmitting or losing defense
information; 18 U.S.C. 794
Gathering or delivering defense
information to aid foreign
government
18 U.S.C. 1001 Fraud and False
Statements; 18 U.S.C. 35
Imparting or conveying false
information
18 U.S.C. 32 Destruction of
aircraft or aircraft facilities; 18
U.S.C. 33 Destruction of motor
vehicles or motor vehicle facilities
18 U.S.C. 32 Destruction of
aircraft or aircraft facilities; 18
U.S.C. 33 Destruction of motor
vehicles or motor vehicle facilities
No companion statute
186
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No companion statute
No companion statute
18 U.S.C. 2101 Riots
18 U.S.C. 1111 Murder
18 U.S.C. 1112 Manslaughter
18 U.S.C. 1841 Protection of
unborn children
18 U.S.C. 2241 Aggravated
sexual abuse, 18 U.S.C. 2242
Sexual abuse; 18 U.S.C. 2244
abusive sexual contact
18 U.S.C. 2261A Stalking
18 U.S.C. 2243 Sexual abuse of a
minor or ward
18 U.S.C. 1460 Possession with
intent to sell, and sale, of obscene
matter on Federal property; 18
U.S.C. 2257A Record keeping
requirements for simulated sexual
conduct; 18 U.S.C. 1461 Mailing
obscene or crime-inciting matter;
18 U.S.C. 1462 Importation or
transportation of obscene matters
18 U.S.C. 641 Public money,
2014]
187
188
130 Housebreaking
131 Perjury
132 Frauds against US more
than $500 or under article 132 (1)
or (2)
[Vol. 220
No companion statute
18 U.S.C. 201 Bribery, graft, and
conflicts of interest
18 U.S.C. 1519 Destruction,
alteration, or falsification of records
in Federal Investigations and
Bankruptcy
18 U.S.C. 2251 Sexual
exploitation of children; 18 U.S.C.
2251A Selling or buying of
children
18 U.S.C. 2251 Sexual
exploitation of children; 18 U.S.C.
2252 Certain activities relating to
material involving the sexual
2014]
134 Pandering
189
exploitation of minors
No companion statute
18 U.S.C. 499 Military, naval, or
official passes
18 U.S.C. 35 Imparting or
conveying false information; 18
U.S.C. 287 False, fictitious or
fraudulent claims
18 U.S.C. 35 Imparting or
conveying false information
No companion statute
18 U.S.C. 1112 Manslaughter
(Involuntary)
18 U.S.C. 912 Officer or
employee of the United States; 18
U.S.C. 701 Official badges,
identification cards, other insignia;
18 U.S.C. 702 Uniform of armed
forces and Public Health Service
18 U.S.C. 1464 Broadcasting
obscene language; 18 U.S.C.
1470 Transfer of obscene material
to minors
18 U.S.C. 1201 Kidnapping
18 U.S.C. 1700 Desertion of
Mails
274
Table, Comparison of Title 18 Sexual Offenses and UCMJ Sexual Offenses, available
at http://www.dod.mil/ dodgc/ php/docs/comparison_with_Title18_3-2-05.pdf.
190
134 Perjury
134 Destroying public record
134 Self-injury
134 Loitering in time of war
134 Soliciting more than $500
134 Wrongful refusal to testify
134 Threat, bomb, or hoax
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2014]
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191
Judge Advocate, U.S. Army. Presently assigned as Military Personnel Law Attorney,
The Pentagon. LL.M., 2014, The Judge Advocate Generals School, U.S. Army,
Charlottesville, Virginia; J.D., 2001, Widener University School of Law; B.S., 1997,
Auburn University. Previous assignments include Assistant Staff Judge Advocate, 335th
Signal Command (Theater), East Point, Georgia, 20102013; Contract and Fiscal Law
Attorney, U.S. Army Reserve Command, Fort McPherson, Georgia, 20082010;
Administrative Law Attorney, Third U.S. Army, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait and Fort
McPherson, Georgia; 20072008; Military Law Attorney, U.S. Army Reserve Command,
Fort McPherson, Georgia, 20062007. Member of the bar of New Jersey. This article
was submitted in partial completion of the Master of Laws requirements of the 62nd
Judge Advocate Officer Graduate Course. The author thanks his paper advisor, MAJ
Sally MacDonald, as well as MAJ Keirsten Kennedy, MAJ Laura ODonnell, MAJ Will
Nicholson, Maj. Nicole Navin, Mr. Chuck Strong and Mrs. Marne Moncus for their
guidance in editing, developing, and publishing this article.
1
E-mail from Phyllis Randolph Frye, Senior Partner, Frye & Assocs., PLLC Law Firm
& Assoc. Mun. Judge in Houston, Tex., to author (Sept. 27, 2013, 05:18 PM EST) (on
file with author). Phyllis Frye was born Phillip Randolph Frye on February 10, 1948, and
grew up in San Antonio, Texas. Phillip was an Eagle Scout, varsity letter winner and
Cadet Colonel for his high schools Corps of Cadets. Phillip went to Texas A&M on a
four-year ROTC scholarship in 1966. He completed his Civil Engineering degree in
three-and-a-half years. He immediately pursued his Masters Degree in Mechanical
Engineering and completed the program after being commissioned as a Second
Lieutenant (2LT) in the Regular Army in January 1970. While in the Army, Phillip
served at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and Landstuhl, Germany. In 1972, as his wife was
leaving him, Phillip was accused of crossdressing. The Army initiated separation
procedures against thenFirst Lieutenant (1LT) Frye because of the alleged
crossdressing. First Lieutenant Frye was ultimately separated with an Honorable
discharge in August 1972. In 1976 Phillip transitioned to Phyllis. While presenting as a
female, Phyllis was blackballed by engineering firms and was unable to find work in
Houston. With the G.I. Bill, Phyllis enrolled in the University of Houston and earned an
M.B.A. and J.D. Phyllis has been a lawyer since 1981. In the intervening years, she has
become the senior named partner in a law firm, has been appointed a municipal court
judge and has an annual Advocacy Award named after her that is presented during Texas
A&M diversity celebrations. Phyllis Randolph Frye is the self-proclaimed Grandmother
of the National TG (Transgender) Legal and Political Movement. ALLY WINDSOR
HOWELL, TRANSGENDER PERSONS AND THE LAW, at xiv (2013).
192
I.
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Introduction
Womens Armed Services Integration Act of 1948, Pub. L. No. 625, ch 449, 62 Stat.
356 (authorizing enlistment and appointment of women in the active duty and reserve
armed forces).
3
U.S. Dept of Def. Appropriation Authorization Act, Pub. L. No. 94-106, tit. VIII, 89
Stat. 531 (1975) (authorizing women to attend the U.S. service academies). See U.S.
DEPT OF DEF., REPORT TO CONGRESS ON THE REVIEW OF LAWS, POLICIES AND
REGULATIONS RESTRICTING THE SERVICE OF FEMALE MEMBERS IN THE U.S. ARMED
FORCES (2012). See also U.S. DEP'T OF ARMY, DIR. 2012-16, CHANGES TO ARMY POLICY
FOR THE ASSIGNMENT OF FEMALE SOLDIERS (27 June 2012).
4
Memoranda from Secy of Army, Chief of Staff of the Army, and Sergeant Major of
the Army, announcing African American Black History Month (Feb. 2013), Asian Pacific
American Heritage Month (May 2013), National Hispanic Heritage Month (15 Sept.15
Oct. 2013), and National American Indian Heritage Month (Nov. 2013) (on file with
author). See also U.S. DEPT OF ARMY, REG. 600-20, ARMY COMMAND POLICY ch. 6 (18
Mar. 2008) [hereinafter AR 600-20] (RAR 20 Sept. 2012).
5
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014, Pub. L. No. 113-66, 1701
1753.
6
U.S. DEPT OF DEF., DIR. 1322.22, SERVICE ACADEMIES para. 4.5.3 (24 Aug. 1994). See
also AR 600-20, supra note 4, para. 4-20. See also On Quality of Life in the United
States Army, 112th Cong. 2d Sess. (2012) (statement of Sergeant Major of the Army).
See also Army Sergeant First Class Tyron C. Marshall, Jr., Pentagon Official
Underscores Zero Tolerance Policy for Bullying, AM. FORCES PRESS SERV., Dec. 21,
2011, available at http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=66573. See also
defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=66573. See also Donna Miles & Army Sergeant
First Class Tyrone C. Marshall, Jr., Dempsey: Hazing, Bullying Intolerable in Military,
AM. FORCES PRESS SERV., Dec. 23, 2011, available at http://www.defense.gov/
news/newsarticle.aspx?id=66590.
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194
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12
U.S. DEPT OF ARMY, REG. 40-501, STANDARDS OF MEDICAL FITNESS para. 3-35a (14
Dec. 2007) [hereinafter AR 40-501] (RAR 4 Aug. 2011). This regulation covers medical
fitness standards for enlistment, induction, and appointment, as well as retention and
separation, including retirement. Id. para. 1-1.
13
AM. PSYCHIATRIC ASSOC.: DIAGNOSTIC AND STATISTICAL MANUAL OF MENTAL
DISORDERS 535 (4th ed., text rev. 2000) [hereinafter DSM-IV-TR]. See also AM.
PSYCHIATRIC ASSOC.:
DSM-5 DEVELOPMENT, Frequently Asked Questions,
http://www.dsm5.org/about/Pages/faq.aspx#1 (last visited Mar. 14, 2014). The DSM is
an official publication from the American Psychiatric Association (APA). It is the
handbook that health care professionals in the United States use as a guide to diagnose
patients. Moreover, behavioral health care providers around the world consider it the
authoritative guide in their profession. Id.
14
AM. PSYCHIATRIC ASSOC.: DIAGNOSTIC AND STATISTICAL MANUAL OF MENTAL
DISORDERS 822 (5th ed. 2013) [hereinafter DSM-5]. The Roman numeral was dropped
from this edition of the DSM, DSM-5, so incremental updates, i.e., DSM-5.1, DSM-5.2,
etc., can be facilitated until a new edition is required. AM. PSYCHIATRIC ASSOC.,
Frequently Asked Questions, available at http://www.dsm5.org/about/Pages/faq.aspx#8.
15
AM. PSYCHIATRIC ASSOC., GENDER DYSPHORIA (2013) [hereinafter GENDER DYSPHORIA
FACT SHEET], available at http://www.dsm5.org/Documents/ Gender%20Dysphoria%
20Fact%20Sheet.pdf.
16
DEPT OF DEF. (2011) UNDERSTANDING TRANSITIONING GENDER IN THE WORKPLACE
(Austl.) (Nov. 10, 2011) [hereinafter UNDERSTANDING TRANSITIONING GENDER IN THE
WORKPLACE (Austl.)], available at http://www.defglis.com.au/resources/Understanding
Transition.pdf. See also U.K. MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, DEFENCE INSTR. AND NOTICES (DIN)
2009DIN01-007, POLICY FOR THE RECRUITMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF TRANSSEXUAL
PERSONNEL IN THE ARMED FORCES (Jan. 2009) [hereinafter DIN 01-007].
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195
members.17
Likewise, the United Kingdom (UK) issued statutory
protections resulting in transgender troops being held to the same
standards as their colleagues.18 Although the U.S. military still prohibits
transgender service, changes within U.S. society, as discussed later in
this article, indicate legislators may need to reevaluate the current
prohibition.
This article contains five sections. First, it identifies the terminology
associated with being transgender as well as the changes included in the
most recent publication of the DSM. Then, a discussion follows on the
current procedures in place that prevent transgender recruits and
servicemembers from serving in the U.S. armed forces, specifically in
the U.S. Army.19 Third, this article examines the policy and legislative
changes that U.S. allies have taken to include transgender
servicemembers in their defense force. Fourth, a survey of grassroots
campaigns to overturn the militarys prohibition against transgender
service assists the reader in understanding how the current service of
civilian transgender personnel in the DoD will benefit the military as it
creates and fosters an atmosphere of tolerance and acceptance. The fifth
section of this article reviews recent court decisions, legislative action,
and Veterans Affairs (VA) policy that indicate an increased level of
acceptance in society for transgender individuals. The U.S. military
rarely makes policy changes in a vacuum. Before delving into
transgender evolution in foreign services and in U.S. courts, it is helpful
to review the history of transgender issues in both the medical and the
military communities.
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20
2014]
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198
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199
Id. at 334.
Id. at xx, 20911.
45
DSM-5, supra note 14.
46
DoDI 6130.03, supra note 11, enclosure 4, para. 29r.
47
U.S. DEPT OF DEF., INSTR. 5025.01, DOD DIRECTIVES PROGRAM para. 3c (26 Sept.
2012) (C1, 20 Aug. 2013). The Secretary of Defense (SecDef) derives his power to
exercise authority, direction, and control of the Department of Defense (DoD) from 10
U.S.C. 113. To establish and implement his policies, delegate authorities, and to lead
the DoD, the SecDef uses a number of DoD Issuances to communicate his message.
These official issuances include DoD Directives (DoDD), DoD Instructions (DoDI), DoD
Manuals (DoDM), and other similar documents.
48
DoDI 6130.03, supra note 11, enclosure 2, para. 3.
49
Id. A recruit can enter the military and not disclose his desire to express himself in a
different gender. After becoming a member of the armed forces, that individual may
express himself as a transgender individual. Once that happens, the military may initiate
proceedings to separate the individual from the service. Id.
44
200
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202
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203
B. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom enacted laws over the past four decades
eliminating discrimination, including transgender discrimination. This
legal position is reflected in military policy and practice. In 1975, the
Sex Discrimination Act (SDA) guaranteed a servicemember would not
be subject to discrimination based on individual sex.69 In 1999, the SDA
expanded anti-discrimination rights to those undergoing gender
reassignment. The expansion is known as the Sex Discrimination
Regulations of 1999 and covers persons who intend to undergo, are
undergoing or have undergone gender reassignment.70 In addition to the
SDA and the Sex Discrimination Regulations of 1999, the UK continued
to legislate to ensure equality. In the last decade, the UK enacted the
Gender Recognition Act of 2004, which governs the legal rights related
to changing gender; the Equality Act of 2006, establishing a Commission
of Equality and Human Rights; and the Equality Act of 2010, which
replaced the SDA and other anti-discrimination acts.71
Despite the legislation, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) was still
challenged with enhancing tolerance, opportunity, and equality. The
Armed Forces Act of 2006 created the Services Complaints
Commissioner.72 The position was created to help combat improper
news/adf-officers-allegedly-emailed-sex-films/story-fni0xqi4-1226663588676. His tone
and speech emphasized the ADFs intolerance for the denigrating behavior. Chief of
Army Message Regarding Unacceptable Behavior (June 12, 2013), http://www.youtube.
com/watch?v=QaqpoeVgr8U&list=UUSXqARiuZFpFaRDE_056y3w&feature=c4-over
overview. Lieutenant General Morrisons speech was authored by Lt Col Cate
McGregor. McPhedran, supra. Lieutenant Colonel McGregor recently took part in an
interview about her transition and the professional relationship she shares with Lt Gen
Morrison, both currently as a woman, and formerly as a man. Interview by Jane
Hutcheon, Australian Broadcasting Corp. (ABC) journalist and host of One Plus One,
with Lieutenant Colonel Cate McGregor, Speechwriter to Australian Chief of Army Lt
Gen David Morrison, http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-05/one-plus-one-lieutenantcolonel-cate-mcgregor/4802564. Despite the attention her transition has brought to Lt
Gen Morrison, Lt Col McGregor retains his support. Id.
69
Sex Discrimination Act 1975, ch. 65, 6, 7, 85 (U.K.).
70
Sex Discrimination (Gender Reassignment) Regulations 1999, 7(1) (U.K.).
71
Gender Recognition Act 2004, ch. 7 (U.K.), Equality Act 2006, ch. 3 (UK), Equality
Act 2010, ch. 15 (U.K.).
72
Armed Forces Act 2006, ch. 52 33439, 366 (U.K.).
204
[Vol. 220
Press Release, Service Complaints Commissioner for the Armed Forces, After 5 Years
the Armed Forces Complaints System is Still Inefficient and Undermines Confidence in
the Chain of Command. Service Complaints Commissioner Urges Ombudsman as Way
Ahead (U.K.) (Mar. 21, 2013) (on file with author).
74
DIN 01-007, supra note 16. See also Equality and Diversity of Schemes 20082011,
Ministry of Defence (U.K.).
75
DIN 01-007, supra note 16.
76
Thaddeus Baklinski, Canadian Military Established Dress Rules for Transsexuals,
LIFESITENEWS.COM. (Dec. 8, 2010, 16:59 EST), http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/
canadian-military-establishes-dress-rules-for-transsexuals?utm_tm_source=LifeSiteNews
.com+Daily+Newsletter&utm_campaign=7cf5fdde7e-LifeSiteNews_com_US_Headlines
12_08_2010&utm_medium=email.
77
Id.
78
Cheryl K. Chumley, Israel Drafts First Transgender Female Soldier, WASH. TIMES,
Aug. 15, 2013, available at http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/aug/15/israeldrafts-first-transgender-female-soldier/.
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transgender service.
The Tawani Foundation was founded by Colonel Jennifer N. Pritzker (IL) ARNG
(Retired). Formerly known as James Pritzker, Jennifer Pritzker announced on August 16,
2013, that she identifies as a woman (Tawani Foundation). See also Press Release, Palm
Ctr., New Multi-Year Research Project to Address Transgender Military Service (July 30,
2013), http://www.palmcenter.org/files/July-30-13-release.pdf.
80
The Palm Center, founded in 1998, originally was known as the Center for the Study of
Sexual Minorities in the Military (CSSMM) and was housed at the University of
California, Santa Barbara. In 2006, in recognition of a $1 million dollar endowment gift
from the Michael D. Palm Foundation, the Center was renamed. From 1998 to 2012 the
Palm Centers dont ask, dont tell project sponsored state-of-the-art scholarships on
the impact of the DADT policy on military effectiveness. Palm Center research has been
cited on the floor of Congress and covered by newspapers and radio and television
stations throughout the world. Palm scholars have delivered briefings and lectures at the
British Ministry of Defence, the U.S. Military Acad. at West Point, the U.S. Naval Acad.,
the U.S. Air Force Acad., the Army War Coll. and the Natl Def. Univ., available at
http://www.palmcenter.org/dadt_project (last visited June 16, 2014).
81
Press Release, Ind. Univ. Bloomington, Kinsey Institute Receives Grant to Study
Transgender Issues in the U.S. Military (Aug. 22, 2013), http://newsinfo.iu.
edu/news/page/normal/24519.html.
82
KRISTEN BECK & ANNE SPECKHARD, WARRIOR PRINCESS: A U.S. NAVY SEALS
JOURNEY TO COMING OUT TRANSGENDER (2013). Chris Beck grew up as a boy. He
joined the Navy and became part of the Navy Sea, Air, Land Team (SEAL). He served
206
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her struggle to live with the internal conflict did not detract from her or
her units missions and responsibilities.83 While it is an individual
account, her story illustrates how transgender service is possible. Groups
such as the Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA), the
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, SPART*A (an LGBT military
community), and the National Center for Transgender Equality are also
advocating that transgender men and women should be allowed to
serve.84
While outside influences calling for change in transgender service
are encouraging, real change will still require support from senior
leadership. In June 2013, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel portrayed
strong optimism at an LGBT Pride Month event at the Pentagon
Auditorium.85 Secretary Hagel recognized the contributions that gay and
lesbian servicemembers make and the struggles that they may endure.86
Further, Secretary Hagel remarked how integral LGBT civilians are to
the United States.87 Although his words were not an endorsement of
transgender service in the military, he was the first Secretary of Defense
to ever speak at a Pride event. The former executive director of the
LGBT military organization, OutServe-SLDN,88 thought that Secretary
for twenty years and went on thirteen deployments. While in the Navy, he earned a
Purple Heart and a Bronze Medal with "V" device in addition to many other awards.
Since 2013, Kristen has lived her life as a woman and is a speaker and activist in the
transgender community. Id.
83
Id. at 8594.
84
TAVA (Transgender American Veterans Association), http://tavausa.org/ (last visited
Mar. 2, 2014). See also OutServe-Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, http://www.
sldn.org/ (last visited Mar. 2, 2014); SPART*A, Service Members [sic], Partners, Allies
for Respect and Tolerance for All. SPART*A is a group of LGBT people who currently
serve or have served in the military http://www.spartapride.org/ (last visited June 15,
2014). Natl Ctr. for Transgender Equal., http://transequality.org/ (last visited Mar. 2,
2014).
85
Proclamation 8989 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, 2013
DAILY COMP. PRES. DOC. (May 31, 2013). President Obama proclaimed June 2013 as
LGBT Pride month. In his proclamation he stated that his administration has extended
hate crime protections to include attacks on gender identity, has prohibited discrimination
based on gender identity in federal housing, and has implemented the Affordable Care
Act, which prohibits insurers from denying coverage to consumers based on their gender
identity.
86
Chuck Hagel, U.S. Secy of Def., Remarks by Secretary Hagel at the Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, Transgender Pride Month Event in the Pentagon Auditorium (June 25, 2013).
87
Id.
88
Outserve-SLDN is an organization that empowers, supports, and defends the DoD and
military service LGBT community. Their mission is to educate the community, provide
legal services, advocate for authentic transgender service, provide developmental
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Title VII purposes and expand the gender stereotyping laws to apply to
transgender individuals. In 2011, following the precedent set in Price
Waterhouse, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit decided
Glenn v. Brumby,94 the case of a transgender employee who lost her job
when she began to transition from male to female and did not fit within
the gender stereotype expected by her boss.
B. Glenn v. Brumby
In Glenn, a former U.S. Naval officer was employed as an editor in
the Georgia General Assemblys Office of Legislative Counsel (OLC).95
Her employment was terminated when she informed her boss of her
intent to transition.96 Glenn sought relief from the courts under the Equal
Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment for being discriminated
against based on her sex and her failure to conform to the gender roles
that Brumby, head of the Georgia General Assemblys OLC and
responsible for personnel decisions, perceived were appropriate.97 After
citing Price Waterhouse and a number of other circuit decisions that
followed, the court found that Brumby, the defendant, did not provide a
sufficient purpose for terminating an employee other than gender nonconformity.98 As a result, the court held that Brumby violated Glenns
Fourteenth Amendment rights.99 This decision illustrates the absence of
federal law prohibiting discrimination against transgender employees is
an impediment to employment-free from discrimination.
Price
Waterhouse v. Hopkins and Glenn v. Brumby are cases that provide a
legal foundation for future legislation; however, those cases had limited
effect on the widespread expansion of the implementation of transgender
rights. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
increased the impact of those decisions by expanding transgender rights
accounting firm, who was nominated for partnership. She was ultimately denied that
partnership because the firm determined that her behavior was not in line with her
gender. The court found that gender-stereotyping by the accounting firm was in violation
of Title VIIs anti-discrimination sex statute. Hopkins was advised to walk more
femininely, talk more femininely, dress more femininely, wear make-up, have her hair
styled, and wear jewelry in order to be more competitive for a partnership position. Id.
at 235 (citing 618 F. Supp. 1109, 117 (D.D.C. 1985)).
94
Glenn v. Brumby, 663 F.3d 1312 (11th Cir. 2011).
95
Id. at 1314.
96
Id.
97
Id.
98
Id. at 1321.
99
Id.
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C. Macy v. Holder
On April 20, 2012, the EEOC issued a decision that transgender
employees are protected from discrimination under Title VII of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964.100 The impact of this decision is far-reaching, as the
EEOC is the independent federal agency in charge of investigating
allegations of discrimination against employers.101 This ruling issued a
legal remedy for transgender employees in the public and private sector
claiming sex and gender nonconforming-based employment
discrimination.102 As a result of the EEOC decision in Macy, transgender
individuals who experiences employment discrimination because of their
transgender status will now have access to legal protection through the
EEOC under a sex discrimination claim.
The EEOC decision, as well as the Price Waterhouse precedent,
places the transgender community on equal footing with other protected
classes. Despite the expansive interpretation of Title VII by the courts
and the EEOC, federal law does not support employment rights of those
in the transgender community. To fill the legislative void, U.S. Senator
Jeff Merkley (D-Or.) introduced the Employment Non-Discrimination
100
Macy v. Holder, EEOC No. 0120120821 (Apr. 20, 2012). Mia Macy was a military
veteran and police detective when she applied for a position as a ballistics technician with
the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. During the interview process
she presented herself as a man and was in the early stages of transitioning. She had not
legally changed her name or presented herself as a woman. She was notified that she had
earned the job pending a background check. During the background check process,
Macy informed the party responsible for filling the position that she was in transition.
Five days later, Macy was informed the position was no longer hers due to federal budget
reduction eliminating the position. In reality, the agency had hired someone else for the
position. Shortly thereafter, Macy filed an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
complaint citing discrimination based on sex, gender identity, and sex stereotyping. Id.
While a decision from the EEOC is not binding on courts because it is an Executive
Branch agency, it can be influential in the judicial and legislative process. A dissatisfied
party to an EEOC decision may file a civil action in U.S. District Court. Frequently
Asked Questions About the Federal Sector Hearing Process, http://eeoc.gov/
federal/fed_employees/faq_hearing.cfm#q38 (last visited Mar. 13, 2014). See also DANA
BEYER & JILLIAN T. WEISS WITH RIKI WILCHINS, NEW TITLE VII AND EEOC RULINGS
PROTECT TRANSGENDER EMPLOYEES 3 (2014), http://transgenderlawcenter.org/wpcontent/uploads/2014/01/TitleVII-Report-Final012414.pdf.
101
EQUAL EMPT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION, Overview, Authority and Role, available at
http://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/index.cfm.
102
Macy v. Holder, EEOC No. 0120120821.
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Act (ENDA), which seeks to protect the employment rights not only of
the transgender community, but also of the lesbian, gay, and bisexual
community.103
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E. Kosilek v. Spencer
In January 2014, the Massachusetts Department of Corrections
(MDOC) found that it too had to recognize the rights of transgender
individuals when the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was told it had to
fund gender reassignment surgery for a convicted murderer. Michelle
Kosilek, formerly known as Robert Kosilek, is still anatomically male
but presents as a female and has done so most of her life.111 She was
convicted of killing her wife in 1992 and during her incarceration was
diagnosed with GID.112
She sued the MDOC, seeking gender
reassignment surgery.113 The court found that the states decision to
withhold her treatment was cruel and unusual punishment in violation of
the Eighth Amendment.114 Despite the initial ruling in favor of Kosilek,
Massachusetts withheld providing sex reassignment surgery, claiming
security concerns, and Kosilek subsequently prevailed on appeal.115 The
MDOC appealed the three-member panel decision and the First Circuit
Court of Appeals voted to rehear the case en banc.116 While Kosileks
case is on the fringe of elevating transgender rights, the decision
recognizes that withholding a prisoners treatment for GID may be a
violation of a constitutional right and providing treatment for GID or
GD, to include gender reassignment surgery, can be made the
responsibility of a state government. Whether the appellant wins or
loses, the Kosilek decision and appeal has increased awareness of
treatment rights of transgender prisoners not only in state facilities, but
not apply to the relationship between the United States and uniformed members of the
Armed Forces.
111
Kosilek v. Spencer, No. 12-1294, at 5 (1st Cir. Jan. 17, 2014).
112
Id. at 12.
113
Id. at 7.
114
Kosilek v. Spencer, 889 F. Supp. 2d 190 (D. Mass. 2012).
115
Kosilek, No. 12-2194, at 90.
But see Press Release, Mass. Dept. of
Correction(MDOC), Department of Correction Statement on Kosilek Appeal, (Jan. 31,
2014) (on file with author). The MDOC filed a petition for rehearing the Jan. 17, 2014,
decision and requested a hearing by the full bench of the First Circuit Court of Appeals.
The original decision was made by a three-judge panel.
116
Kosilek v. Spencer, No. 12-2194 (1st Cir. Feb. 12, 2014) (granting rehearing of the
case en banc on May 8, 2014). At the date of publication of this article, the opinion was
not published.
212
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F. Inmate Manning
At the federal level, the DoD is attempting to balance the medical
needs of Inmate Chelsea Manning with the obligation it has to keep
Inmate Manning incarcerated.118 In May 2014, while traveling with the
SecDef in Saudi Arabia, Rear Admiral John F. Kirby, the Pentagon
spokesman, stated that SecDef Hagel approved a request from the Army
to evaluate potential treatment options for inmates diagnosed with
gender dysphoria.119 This review may lead to Inmate Manning, who is
currently incarcerated at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort
Leavenworth, Kansas, being transferred to a federal prison to serve out
her sentence and receive treatment from the federal prison system.
However, Mannings attorney, David E. Coombs, argues that this is an
attempt to force Manning to drop the request for hormone replacement
therapy (HRT) so that she can remain at the Disciplinary Barracks.120
Coombs alleges that the militarys refusal to treat Manning is
flatout transphobia since the U.S. military must provide medical
treatment to its soldiers and that a transfer to a federal prison would
jeopardize Mannings personal safety.121 Coombs believes the military
117
Steve Contorno, Army Won't Pay for Bradley Manning's Sex Change Therapy, WASH.
EXAM. (Aug. 22, 2013), http://washingtonexaminer.com/army-wont-pay-for-bradleymannings-sex-change-therapy/article/2534581#null. It is unknown whether the Kosilek
decision will clear the way for the transgender treatment requested by former Army
Soldier Chelsea Manning. Private First Class Bradley Edward Manning, a U.S. Soldier,
was convicted in July 2013 of violating the Espionage Act, as well as copying and
disseminating classified information. Julie Tate, Judge Sentences Bradley Manning to 35
Years, WASH. POST, Aug. 21, 2013, http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/nationalsecurity/judge-to-sentence-bradley-manning-today/2013/08/20/85bee184-09d0-11e3b87c-476db8ac34cd_story.html. Shortly after sentencing, he publicly identified as a
female and wanted to be addressed as Chelsea Manning. Today: Bradley Manning: I
Want to Live as a Woman (NBC television broadcast Aug. 22, 2013).
118
Missy Ryan, Pentagon Considers Options for Chelsea Manning Detention, REUTERS,
May 14, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/14/us-usa-military-idUSBREA4
D09220140514.
119
Helene Cooper, Pentagon Weighs Transfer of Chelsea Manning to Civilian Facility,
N.Y. TIMES, May 14, 2014, http://nyti.ms/1qC9a5A.
120
Press Release, Statement Re: Chelsea Mannings Potential Transfer to Federal Prison
from David E. Coombs (May 14, 2014) (on file with author).
121
Id.
2014]
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213
Id.
Id.
U.S. DEPT
214
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2014]
TRANSGENDER SERVICE
215
Interview by Martha Raddatz, American Broadcasting Co. (ABC) News, Host of This
Week, with SecDef Hagel (May 11, 2014), http://abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek/
week-transcript-defense-secretary-chuck-hagel-sen-marco/story?id=23667691.
139
The Flag & General Officers for the Military, Statement to President Barack Obama
and Members of Congress (Mar. 31, 2009) available at http://www.flagandgeneral
officersforthemilitary.com/. See also http://cmrlink.org/data/sites/85/CMRDocuments/
FGOM-SigList(1087)-033109.pdf (an open letter to President Obama and Congress
signed by more than 1,050 retired military leaders from all branches urging the continued
support for Dont Ask, Dont Tell arguing that the repeal would break the all-volunteer
force).
216
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VIII. Conclusion
The DoD is currently in the position to make changes to allow
transgender recruits and transgender servicemembers in the military.
While the option of doing nothing is a potential course of action, that is
not the most viable way forward, in light of trends in foreign militaries,
and the ever-growing acceptance of transgender culture, both in the
medical community and in U.S. society as a whole.
Any inclusion of transgender service will likely raise concernscost
of health care, recruitment, benefits, retention, unit cohesion, and unit
readiness are always at issue just as they were factors in the decision to
repeal DADT. The provision of health care for transgender personnel
should be evaluated to ensure the same standard of care currently
provided to all servicemembers will be available for transgender. The
medical corps of the military will require time and resources to
implement training and care protocols.
Any issues addressing
transgender deployment and hormone therapy must also be examined.
But federal courts are starting to address these concerns in the civilian
2014]
TRANSGENDER SERVICE
217
140
218
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Judge Advocate, U.S. Air Force. Presently assigned as an acquisition attorney with the
78th Air Base Wing, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. LL.M., 2014, in Military Law and
a specialty in Government Contracts and Fiscal Law, The Judge Advocate Generals
School, U.S. Army, Charlottesville, Virginia; J.D., 2001, University of Richmond; B.S.,
1996, Furman University. Previous assignments include Deputy Staff Judge Advocate,
460th Space Wing, Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado, 20112013; Appellate Defense
Counsel, Air Force Legal Operations Agency, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, 2011;
Appellate Defense Counsel, Air Force Legal Operations Agency, Joint Base AnacostiaBolling, District of Columbia, 20072011; Area Defense Counsel, Air Force Legal
Operations Agency, Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, 20062007; Assistant Staff Judge
Advocate, 97th Air Mobility Wing, Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, 20032006.
Member of the bars of the United States District of South Carolina, the Air Force Court
of Criminal Appeals, the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, the Court of Appeals
for the District of Columbia, the Supreme Court of South Carolina, and the Supreme
Court of the United States. This article was submitted in partial completion of the Master
of Laws requirements of the 62d Judge Advocate Officer Graduate Course. The author
would like to thank Greg Harding and Skye Mathieson for their time and dedication in
helping him complete this article.
1
For purposes of this illustration, the flight simulators are commercial items as
defined in FAR 2.101(b).
2
Reference to terminations of commercial item contracts will always refer to the
convenience of the government unless otherwise stated.
3
The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), issued as Chapter 1 of Title 48 C.F.R.,
serves as the primary regulation for all federal executive agencies in their acquisition of
supplies and services with appropriated funds. It became effective on April 1, 1984.
FAR 1.105-1(b) foreword (Mar. 2005).
2014]
219
The contractor claims that the Air Force owes him a percentage of
the contract price reflecting three months of performance, unamortized
costs4 incurred in manufacturing the simulators in anticipation of the
year-long contract, post-termination settlement costs, and lost anticipated
profit for the remaining nine months of the terminated contract. The
contractor claims that, despite diligent efforts, he has been unable to
contract out the simulators elsewhere. The contracting officer wants
your advice before rejecting the contractors settlement offer.
Hanging up the phone, you scramble to find FAR 52.212-4(l), the
Termination for the Governments Convenience Clause,5 included in the
contract. You stare at its two-part recovery formula, which reads,
Subject to the terms of this contract, the Contractor shall be paid a
percentage of the contract price reflecting the percentage of the work
performed prior to the notice of termination, plus reasonable charges the
Contractor can demonstrate . . . have resulted from the termination.6
You are unsure about what encompasses reasonable charges but are
encouraged to find detailed recovery guidelines for terminated traditional
government contracts in FAR part 49.7 However, FAR 12.403(a) states
that the requirements of Part 49 do not apply but that [c]ontracting
officers may continue to use part 49 as guidance to the extent that part 49
does not conflict with this section and the language of the termination
paragraphs in 52.212-4,8 leaving you a bit puzzled. You vaguely
4
Here, unamortized costs refers to costs incurred by the contractor in providing the
simulators in anticipation of the full twelve months of performance but uncompensated
for due to early termination.
5
48 C.F.R. 52.212-4(l) (2014).
6
Id. A judge advocate facing a novel or unfamiliar contracting issue would be wise to
consult more senior legal advisors, including AFLOA/JAQK (Contract Law Field
Support Center). Contracting officers should be aware that the Defense Contracting
Management Agency (DCMA) offers support through Termination Contracting Officers,
whose sole purpose is to settle delegated contracts terminated for the convenience of the
government.
DEF. CONTRACT MGMT. AGENCY (DCMA) TERMINATIONS CTR.,
guidebook.dcma.mil/25/Terminations_Customer_Pamplet.doc (last visited June 10,
2014).
7
The FAR pt. 49.113 provides that [t]he cost principles and procedures in the
applicable subpart of Part 31 shall, subject to the general principles in 49.201-(a) [b]e
used in asserting, negotiating, or determining costs relevant to termination settlements
under contracts with other than educational institutions . . . . 48 C.F.R. 49.113(a)
(2014). Section 31.205-42 lists numerous cost principles peculiar to termination
situations, including initial costs and costs continuing after termination, among others.
Id. 31.205-42.
8
48 C.F.R. 12.403(a). Neither the mandated 52.212-4(l) clause nor 12.403
expressly recognizes the fair compensation principle or loss adjustment principle as
applicable to commercial item contract terminations. Id. 52.212-4(l); id. 12.403.
220
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recall from the Contracts course at The Judge Advocate Generals Legal
Center and School in Charlottesville, Virginia, that a dissatisfied
contractor may appeal a contracting officers final decision to either the
Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA) or to the U.S.
Court of Federal Claims (COFC) and wonder what you will tell the
contracting officer.9
Given scant regulatory guidance and few board and court decisions,
determining a contractors entitled recovery can be daunting. Federal
Acquisition Regulation 52.212-4(l)s two-pronged recovery formula10 for
terminated commercial item contracts is short on details, leading to
uncertainty over what is recoverable. Further, FAR 12.403(a) fails to
define precisely which portions of FAR Part 49 can guide recovery
determinations.
A logical, uniform approach to determining recovery for terminated
commercial item contracts is especially necessary given the statutory
preference for commercial item contracting.11 With draw-downs in
Afghanistan, automatic spending cuts,12 and budget reductions13
9
Under the Contract Disputes Act, a contractor may appeal a contracting officers final
decision to the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA) or bring an action
directly on the claim to the United States Court of Federal Claims. 41 U.S.C. 7101,
7104(a),(b)(1), 7105(e)(1)(A) (2014) (granting the ASBCA jurisdiction to decide any
appeal from a decision from a contract officer of the Department of Defense (DoD), the
Department of the Army, the Department of the Navy, the Air Force, and the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration regarding a contract administered by that agency).
A contractor may appeal the decision of the ASBCA to the United States Court of
Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which also has exclusive jurisdiction to hear an appeal
from a final decision of the United States Court of Federal Claims. Id. 7107(a)(1)(A).
In maritime claims, United States district courts may also hear appeals from the ASBCA.
Id. 7102(d).
10
48 C.F.R. 52.212-4(l) (2014).
11
41 U.S.C. 3307 (2011) (statutory subheading reads Preference for commercial
items).
12
The Budget Control Act of 2011, Pub. L. No. 112-25, 125 Stat. 240 (requiring total
defense spending to decline by $487 billion from FY 2012 through 2021). According to
the DoDs Defense Budget Priorities and Choices-Fiscal Year 2014, if sequestration were
allowed to continue, between 2010 and 2014, there would be an 18% decline in the
inflation-adjusted defense base budget. Sequestration would further reduce average
annual defense spending by more than $50 billion each year through 2021. DEF. BUDGET
PRIORITIES AND CHOICES-FISCAL YEAR 2014, http://www.defense.gov/pubs/Defense
BudgetPrioritiesChoicesFiscalYear2014.pdf. The National Defense Authorization Act
for fiscal year 2014, which authorizes a DoD base budget of $526 billion, however, offers
a temporary reprieve from the full effect of sequestration for fiscal years 2014 and 2015.
Ros Krasny, Obama Signs Bipartisan Budget Deal, Annual Defense Bill, REUTERS (Dec.
2014]
221
222
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II. Background
A. Termination for the Governments Convenience
The government has enjoyed a long-standing ability to terminate a
contract based upon changes in the expectations in the parties, as
happened at the conclusion of the Civil War.17 The concept of
termination for the governments convenience where there has been no
fault or breach by the non-government party developed in military wartime procurement18 during World War I, extended to peacetime military
procurement in 1950, and ultimately expanded to peacetime civilian
procurement today.19
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit20 has noted that the
governments right to terminate a contract for its convenience is an
exception to the common laws required mutuality of contract.21 A
cardinal change in the circumstances is not a prerequisite for a valid
termination for the governments convenience.22 Termination for the
governments convenience reduces the governments liability by limiting
recovery in comparison with damages for breaching a contract.23
Termination of a traditional government contract for the
governments convenience transforms it into a cost-reimbursable
contract under FAR 52.249-2s non-commercial item termination for
convenience clause.24 Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 49 regulates
recovery for non-commercial item contracts, more often referred to as
traditional government contracts, terminated for the governments
convenience.25 A contractor whose traditional government fixed-price
contract is terminated for the governments convenience is entitled to
recover the following: (1) allowable costs incurred in the performance of
the work; (2) costs allowable under a special termination cost principle
17
2014]
223
224
[Vol. 220
2014]
225
41
Corners & Edges, Inc. v. Dept. of Health & Human Servs., CBCA No. 693, 08-2 BCA
33,961.
42
48 C.F.R. 52.212-4(l). What constitutes work performed under the first prong,
with all the potential factual circumstances and complexities, exceeds the scope of this
article. The author intends merely to familiarize the reader with the simplest of prong
one circumstances and notes, for example, that neither of the two board cases mentioned
concerned contract terminations for common, off-the-shelf stock items that could easily
be placed back on the shelf for resale.
43
Id. 52.212-4(l).
44
Red River Holdings, LLC, 2009 WL 3838891, at *78.
45
Red River Holdings, LLC v. United States, 802 F. Supp. 2d 648, 662 (D.Md. 2011).
226
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46
Russell Sand & Gravel Co., Inc., No. 2235, 2013 WL 6144153, at *510 (Nov. 6,
2013).
47
Ralph C. Nash & Paul J. Seidman, Postscript: Termination for Convenience of Part 12
Commercial Item Contracts, in 25 NASH & CIBINIC REP. NO. 8, 37 add (2011).
48
Red River Holdings, LLC, 2009 WL 3838891, at *7.
49
Id. at *34.
50
Id. at *67.
51
48 C.F.R. 52.212-4(l) (2014).
52
Red River Holdings, LLC, 2009 WL 3838891, at *67; 48 C.F.R. 52.249-2 (2014).
53
Red River Holdings, LLC, 2009 WL 3838891, at *67.
2014]
227
Red River Holdings, LLC v. United States, 802 F. Supp. 2d 648, 660 (D.Md. 2011).
Id. at 659.
56
Id. at 662. The court asserts that a contractor may not recover additional amounts,
however reasonable or necessary, if already reflected in the percentage-of-work
performed payment. Id. at 662 n.17.
57
Id. at 662 n.18.
58
Russell Sand & Gravel Co., Inc., No. 2235, 2013 WL 6144153, at *23 (Nov. 6,
2013).
55
228
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59
Id. at *510.
Seidman, supra note 47, 37 add. Mr. Paul Seidmans impressive legal career
includes service as Assistant Counsel for Contract Claims at Naval Sea Systems
Command and as Assistant Chief Counsel for Procurement in the Office of the Chief
Counsel for Advocacy at the SBA. Additionally, he has over three decades of experience
as a private practitioner in government contract law. He has appeared as an expert
witness on procurement-related issues at congressional hearings and drafted
procurement-related legislation and regulations. A prolific writer, Mr. Seidmans works
have been published in The Briefing Papers, The Nash & Cibinic Report, and The
Government Contractor, among others. Elected a Fellow by the National Contract
Management Association, Mr. Seidman has served on the Advisory Board of The
Government Contractor and on the Data and Patent Rights Committee of the American
Bar Association. www.seidmanlaw.com/Attorneys/Paul-J-Seidman.shtml (last visited
May 30, 2014).
61
The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994, Pub. L. No. 103-355, 8002(b)(1),
108 Stat. 3243 (codified 41 U.S.C. 3307 (2014)) (emphasis added).
62
U.C.C. 2-708(2) (2002) provides that the measure of damages [for cancellation by
the buyer includes] . . . the profit (including reasonable overhead) which the seller would
have made from full performance by the buyer . . . . Id. 2-708(2).
63
Seidman, supra note 47, 37 add.
60
2014]
229
Id.
48 C.F.R. 49.201 (2014). Federal Acquisition Regulation 49.201 provides that
[f]air compensation is a matter of judgment and cannot be measured exactly. In a given
case, various methods may be equally appropriate for arriving at fair compensation. The
use of business judgment, as distinguished from strict accounting principles, is the heart
of a settlement. Id.
66
The Urgency Deficiency Appropriation Act, Pub. L. No. 65-23, 40 Stat. 182, 183
(1917) (emphasis added).
67
Contract Settlement Act of 1944, Pub. L. No. 78-395, 58 Stat 649, 652 (emphasis
added).
65
230
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2014]
231
72
Jacobs Engg Group, Inc., v. United States, 434 F.3d 1378, 1381 (Fed. Cir. 2006)
(citing In re Kasler Elec. Co., DOTCAB No. 1425, 84-2 BCA 17374).
73
Red River Holdings, LLC v. United States, 802 F. Supp. 2d 648, 660 (D.Md. 2011);
Russell Sand & Gravel Co., Inc., No. 2235, 2013 WL 6144153, at *6 (Nov. 6, 2013).
74
48 C.F.R. 12.403(a) (2014).
75
Id. 49.201(b) notes that the primary objective of the fair compensation principle is
to negotiate a settlement by agreement. The regulation does not require rigid cost and
accounting data but recognizes that [o]ther types of data, criteria, or standards may
furnish equally reliable guides to fair compensation. Id. 49.201(c). Similarly, FAR
Part 49.201(c) provides that [t]he amount of recordkeeping, reporting, and accounting
related to the settlement of terminated contracts should be kept to a minimum compatible
with the reasonable protection of the public interest. Id.
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One might object that since FAR 12.403 and FAR 52.212-4(l) do not
expressly mention the term fair compensation, the principle does not
apply to terminations of commercial item contracts. The FASA I,76 FAR
12.403, and FAR 52.212-4(l), however, make no mention of abolishing
the long-established fair compensation principle.77 The statutory and
regulatory silence on fair compensation should not be interpreted as
intent to abolish the principle. Fair compensation does not conflict with
either FAR 52.212-4(l) or FASA I. Indeed, the district court in Red
River Holdings declined to find that the drafters of FAR 52.212-4(l)
intended to modify longstanding fairness principles and stated that such
a modification could well fail as an unreasonable interpretation of the
statutory mandate set forth in the FASA . . . .78 Federal Acquisition
Regulation 12.403(a) empowers contracting officers to incorporate FAR
49.202s fair compensation principle into FAR 52.212-4(l).
2.
Recovery Formula of FAR 52.212-4(l) Enables Fair
Compensation
When commercial item contracts are terminated, FAR 52.212-4(l)s
recovery formula provides the means to achieve fair compensation. By
mandating payment of a percentage of the contract price reflecting the
percentage of the work performed prior to the notice of termination and
reasonable charges the Contractor can demonstrate . . . have resulted
from the termination, FAR 52.212-4(l) provides a versatile formula
capable of delivering a just settlement under a variety of factual
circumstances.79
The formulas second prong, FAR 52.212-4(l)s reasonable
charges resulting from termination, serves as a vehicle to provide
compensation extending beyond mere settlement costs. A proposed
earlier version of the second prong did not use the phrase reasonable
charges, but, instead, referenced actual direct costs that . . . have
resulted from the termination.80 One commentator has observed that the
language of the final rule, charges [that] have resulted from
76
The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994, Pub. L. No. 103-355, 8002(b)(1),
108 Stat. 3243 (codified 41 U.S.C. 3307 (2014)).
77
48 C.F.R. 12.403; id. 52.212-4(l).
78
Red River Holdings, LLC, 802 F. Supp. 2d at 660 n.15.
79
48 C.F.R. 52.212-4(l) (2014).
80
Federal Acquisition Regulations for the Acquisition of Commercial Items (Proposed
Rule), 60 Fed. Reg. 11,198, 11,21516 (Mar. 1, 1995).
2014]
233
termination, envisions amounts that would not have been billed but for
the termination, whereas the earlier costs that . . . have resulted from the
termination would have contemplated covering only amounts that
would not have been incurred except for termination.81 The distinction
between charges and costs matters. The final rule, with its broader
charges language, might cover costs incurred pre-termination but
billed post-termination, while the earlier cost version could be
construed to encompass only costs incurred post-termination, such as
settlement costs.82 Since payment of such reasonable charges is
mandatory under FAR 52.212-4(l), what constitutes reasonable
charges under the second prong determines the governments liability.83
The U.S. district court concluded that the drafters of FAR 52.2124(l) likely chose the charges terminology over costs to allow
recovery of reasonable preparation costs and the like.84 This court is not
alone in concluding that reasonable charges could refer to more than
just post-termination settlement costs incurred after termination. The
General Services Board of Contract Appeals (GSBCA) awarded several
pre-termination incurred costs in a terminated commercial item
contract.85 Moreover, the Agriculture Board of Contract Appeals noted
that the termination clauses reasonable charges language in a
commercial item contract could encompass the costs reasonably incurred
in anticipation of performing the contract but not fully reflected as a
percentage of the work performed.86
81
Red River Holdings, LLC, 802 F. Supp. 2d at 661 n.16 (citing Seidman, supra note 26,
37) (emphasis added).
82
Id.
83
48 C.F.R. 52.212-4(l) (2014).
84
Red River Holdings, LLC, 802 F. Supp. 2d, at 661 n.16. The district court in Red
River concluded that the reasonable charges prong serves as a safety valve
component to allow compensation for any reasonable, unavoidable costs not reflected in
the first component. Id. at 662 n.18.
85
Divecon Servs., LP v. Dept of Commerce, GSBCA No. 15997-COM, 04-2 BCA
32,656.
86
Jon Winter & Assocs., No. 2005-129-2, 2005 WL 1423636, at *4 (June 20, 2005); see
also Dehdari Gen. Trading & Contractg, ASBCA No. 53987, 2003-1 BCA 32,249 (in a
commercial items case, the ASBCA implied that a contractor would be entitled to pretermination payments made to a supplier in anticipation of full contract performance if it
had submitted evidence to support the alleged payments and proved that such costs could
not have reasonably been avoided).
234
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2014]
235
Id.
Id. 12.403(a) (2014) (emphasis added).
90
Id.
91
Id. 52.212-4(l) (2014).
92
Russell Sand & Gravel Co., Inc., No. 2235, 2013 WL 6144153, at *8 (Nov. 6, 2013).
93
48 C.F.R. 49.203 (a) (2014) states, In the negotiation or determination of any
settlement, the [termination contracting officer] (TCO) shall not allow profit if it appears
that the contractor would have incurred a loss had the entire contract been completed.
Id. 49.203 (a).
94
Divecon Servs., LP v. Dept of Commerce, GSBCA No. 15997-COM, 04-2 BCA
32,656. Relying upon FAR Part 49.202(a), the GSBCA disallowed recovery for
anticipated but unearned profit on work not performed. Id.
89
236
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95
2014]
237
V. Conclusion
Having advocated for an approach to determining recovery that fuses
the fair compensation principle with FAR 52.212-4(l)s two-part
recovery formula and consistent FAR Part 49 principles when reasonably
applicable, it is now appropriate to apply it. Returning to the articles
opening scenario, the contracting attorney should advise the contracting
officer that pursuant to FAR 52.212-4(l), the contractor is entitled to
payment of the contract price reflecting three months of contract
performance as well as settlement costs.105 While the Red River
102
238
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The ASBCA has yet to publish a response to the district courts reversal. Red River
Holdings, LLC v. United States, 802 F. Supp. 2d 648, 662 (D.Md. 2011). Although the
Federal Circuit has not ruled on this issue, the CBCA found that more than settlement
expenses can be recovered where the government terminates a commercial item contract
for its convenience under FAR 52.212-4(l). Russell Sand & Gravel Co., Inc., 2013 WL
6144153, at *811.
107
48 C.F.R. 52.212-4(l).
108
Id. 49.201(a) (2014).
109
The Budget Control Act of 2011, Pub. L. No. 112-25, 125 Stat. 240.
110
48 C.F.R. 52.212-4(l) (2014).
111
Id.
2014]
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Appendix
Recovery for Anticipated Profits Is Disallowed
While identifying all the FAR Part 49 and FAR Part 31 provisions
relevant to terminated commercial item contracts exceeds the scope of
this paper, a strong case can be made that anticipated profits should be
disallowed. Federal Acquisition Regulation 49.202(a) states that
[a]nticipatory profits and consequential damages shall not be
allowed.112 The appropriate analysis asks whether this limiting
provision is consistent with FAR 12.403 and FAR 52.212-4(l), and,
therefore, able to guide contracting officers in determining recovery.113
In the analysis of FAR 52.212-4(l)s clause, a basic principle of
contract interpretation requires construing the plain language of the
contract.114 This involves giving the words of the agreement their
ordinary meaning unless the parties mutually intended and agreed to an
alternative meaning.115 The paragraph entitled Termination for the
Governments convenience contained within FAR 52.212-4(l)s
Contract Terms and ConditionsCommercial Items116 makes no express
mention of recovery for lost anticipated profit or any hint of such
recovery. On the contrary, if anything, FAR 52.212-4(l) affirms the
traditional bar on recovery for lost anticipated profit. The clauses very
title, Termination for the Governments convenience, conveys
meaning. The clause is not entitled Breach of Contract for the
Governments Convenience, which suggests intent to permit recovery
of lost anticipated profit or consequential damages. Instead, the clauses
opening words hearken to the governments long-held ability to
terminate a contract for its convenience without incurring liability for
lost anticipated profit.
Historically, termination of a contract for the governments
convenience has disallowed recovery for lost anticipated profit on
unperformed work as a unique sovereign benefit.117 Within this context
112
2014]
241
governments sovereign ability to terminate contracts without facing common law breach
damages).
118
The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994, Pub. L. No. 103-355,
8002(b)(1), 108 Stat. 3243 (codified 41 U.S.C. 3307 (2014)).
119
48 C.F.R. 49.202 (2014) precludes a terminated contractor from recovering
anticipatory profit.
120
Id. 12.403(a) (2014).
121
Praecomm, Inc. v. United States, 78 Fed. Cl. 5, 12 (2007) (citing Intl Data Prods.
Corp. v. United States, 492 F.3d 1317, 132324 (Fed. Cir. 2007)).
122
48 C.F.R. 52.212-4(l) (2014).
242
[Vol. 220
Major Frank E. Kostik Jr., U.S. Army. Presently assigned as Senior Defense Counsel,
Region III, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. LL.M., 2013, The Judge Advocate Generals
School, United States Army, Charlottesville, Virginia; J.D., 2004, Widener University
School of Law, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; B.A., 2001, Mercyhurst University; Erie,
Pennsylvania. Previous assignments include Government Appellate Attorney and Trial
Counsel, United States Army Legal Services Fort Belvoir, Virginia 20102012; Defense
Counsel, Region III, Trial Defense Service, Fort Riley, Kansas 20092010, Brigade
Judge Advocate, Combat Aviation Brigade, First Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas
and Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, 20072009; Office of the Staff Judge
Advocate, First Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas 20052007 (Trial Counsel, 2007;
Administrative Law Attorney, 2006; Legal Assistance Attorney, 2005-2006). This article
was submitted in partial completion of the Master of Laws requirements of the 61st Judge
Advocate Officer Graduate Course.
1
Uniform Code of Military Justice, 95 CONG. REC. 5718 (1949) [hereinafter H.R. 4080
Debate], reprinted in Dept. of Navy, Uniform Code of Military Justice, Congressional
Floor Debate on Uniform Code of Military Justice 3132, available at
http://www.loc.gov/
rr/frd/Military_Law/pdf/congr-floor-debate.pdf (statement of Congressman Thomas E.
Martin in support of H.R. 4080, a bill to enact and establish the Uniform Code of Military
Justice (UCMJ)).
2
See Hasan v. Gross, 71 M.J. 416 (C.A.A.F. 2012); TIMES TOPICS, Nidal Malik Hasan,
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/h/nidal_malik_hasan/index.ht
ml (last visited June 15, 2014).
2014]
243
See Kari Huus, Nidal Hasan Barred from Pleading Guilty to Murder in 2009 Fort
Hood Shooting, NBC News (Aug. 15, 2012), http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/
15/13299644-nidal-hasan-barred-from-pleading-guilty-to-murder-in-2009-fort-hoodshooting (last visited June 15, 2014).
4
UCMJ art. 45(b) (2012); see Appendix A (Article 45. Pleas of the Accused) (providing
complete text of UCMJ art. 45 (2012)).
5
See Huus, supra note 3.
6
See Billy Kenber, Nidal Hasan Sentenced to Death for Fort Hood Shooting Rampage,
WASH. Post (Aug. 28, 2013), http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/
nidal-hasan-sentenced-to-death-for-fort-hood-shooting-rampage/2013/08/28/aad28de20ffa-11e3-bdf6-e4fc677d94a1_story.html (last visited June 15, 2014).
7
See generally United States v. Matthews, 16 M.J 354, 36263 (C.M.A. 1983) (accused
attempting to plead guilty to premeditated murder at trial, then raising inability to plead
as an appellate issue); see also Brief for Appellant at 433, 466, United States v. Akbar,
No. 20050514, 2012 WL 2887230 (A. Ct. Crim. App. July 13, 2012) (on file with
author).
8
16 M.J. 354, 362-63 (C.M.A. 1983).
9
See H.R. 4080 Debate, supra note 1.
244
[Vol. 220
2014]
245
See JONATHAN LURIE, MILITARY JUSTICE IN AMERICA: THE U.S. COURT OF APPEALS
ARMED FORCES, 17751980, at 13 (Univ. Press of Kan. rev. and abr. ed. 2001)
(1992).
15
See 1775 Articles of War, reprinted in WILLIAM WINTHROP, MILITARY LAW AND
PRECEDENTS 953 (2d ed. 1920 reprint), available at http://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/
Military_Law/pdf/ML_precedents.pdf (The 1775 Articles of War were enacted in 1775
and revised in 1776 by the Continental Congress.).
16
See LURIE, supra note14, at 2; M. Mauer, Military Justice Under General Washington,
28 MIL. AFFS., no. 1, Spring 1964, at 13 (discussing General Washingtons detailed
review of court-martial proceeding in capital cases).
17
See Mauer, supra note 16, at 13.
18
See 1775 Articles of War, supra note 15, art. LXVII (providing [t]hat the general, or
commander in chief for the time being, shall have full power of pardoning, or mitigating
any of the punishments ordered to be inflicted, for any of the offences mentioned in the
foregoing articles; and every offender, convicted as aforesaid, by any regimental courtmartial, may be pardoned, or have his punishment mitigated by the Colonel or officer
commanding the regiment).
19
See Mauer, supra note 16 (detailing that Thomas Hickey, the first soldier ordered
executed by General George Washington under the Articles of War, was executed the day
following his trial. Hickey was convicted for attempting to enlist soldiers from the
Continental Army into British service); United States v. Akbar, No. 20050514, 2012 WL
2887230 (A. Ct. Crim. App. July 13, 2012) (affirming the adjudged death sentence for
Hassan Akbar, who killed two military officers and wounded fourteen others while
deployed, over nine years after his crimes).
20
See WINTHROP, supra note 15, at 27879.
FOR THE
246
[Vol. 220
acceptance of the plea, the case was complete because the court took no
evidence and there was no presentencing procedure.21 Without taking
evidence, the review by the convening authority was not an effective tool
in the process.
A common example of this involved cases of desertion.22 Desertion
then required, as it does today, a specific intent to remain away from
ones unit permanently; the lesser offense of absence without leave did
not contain this element.23 Thus, a soldier who intended to return to his
unit after a few days of debauchery was only guilty of being absent
without leave and not deserting. Desertion in a time of war was, as it is
today, a capital offense.24
Unfortunately, many soldiers who pled guilty to desertion did not
understand this legal nuance and, without representation, pled to the
more serious offense of desertion without ever explaining what they did
or why they did it.25 Because the court-martial did not take testimony, it
was impossible for the reviewing authority to determine if the soldier
was actually guilty of desertion or if the sentence was appropriate.26 This
practice created problems early on with the reviewing authoritys ability
to review the findings and sentence.27 With no formal appellate process
and a lack of formal rules concerning a record of trial, little incentive
existed for the government to prepare a record of trial detailing the
evidence and testimony.
In 1829, the commanding general of the Army and lawyer Major
21
2014]
247
248
[Vol. 220
the authority of convening authorities, who could not properly order such
a prohibition.32 After the 1830 order went into effect, Major General
Macomb began disapproving courts-martial that did not follow the
requirements. In doing so, he specifically referenced the needs of the
reviewing officer and the President as the pardoning power to
understand the facts and circumstances of the offense.33 In 1840, a year
before Major General Macomb died in office, he published a manual that
included similar direction to the 1830 order on taking evidence in guilty
pleas.34 As time progressed, Congress continued amending the Articles
of War, adding additional protections for the accused and various
procedural obligations for the government.35 However, the Articles
never implemented either of Major General Macombs orders.36 The
1830 order continued in force through the Opinions of the Judge
Advocate General of the Army.37 Then in 1890, the Army included the
mandate to take evidence in guilty plea cases in the Instructions for
32
if the prisoner plead guilty, the Court will proceed to determine what
punishment shall be awarded, and to pronounce sentence thereon.
Preparatory to this, in all cases where the punishment of the offence
charged is discretionary, and especially where the discretion includes
a wide range and great variety of punishment, and the specifications
do not show all the circumstances attending the offence, the Court
should receive and report, in its proceedings, any evidence the Judge
Advocate may offer, for the purpose of illustrating the actual
character of the offence . . . such evidence being necessary to
enlightened exercise of the discretion of the Court, in measuring the
punishment, and also to those whose duty it may be to report on the
case, or to carry the sentence into effect.
Id.
35
See generally LURIE, supra note 14, at 2, 74 (explaining that the original Articles of
War had little concern for due process over military discipline, then later describing
additional rights, albeit not as robust as possible, such as a pretrial investigations, counsel
for the accused, and a form of court-martial review vested in the Judge Advocate
Generals Office).
36
This information is based on a review of various versions and amendments of the
United States Articles of War from 1775 through 1948.
37
See, for example, cases referred to in WINTHROP, supra note 22, at 37576, WILLIAM
WINTHROP, DIGEST OF OPINIONS OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL OF THE ARMY 58788
(1885), and WILLIAM WINTHROP, DIGEST OF OPINIONS OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL
OF THE ARMY 55253 (1901).
2014]
249
250
[Vol. 220
between the 1893 MCM and 1898 MCM, the drafters dropped the
specific reference to accepting evidence in capital cases from the text.
Even with this omission, acceptance of pleas in capital cases remained
unfavorable and the prosecution was still required to present evidence.43
Regardless of the rules consistency, courts often ignored it in the field.
One can find evidence of this in the numerous cases and orders that
repeat the rule and in a 1919 inquiry from the Secretary of War on this
subject, among others.44
The 1919 inquiry from the Secretary of War to the Judge Advocate
General after World War I serves as a good example of the scrutiny that
faced the military from civilian leadership with regard to pleas in capital
cases. With large-scale military operations came more courts-martial
under the Articles of War. The additional courts-martial led to greater
scrutiny from the public and concerns that soldiers were railroaded by
the command into pleading guilty to capital offenses, without evidence,
without an understanding of the charges, and without attorney
representation.45
General Crowder responded to the criticism by arguing the
percentage of pleas in capital cases was small.46 Additionally he noted
that when a court-martial accepts a plea, the accused must admit the
elements and the government must present evidence of the crime.47
UNITED STATES pt. IX, 154 (1918) (remaining similar to the 1902 MCM, the 1908
MCM, the 1910 MCM and the 1917 MCM); MANUAL FOR COURTS-MARTIAL, UNITED
STATES pt. IX, 154 (1921) (remaining unchanged from 1918 MCM); MANUAL FOR
COURTS-MARTIAL, UNITED STATES pt. XIII, 70 (1927) (maintaining provision but
removing reasoning for the requirement); MANUAL FOR COURTS-MARTIAL, UNITED
STATES pt. XIII, 70 (1936) (remaining unchanged from the 1927 MCM); MANUAL FOR
COURTS-MARTIAL, UNITED STATES pt. XIII, 70 (1943) (remaining unchanged from the
1936 MCM); MANUAL FOR COURTS-MARTIAL, UNITED STATES pt. XIII, 71 (1949)
[hereinafter 1949 MCM] (remaining substantially the same as the 1943 MCM). All
historical Manuals for Courts-Martial are available on the internet at
http://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/Military_Law/CM-manuals.html.
43
See WINTHROP, supra note 15, at 279.
44
See id. at 280; War Dept, Military Justice During the War, A Letter from the Judge
Advocate General of the Army to the Secretary of War 31 (1919) [hereinafter Crowder
Letter], available at http://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/Military_Law/pdf/letter.pdf (Major
General Enoch Crowder responding to criticism that during World War I, the Army
allowed accused to plead guilty to cases in which death was a possible sentence without
the taking of evidence).
45
See Crowder Letter, supra note 44, at 23, 23, & 2831.
46
See id. at 31.
47
See id.
2014]
251
Lastly, he argued that when this did not occur, reviewing authorities
usually disapproved the record for such legal error.48 General
Crowders response makes it clear that while there was no absolute
prohibition, the convening authority would not approve a finding and
sentence if the record contained no information.
Post-World War II, another call for large-scale revisions to the
Articles of War and the Articles for the Government of the Navy was
made by returning veterans and their supporters.49 This was, again in
part, due to the large number of military men court-martialed during
World War II.50 In response, Congress and military departments formed
various committees to review both the Articles of War and the Articles
for the Government of the Navy.51 Commonly referenced are the
committees chaired by Arthur T. Vanderbilt, the committee chaired by
Arthur J. Keeffe (Keeffe Report), and the committee chaired by Edmund
Morgan (Morgan Report).52 Findings from these reports, among others,
combined to form the basis for an initial draft of the UCMJ.53 Each of
the committees expressed a need to prohibit guilty pleas in death-eligible
cases.54
48
Id.
See LURIE, supra note 14, at 7680.
50
See H.R. 4080 Debate, supra note 1, at 14 (indicating that 80,000 men were convicted
by general courts-martial during World War II); Lurie, supra note 14, at 77 (stating over
1.7 million trials were held during World War II, resulting in 100 executions and some
45,000 service members imprisoned).
51
See, e.g., LURIE, supra note 14, at 80100 (giving a brief summary of the various
reports).
52
See id.
53
See H.R. 4080 Debate, supra note 1, at 45; Uniform Code of Military Justice:
Hearing on H.R. 2498 Before a Subcomm. of the H. Comm. on Armed Services, 81st
Cong. 599600 (1949) [hereinafter H.R. 2498], available at http://www.loc.gov/
rr/frd/Military_Law/pdf/hearings_01.pdf.
54
See Committee on a Uniform Code of Military Justice, Uniform Code of Military
Justice, Text, References, and Commentary Based on the Report of the Committee on a
Uniform Code of Military Justice to the Secretary of Defense 64 (1949) [hereinafter The
Morgan Draft], available at http://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/Military_Law/pdf/morgan.pdf (A
plea of guilty by the accused shall not be accepted in a capital case.); Report and
Recommendations of the General Court Martial Review Board 1011, 13946 (1947)
[hereinafter The Keeffe Report], available at http://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/
Military_Law/Morgan-Papers/Vol-III_general-court-martial-sentences-review-board.pdf;
The Administration of Military Justice: A summary of Constructive Criticisms Received
by the War Departments Advisory Committee on Military Justice 1617 (1946),
available at http://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/Military_Law/pdf/Vanderbilt-A_Summary.pdf
(providing that a trial should take place even when a there is a guilty plea in a capital
case).
49
252
[Vol. 220
Only the Keeffe Report, which studied the Navy military justice
system, detailed the reasoning for prohibiting guilty pleas in deatheligible cases.55 The Keeffe Reports recommendations acknowledged
that the Army did not contain an outright prohibition. However, the
committee pointed out that the Navy did have the prohibition in its
regulations for desertion cases and that New York did not allow guilty
pleas in capital cases.56 In commenting on those prohibitions, the
committee found that the rule is sound and would preclude the
possibility of an unjust conviction of a serious offense on a plea of guilty
by an accused who was inadequately represented by counsel, or who had
no counsel, and who did not full [sic] understand the nature of the
charges against him.57 The dangers the committee listed would lead to
unjust convictions because the accused might not understand what he is
pleading to.
The Keeffe Reports arguments for the prohibition appear to be new,
but the spirit of its reasoning remains the same as General Macombs.
That is, in cases where death is a possible sentence, both the trial court
and convening authority must know all the facts and circumstances of the
conduct; adequate counsel and understanding the charges help achieve
that ultimate goal. Macombs original order concerning the review of
desertion cases is evidence of his concern about whether the accused
entered a knowing plea. Without evidence on the record, the reviewing
authority could not determine whether the accused understood the
elements of desertion or whether he committed the offense of desertion
or the lesser included offense of absent without leave. Thus, the Keeffe
Reports recommendation of an absolute prohibition centered on
avoiding the same problems that General Macomb was presumably
trying to avoid.
In the 1949 debates on this provision, Mr. Overton Brooks and Mr.
Felix Larkin responded to questions concerning the need for a
prohibition on guilty pleas in capital cases.58 During the testimony, Mr.
Brooks and Mr. Larkin offered the following:
55
2014]
253
254
[Vol. 220
2014]
255
review was crucial when life hung in the balance. While life still hangs
in the balance on review today, the previous concerns for which Article
45(b) was implemented have been overcome by case law, statute, and the
Presidents rule-making authority. As such, Article 45(b) remains a
vestige of another time. Specifically, a mandate for a detailed
providency inquiry, requirements for increased mitigation investigations,
and RCM 1004 eliminate the issues underlying the creation of Article
45(b).
256
[Vol. 220
See UCMJ arts. 45(a) and (b) (1951); see 1951 MCM, supra note 72, pt. XII, 70.a
and b; but see United States v. Chancelor, 36 C.M.R. 453, 45556 (C.M.A. 1966)
(holding that the legislative intent of the provision called for a detailed inquiry with the
accused of the elements on the record).
77
Chancelor, 36 C.M.R. at 455.
78
See id.
79
See id. at 454.
80
See id.
81
See id. at 457.
82
See 1951 MCM, supra note 72, pt. XII, 70b.
83
See id. app. 8a.
2014]
257
See Chancelor, 36 C.M.R. at 45556 (The Trial Procedure Guide only required pro
forma questions without a detailed colloquy between the law officer and the accused.)
85
See id. at 456.
86
See id. (articulating that the procedure for taking a plea is so cogently outlined in
House Report. No. 491).
87
See id. at 45556; The author has no quarrel with the interpretation of the provisions in
Chancelor. The discussion is relevant to show the evolution of the providency inquiry
from an undeveloped procedure in 1951 to a robust, codified, and institutionalized
procedure today.
88
See United States v. Care, 40 C.M.R. 247, 250 (C.M.A. 1969).
89
Id. at 252.
90
See id. at 249.
91
See id. at 251.
92
See id. at 253.
93
See id. at 252.
258
[Vol. 220
94
See generally id. at 253 (expressing displeasure at the change in language in the 1969
Manual for Courts-Martial, seemingly making the explanation of the elements by the law
officer discretionary and that no update was made to the new Manuals Trial Procedure
Guide (Appendix 8a)).
95
Id.
96
Id.
97
See supra note 22 and accompanying text.
98
See LURIE, supra note 14, at 80100 (noting the Morgan Draft is a document produced
as a result of the Morgan Committee and is the basis of the modern-day UCMJ).
99
See generally MORGAN PAPERS COMPARATIVE STUDIES NOTEBOOK A.W. 21, at 2 (Jan.
6, 1949), available at http://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/Military_Law/Morgan-Papers/Vol-II.pdf
(citing recommendations of the the Keeffe Report, supra note 54); The Morgan Draft,
supra note 54, at 6465 (citing the recommendations of The Keeffe Report, supra note
53, to be included in the Presidents instructions to Article 45(a)).
2014]
259
investigation.100
If Congress considered and intended a more robust inquiry, the
argument that the Care inquiry obviates the prohibition is less
persuasive, because it shows a desire by Congress to have both the robust
colloquy and the prohibition, regardless of overlapping purposes.
Nevertheless, Congress failed to articulate that intent in the UCMJ
and the President failed to provide that requirement in his instructions,
therefore weakening the robust colloquy position.101 Moreover, it took
the courts eighteen years to ferret out a black letter rule establishing a
requirement for a guilt-in-fact inquiry.102
The latter leaves the
impression that while some type of colloquy was intended, it was in no
way as robust as the one that existed post-Care. Now that the rule is
firmly established, the original tandem purpose of Article 45(a) and (b) is
of no value because the courts regularly guard the requirement for guiltin-fact pleas, thus maintaining an appropriate record for review.103
100
The Keeffe Report, supra note 54, at 14. The specific recommendations of report
were:
(1) That the plea of guilty shall not be received in capital cases;
(2) That the accused in every case be represented by counsel
appointed for or selected by him, and that the plea of guilty be
received only after an accused has had the opportunity to consult with
counsel;
(3) That in every case the judge advocate explain to the accused the
meaning and effect of a plea of guilty, such explanation to include the
following:
(a) That the plea admits the offense, as charged (or in a lesser
degree, if so pleaded), and make a conviction mandatory.
(b) The sentence which may be imposed.
(c) Unless the accused admits doing the acts charged, or if he
claims a defense, a plea of guilty will not be accepted.
(4) That the judge advocate determine whether a plea of guilty be
accepted, and rule on all special pleas.
Id.
101
See Loving v. United States, 62 M.J. 235, 241 (C.A.A.F. 2005) (stating [i]t is a
fundamental tenet of statutory construction to construe a statute in accordance with its
plain meaning) (citations omitted).
102
See United States v. Care, 40 C.M.R. 247, 253 (C.M.A. 1969).
103
Even if Congress did desire the robust inquiry in conjunction with prohibition, the
practice did not bear out that desire. Congress made no attempt to change the rule, and
the President made no attempt to update the implementing instruction until post-Care.
See id. at 253.
260
[Vol. 220
See United States v. Negron, 60 M.J. 136 (C.A.A.F. 2004) (The military judge used
the definition of indecent from indecent acts rather than the from the correct offense of
indecent language.); see also, e.g., United States v. Redlinski, 58 M.J. 117 (C.A.A.F.
2003) (setting aside the finding of guilt to a specification of attempted distribution of
marijuana because the military judge failed to explain the elements of attempt on the
record).
105
See Negron, 60 M.J. at 142.
106
See United States v. Weeks, 71 M.J. 44, 4849 (C.A.A.F. 2011); see also, e.g., United
States v. Thomas, 65 M.J. 132, 135 (C.A.A.F. 2007) (holding accuseds plea improvident
because accused and government stipulated that he did not enter or know he was entering
a military installation, a required fact to establish a violation introducing marijuana onto a
military installation (Article 112a, UCMJ)).
107
See United States v. Phillippe, 63 M.J. 307, 30910 (C.A.A.F. 2006).
108
See id. at 308.
109
See id.
2014]
261
262
[Vol. 220
2014]
263
264
[Vol. 220
this procedure and concluding it was closer to the presentencing procedure held today,
rather than an extension of the merits).
129
See WINTHROP, supra note 15, at 396.
130
See id. (Explaining that some mitigation evidence was entered properly on the merits,
primarily to reduce an accuseds intent. Logically, it is this mitigation evidence that the
convening authority would lose in a guilty plea).
131
See James K. Lovejoy, Abolition of Court Member Sentencing in the Military, 142
MIL. L. REV. 1, 1415 (1998) (citing 1917 MCM, supra note 40, pt. XII, 342).
132
See Vowell, supra note 122, at 11314 (quoting 1917 MCM, supra note 42, pt. XII,
342).
133
See id. at 115 (stating that the sentencing practices in the military did not undergo
any major revisions from 1921 to 1950).
134
See id. at 118.
2014]
265
See United States v. Hunter, 6 C.M.R. 37, 40 (C.M.A. 1952) (Hunters conduct
occurred prior to the effective date of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (May 31,
1951), so the Court adjudged the sentence on June 27, 1951. Because Hunters conduct
occurred prior to the effective date of the UCMJ, the command charged him under the
Articles of War, and completed the trial pursuant to the 1949 MCM, but the Court of
Military Appeals heard his case pursuant to procedures for appellate review outlined in
the new UCMJ.
136
Id. at 41.
137
See id. at 45.
138
See id.
139
See 1949 MCM, supra note 42, pts. XV, 79, XXV, 113 (mandating evidence in
extenuation and mitigation be introduced under certain circumstances); see 1951 MCM,
supra note 72, pt. XIII, 76 (providing for evidence in extenuation and mitigating
evidence post-UCMJ).
140
See Hunter, 6 C.M.R. at 40.
141
See id.
142
See id. at 41.
143
See id. at 45 (The court articulated that in order to prevail, appellant must show that
the proceedings by which he was convicted were so erroneous as to constitute a
ridiculous and empty gesture, or were so tainted with negligence or wrongful motives on
the part of his counsel as to manifest a complete absence of judicial character.).
144
See 1949 MCM, supra note 42, pt. XV, 80b.
266
[Vol. 220
145
See United States v. Akbar, No. 20050514, 2012 WL 2887230, at *1417 (A. Ct.
Crim. App. July 13, 2012).
146
See id. at *2.
147
See id.
148
See id.
149
See id. at *3.
150
See id. at *8. Appellate defense counsel raised 61 assignments of error and a petition
for a new trial; the court found that five of those issues merited discussion. See id. at *1.
151
Id. at *14.
152
See id. at *15.
153
See id. at *1516.
2014]
267
Id. at *16 (citing Loving v. United States (Loving III), 68 M.J. 1, 1516 (C.A.A.F.
2009)) (emphasis added).
155
See id. (explaining that documents relied on by the appellate defense counsel
mitigation specialist are the same as those relied on by trial defense counsel).
156
See Vowell, supra note 122, at 14142 (citing United States v, Burfield, 22 C.M.R.
321 (C.M.A. 1973), United States v. Lacey, 49 C.M.R. 738 (C.M.A. 1975), and United
States v. Hill, 44 C.M.R. 257 (C.M.A. 1972)); see generally United States v. Curtis
(Curtis II), 46 M.J. 129, 130 (C.A.A.F. 1997) (citing Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S.
668, 694 (1984), and holding the trial defense counsel was ineffective for failing to
exploit all available mitigation evidence).
157
See, e.g., United States v. Murphy, 50 M.J. 4, 9, 1213 (C.A.AF. 1998) (finding
ineffective assistance of counsel in part due to failure of counsel to conduct complete
investigation into appellants life); United States v. Kreutzer, 61 M.J. 293 (C.A.A.F.
2005) (holding that the trial court erred in denying a mitigation specialist to the defense
team); Curtis II, 46 M.J. at 130 (holding defense counsel ineffective for failing to exploit
all available mitigation evidence).
158
See United States v. Loving, 41 M.J. 213, 242, 250 (C.A.A.F. 1994).
159
See Foreman, supra note 119, at 2021 (citing United States v. Curtis, 48 M.J. 331,
332 (C.A.A.F. 1997) (Cox, C.J., concurring)).
268
[Vol. 220
160
See Major Edyle U. Moran, New Developments in the Sixth Amendment Right to
Counsel and Mental Responsibility, ARMY LAW., Apr. 1999, at 65, 7172.
161
See, e.g., Foreman, supra note 119, at 2829 (arguing that [w]hile employment of a
mitigation specialist is not legally required in a capital court-martial, it is a sound means
of adding capital experience to an otherwise inexperienced trial defense team); Velloney,
supra note 11, at 26 (arguing that [l]iberally granting requests for expert assistance
[trained mitigation specialist] in death cases will help solve the unavoidable problem of
inexperienced military counsel); Dwight Sullivan et al., Raising the Bar: Mitigation
Specialist in Military Capital Litigation, 12 GEO. MASON U. CIV. RTS. L.J. 199, 228
(2002) ([T]he military should provide service members charged in capital cases a
regulatory right to the assistance of a mitigation specialist.).
162
See generally Robin M. Maher, The ABA and the Supplementary Guidelines for the
Mitigation Function of the Defense Teams in Death Penalty Cases, 36 HOFSTRA. L. REV.
763 (2008) (explaining the American Bar Association guidelines on mitigation and the
use of mitigation evidence).
163
See MCM, supra note 12, R.C.M. 1004 cmt. (That the rule was drafted in
recognition that, as a matter of policy, procedures for the sentence determination in
2014]
269
270
[Vol. 220
See id. at 239; see also United States v. Matthews, 16 M.J. 354, 370 (C.M.A. 1983)
(the nature of the diverse opinions makes brief summary impossible).
175
Sullivan, supra note 58, at 4 (quoting Johnson v. Texas, 509 U.S. 350, 359 (1993));
see also Locket v. Ohio, 438 U.S. 586, 599 (1978).
176
See id. at 4 (citing Gregg v. Georgia, 428 U.S. 153, 17980 (1976)).
177
See id. at 4 n.12 (citing Roberts v. Louisiana, 428 U.S. 325 (1976); Woodson v. North
Carolina, 428 U.S. 280 (1976)).
178
UCMJ art. 36(a) (2012); see also Loving v. United States, 517 U.S. 748, 770 (1996);
Matthews, 16 M.J. at 38081.
179
See MCM, supra note 12, app. 21, at A2176 (indicating that the rule was undergoing
public comment in 1983, 10 years after the decision in Furman v, Georgia, 408 U.S. 238,
239 (1972)).
180
16 M.J. 354, 37980 (C.M.A. 1983).
181
See 49 Fed. Reg. 3169 (Jan. 26, 1984) (containing Executive Order 12,460 adding
RCM 1004).
182
See Matthews, 16 M.J. at 37980 (analyzing Supreme Court precedent that
interpreted capital sentencing schemes in various states).
183
Id. at 380.
2014]
271
have the ability to remedy this defect.184 Within ninety days of the
Matthews decision, the President issued Executive Order 12,460
containing the new provision.185 Seven years later the CAAF upheld the
new death penalty scheme in United States v. Curtis (Curtis I).186 The
court provided [i]n sum, as we construe RCM 1004, it not only
complies with due process requirements but also probably goes further
than most state statutes in providing safeguards for the accused.187 The
CAAF reaffirmed its ruling in United States v. Loving,188 which the
Supreme Court approved in Loving v. United States.189
The approval of RCM 1004 did more than simply ensure the military
death penalty scheme is constitutional; it created a more robust record for
review. In that sense, RCM 1004 helps to eliminate the original need for
the Article 45(b) prohibition. Arguably, when Congress passed the
UCMJ, it created the largest court-martial jurisdiction to adjudge capital
punishment in the country.190 Although the UCMJ is widely heralded as
increasing service member protections, it was only as advanced as the
time allowed. At the time, Article 45(b) served as one of the few checks
on a sentence of death. As articulated above, RCM 1004 resulted from a
new era in death penalty jurisprudence in which the drafters of the UCMJ
could have had no knowledge.
That said, Congress has not opted to change Article 45(b) in light of
the Presidents promulgation of RCM 1004.191 This is less likely from a
specific intent of Congress to retain both provisions than it is from a lack
of consideration of the interplay between the statute and the Presidents
184
Id. at 38081.
See United States v. Curtis (Curtis I), 32 M.J. 252, 257 (C.M.A. 1991) cert. denied,
502 U.S. 952 (1991).
186
Id. The Court in Curtis I split the appellate litigation into two cases. The first dealt
with issues common to all capital cases tried in military courts and a second dealt with
issues specific to the case. The second case ultimately led to a finding of ineffective
assistance of counsel during the sentencing phase and a reduced sentence of confinement
for life. These decisions have no effect on Curtis I as precedential value. See generally
United States v. Curtis (Curtis II), 44 M.J. 106 (C.A.A.F. 1996); United States v. Curtis
(Curtis III), 46 M.J. 129 (C.A.A.F. 1997).
187
Curtis I, 32 M.J. at 269 (emphasis added).
188
41 M.J. 213 (C.A.A.F. 1994).
189
517 U.S. 748 (1996).
190
See id. at 75253 (providing a detailed history of the expansion of court-martial
jurisdiction in capital cases from 1775 through adoption of the Uniform Code of Military
Justice in 1950).
191
See UCMJ art. 45(b) (2012).
185
272
[Vol. 220
rule.192 Aside from affecting capital litigation, the statute and the rule
address different underlying concerns. One ensures a record for review
(Article 45(b)) and the other narrows the class of person eligible for the
death penalty as required by the Eighth Amendment (RCM 1004).193 If
Congress created Article 45(b) to ensure a record for review, then a new
rule like RCM 1004, which requires presentation of evidence by the
prosecution, certainly diminishes the necessity of Article 45(b). The
amount of evidence presented is dependent on the case, but nonetheless
will increase the amount of material for the reviewing authority.
Prior to promulgation of RCM 1004, the prosecution may have
voluntarily presented much of what is now required. However, with the
requirement there is now a guarantee that evidence will be presented for
the record and thus for the convening authority who reviews it. So while
the real purpose of RCM 1004 is to narrow the class of persons eligible
for death, the resulting evidence and testimony eliminate much of the
concern that brought about Article 45.
192
The President does have the ability to change the requirements of RCM 1004,
possibly giving Congress pause in changing Article 45(b). However, without RCM 1004,
the military death penalty scheme would not pass constitutional muster, making Article
45(b) irrelevant. See Loving, 517 U.S. at 756, 770.
193
See id. at 755 (citing Lowenfield v. Phelps, 484 U.S. 231, 244 (1988) (quoting Zant v.
Stephens, 462 U.S. 862, 877 (1983)).
194
See supra Part III.
2014]
273
A. Defense Benefits195
There are numerous benefits in allowing an accused to plead guilty at
a capital trial. Currently, defense counsel can operate to achieve some of
the benefits below only to a limited extent. However, the military
appellate courts are cautious in how far they will let accused and counsel
go in conceding elements on the merits196 because the court forbids
violating even the spirit of Article 45(b).197 With a repeal of the
prohibition in Article 45(b) the rules would permit the accused to accept
the goodwill benefits of accepting responsibility; avoid any animosity
from the panel by litigating a meritless case; be able to focus on the
presentencing phase; and potentially limit what evidence the prosecution
admits.
All argument made in this section assumes that the accused is actually guilty of a
capital offense and makes it through a providency inquiry.
196
See Captain Joseph A. Russelburg, Defense Concessions as a Trial Tactic, ARMY
LAW., Sept. 1983, at 22, 23 (noting the reversal of numerous military cases and arguing
that there are legal limits to a concession defense, particularly when concessions appear
to clash with the interest of the appellant); see also United States v. Dock, 28 M.J. 117,
119 (C.M.A. 1989) (citing United States v. McFarlane, 23 C.M.R. 320 (C.M.A. 1957)
and providing [I]t is not just the pleas that are looked to but the four corners of the
record to see if, for all practical purposes, the accused pled to a capital offense).
197
See McFarlane, 23 C.M.R. at 324 (McFarlane pled not guilty to the capital offense
but presented no defense and a minimal mitigation case; the court reversed the decision
of the board of review and returned the case for a rehearing on the specifications.).
198
See Fisher, supra note 31, at 201 & n.99, 202 & n.101.
199
Minnick v. Mississippi, 498 U.S. 146, 167 (1990) (Scalia, J., and Rehnquist, C.J.,
dissenting) (quoting United States v. Washington 431 U.S. 181, 187 (1977)) (Minnick is a
capital case dealing with the admission of a confession rather than a guilty plea; however,
confessions and guilty pleas are sufficiently analogous to offer insight into how society
views admissions of guilt.).
274
[Vol. 220
200
Id. at 167 (Scalia, J., and Rehnquist, C.J., dissenting) (quoting Michigan v. Tucker,
417 U.S. 433, 448 (1974)).
201
See Fisher, supra note 31, 20102 & n.100 (providing even in the English common
law period of the mandatory death penalty, some defendants plead guilty to capital
offenses in hope that benefit-of-clergya precursor of executive commutationwould
nullify the otherwise applicable sanction.) (citation omitted).
202
See Scott E. Sundby, The Capital Jury and Absolution: The Intersection of Trial
Strategy, Remorse, and the Death Penalty, 83 CORNELL L. REV. 1557, 1560 (noting that
65 percent of death case jurors cited lack of remorse as a reason for voting for death).
203
See U.S. DEPTT OF ARMY, REG. 600-100, ARMY LEADERSHIP para. 1-5, fig.1-1 (8
Mar. 2007) [hereinafter AR 600-100], available at http://www.apd.army.mil/
pdffiles/r600_100.pdf (providing the seven core Army values: loyalty, duty, respect,
selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage).
204
See Lieutenant Colonel Eric Carpenter, An Overview of the Capital Jury Project for
Military Justice Practitioners: Aggravation, Mitigation, and Admission Defenses, ARMY
LAW., July 2011, at 17; see also Sundby, supra note 202, at 158788 (showing juries are
more receptive to showing the accused accepted responsibility early).
205
See Carpenter, supra note 204, at 18 (citing Sundby, supra note 202, at 1586, 1573
74 and SCOTT E. SUNDBY, A LIFE AND DEATH DECISION: A JURY WEIGHS THE DEATH
PENALTY 3335 (2005)).
206
See Sundby, supra note 202, at 1574 (citing Gary Goodpaster, The Trial for Life:
Effective Assistance of Counsel in Death Penalty Cases, 58 N.Y.U. L. REV. 299, 330
(1983)).
207
See Sundby, supra note 202, at 1587.
2014]
275
See id.
See Carpenter, supra note 204, at 18 (citing Goodpaster, supra note 206).
210
Id. at 22.
211
See Sundby, supra note 202, at 1565 (stating that in thirteen of nineteen cases, at
least one juror explicitly insisted that he would have voted for life rather than death had
the defendant shown remorse (emphasis added)).
212
See Carpenter, supra note 204, at 18.
213
See Sundby, supra note 202, at 1584.
214
But see id. at 158485 (providing that a traditional admission defense can be highly
successful in receiving a vote for life in pre-trial confession cases).
209
276
[Vol. 220
See infra Part IV.B.2 (outlining that even considering the success rate of an admission
defense an accused and counsel may opt to limit face time with the panel on the merits).
216
Each capital case must be independently evaluated taking into consideration the
accused, the extenuation and mitigation evidence available, and the circumstances of the
crime. This article does not argue that pleading guilty is the best option in all or a
majority of cases, merely that when death is on the table, all possible strategies to avoid
death should be available to the defense team.
217
See UCMJ arts. 60 and 66 (2012).
218
See United States v. Wheelus, 49 M.J. 283, 287 (C.A.A.F. 1998) (citing United States
v. Wilson, 26 C.M.R. 3, 6 (C.M.A. 1958)); see Sullivan, supra note 58, at 1619 (noting
that between 1984 and 2006, the convening authority commuted two of the fifteen cases
with an adjudged death sentence).
219
See United States v. Harvey, 64 M.J. 13, 2021 (C.A.A.F. 2006) (questioning the
prudence of the convening authority attending a court-martial and holding his presence
amounted to unlawful command influence).
220
See Sundby, supra note 202, at 156162 (noting that juries consider the accuseds
demeanor during trial above all else).
221
See UCMJ art. 60(b)(1).
222
See United States v. Cole, 31 M.J. 270, 272 (C.M.A. 1990); see also United States v,
Lacy, 50 M.J. 286, 288 (C.A.A.F. 1999).
2014]
277
correct in law and fact and determines, on the basis of the entire record,
should be approved.223 Determining sentence appropriateness is a
function of the court to assure that justice is done and the accused gets
the punishment he deserves.224 Justice is distinguished from clemency,
which involves bestowing mercy.225 The court judges sentence
appropriateness by individualized consideration of the particular
accused on the basis of the nature and seriousness of the offense and the
character of the offender.226 In doing so, the court may disapprove a
death sentence under circumstances it finds compelling. A case in which
the appellant has taken responsibility and shown remorse might convince
the court to exercise that authority.
223
278
[Vol. 220
231
2014]
279
John H. Blume, Sheri Lynn Johnson & Scott E. Sundby, Competent Capital
Representation: The Necessity of Knowing and Heeding What Jurors Tell Us About
Mitigation, 36 HOFSTRA L. REV. 1035, 1042 (2008).
239
Id. at 1039.
240
See, e.g., United States v. Murphy, 50 M.J. 4, 12 (C.A.A.F. 1998) (Faced with Article
45(b)s prohibition counsel attempted to mount a defense to the capital murder charges.
In light of numerous confessions, some with inconsistencies, the defense tried to create
the belief that perhaps the confessions were untrue and the killings were actually
committed by appellants second wife . . . . The defense strategy did not work.). Id.
See also United States v. Dock. 28 M.J. 117, 119 (C.M.A. 1989) (holding that appellants
pleas amounted to a plea to a capital offense in violation of Article 45(b)); United States
v. McFarlane, 23 C.M.R. 320 (C.M.A. 1957) ([I]t is not just the pleas that are looked to
but the four corners of the record to see if, for all practical purposes, the accused pled
guilty to a capital offense.).
241
See Carpenter, supra note 204, at 17 (arguing that frontloading is a feature of the
admission defense).
242
See Sundby, supra note 202, at 1594.
280
[Vol. 220
to some extent and thus would limit the effects of primacy, frequency,
and recency on the panel.243
Lastly, the defense may be able to limit some of the most graphic
evidence by pleading guilty in a capital case. Often, the prosecution
argues that autopsy photos and photos showing different angles of the
victims wounds are circumstantial evidence of premeditation or lack of
self-defense. For example, a bullet wound showing a path from back to
front is evidence an accused shot the victim in the back and thus limits
the effects of a self-defense argument. Defense counsel generally objects
to the gruesome nature of these photos pursuant to Military Rule of
Evidence (MRE) 403 because the unfair prejudice to the accused
substantially outweighs the probative value.244 Nevertheless, because the
photos go to the element of premeditation, the military judge permits the
evidence as relevant and the panel may view and consider them during
deliberation. If permitted to plead guilty, an accused admits the
elements, and possibly limits the probative value of such evidence, tilting
the MRE 403 balancing test in the accuseds favor.245
B. Government Benefits
Benefits to the government are more difficult to quantify because
less empirical data is available. This is particularly true when the data
set needed is very specificlike comparing contested capital cases to
capital guilty pleas without a plea bargain.246 Even with a lack of
empirical data, one can make general observations about the cost and
government interest in permitting a military accused to plead guilty in
any case, capital or non-capital. As such, this section outlines possible
benefits to the government if Congress chooses to repeal Article 45(b)s
prohibition on pleas in death cases. Specifically, this section analyzes
243
See PERRIN ET AL., supra note 237, at 26 (describing that panel members remember
what they hear first, last, and often).
244
See, e.g., United States v. Burks, 36 M.J. 447, 453 (C.M.A. 1993) (discussing the
probative value of photographs in a murder trial offered to show violent nature of the
attack versus unfair prejudice to the accused); see also MCM, supra note 12, MIL. R.
EVID. 40103.
245
Admittedly, these photos may be presented to the jury for another purpose, such as
proving an aggravating factor pursuant to RCM 1004(c).
246
See generally JOHN ROMAN ET AL., THE COST OF THE DEATH PENALTY IN MARYLAND 5
(2008), available at http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411625_md_death_penalty.pdf
(describing as of 2008 only thirteen previous studies analyzed the cost of capital litigation
and that they varied widely in their scope).
2014]
281
how a change in the law has the potential to reduce the cost of capital
litigation, reduce the impact of protracted litigation on victims families,
and increase the effectiveness of the process on good order and
discipline.
See JOHN B. GOULD & LISA GREENMAN, REPORT TO THE COMMITTEE ON DEFENDER
SERVICES JUDICIAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED STATES UPDATE ON THE COST AND
QUALITY OF DEFENSE REPRESENTATION IN FEDERAL DEATH PENALTY CASES 6 (2010),
available
at
http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/documents/FederalDPCost2010.pdf
(explaining that an authorized case is one that the Attorney General of the United States
approves the local prosecutor to seek the death penalty); see also Memorandum from Eric
H. Holder, Jr. Attorney Gen. of the United States, to All Federal Prosecutors (July 27,
2012), available at http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/documents/FedDPRules2011.pdf
(explaining amended procedures for local prosecutors to seek the death penalty).
248
See GOULD & GREENMAN, supra note 247, at 2, 6, & 24 (finding that from 1998 to
2004, the median cost of a capital trial was $465,000, and the mean cost for a plea in an
authorized capital plea was $200,933).
249
See id. at 18 n.22.
250
See id. at 25 (finding that even in a plea, attorneys must thoroughly investigate).
251
See ABA GUIDELINES, supra note 120, at 95260 (outlining the defense team
approach to capital litigating including the use of numerous experts).
282
[Vol. 220
See, e.g., Hasan v. Gross, 71 M.J. 416, 417 (C.A.A.F. 2012) (illustrating that over
three years after the Fort Hood shooting, the trial on the merits had not started).
253
See GOULD & GREENMAN, supra note 248, at 80.
254
See id. (another judge disagreed, indicating the real stress was on the lawyers).
255
See Patricia A. Ham, Making the Appellate Record: A Trial Defense Attorneys Guide
to Preserving ObjectionsThe Why and How, ARMY LAW., Mar. 2003, at 10, 22 (citing
RCM 910(j) for the proposition that many of the motions outlined in RCM 905 are
waived by an unconditional plea); but see MCM supra note 12, R.C.M. 910(a)(1)
discussion (providing that the government may admit evidence in support of the factual
basis of the pleas prior to its acceptance by the court).
256
See generally UCMJ art. 66 (2012) (requiring the Court of Criminal Appeals to
approve only the findings and sentence that it finds correct in law and fact, which
necessarily includes a review of the entire record).
257
See United States v. Murphy, 50 M.J. 4, 1624 (C.A.A.F. 1998) (listing all
assignments of error alleged).
2014]
283
assignments of error dealing with the plea may limit benefits to the
burden on the appellate courts. However, contrary to the innumerable
potential issues arising out of a contested merits case, the law of pleas is
well developed.258
Congress would need to modify the RCM and/or the UCMJ if it
repealed the prohibition. The UCMJ contains no standard to apply for
the military judge to grant a request by the accused to withdraw a plea.259
Under the current plea system, an accused may withdraw his plea at any
time before acceptance by the military judge with permission.260 After
the military judge accepts his plea, the accused may only withdraw that
plea at the discretion of the military judge261 At the outset, the possibility
of withdrawal of a plea limits any potential financial benefits on the
government, as the prosecution must still prepare their merits case
thoroughly.
While a detailed argument for a new standard for this issue is beyond
the scope of this article, Federal Rule of Procedure 11 presents a
workable standard. Simply stated, the rule allows withdrawal for a fair
and just reason after acceptance of the plea, but before imposing a
sentence.262 While not perfect, this at least provides factors for the judge
to consider. To grant a motion to withdraw the plea, a judge must
balance a series of factors, such as the time between plea and motion,
whether Rule 11 was complied with, whether the accused is claiming
innocence, and whether accused had competent counsel at the plea.263
The courts review the judges ruling for an abuse of discretion.264 With
the repeal of Article 45(b), the government will most likely benefit from
judicial efficiency and reduced cost in litigation.
258
284
[Vol. 220
265
See generally Joe Goldeen, Family Frustrated by Murder Trial Delay, RECORDNET
(Jan. 24, 2012), available at http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/2012
0124/A_NEWS/201240318 (illustrating that discontent over trial delays, even at defense
request are often held against the government) (last visited June 15, 2014).
266
See Megan McCloskey, Hood Survivors Find Hasans Beard a Mockery, MILITARY
TIMES (Oct. 29, 2012), available at http://www.military.com/daily-news/2012/10/29/
hood-survivors-find-hasans-beard-a-mockery.html (last visited June 15, 2014); see also
Jim Forsyth, Trial Delays Vex Fort Hood Survivors Three Years After Rampage,
REUTERS (Nov. 5, 2012), available at http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/05/us-usacrime-fort-hood-idUSBRE8A403Y20121105 (last visited June 15, 2014).
267
See McCloskey, supra note 266.
268
See Chapell v. Wallace, 462 U.S. 296, 300 (1983) (citing Parker v. Levy, 417 U.S.
733, 74344 (1974)) (stating, [t]he need for special regulations in relation to military
discipline, and the justification for a special and exclusive system of justice, is too
obvious to require extensive discussion; no military organization can function without
strict discipline and regulation that would be unacceptable in a civilian setting.); see also
Hon. Robinson O. Everett, The First 50 Years of the Uniform Code of Military Justice: A
Personal Perspective, 47-DEC. FED. LAW. 28, 30 (2000) (citing United States Senator
2014]
285
time, the adage of swift, harsh punishment for even minor infractions has
given way to modern concepts of justice.269 However, at its core, the
UCMJ remains a commanders tool to maintain good order and
discipline in the military community.270 Unnecessary delays in the courtmartial process lead to a perception that the command is not disciplining
soldiers for infractions. This perception can prove detrimental in a
specialized society that requires compliance with military procedures
and orders . . . with no time for debate or reflection.271 Even with an
increase in a soldiers rights in the modern military, delaying a case
merely for an outdated rule runs counter to the UCMJs purpose and
ultimately adversely affects the commanders ability to maintain good
order and discipline. As Judge Wiss noted in United States v. Loving,
[j]ustice delayed is not justicenot to the accused and not to
society.272 Permitting an accused to plead guilty, if he so desires, helps
ensure the UCMJ remains relevant for its intended purpose.
Sam Ervin and stating [t]here is no discipline in the Armed Forces without justice and
no justice without discipline).
269
See Nicole E. Jaeger, Maybe Soldiers Have Rights After All!, 87 J. CRIM. L. &
CRIMINOLOGY 895, 896904 (1996) (discussing the evolution of military justice).
270
See MCM, supra note 12, pt. I, 3; see also Reid v. Covert, 354 U.S. 1, 3435 (1957);
United States v. Loving, 41 M.J. 213, 269 (C.A.A.F. 1994) (holding that protection of
society and preservation of good order and discipline were permissible sentencing
considerations in a capital case); see generally David A. Schlueter, The Military Justice
Conundrum: Justice or Discipline?, 215 MIL. L. REV. 1 (2013) (outlining the various
purposes for military law).
271
Wallace, 462 U.S. at 300.
272
Loving, 41 M.J. at 329 (Wiss, J., dissenting).
273
See UCMJ art. 45(b) (2012).
286
[Vol. 220
2014]
287
V. Conclusion
The UCMJ must march on with time to remain a relevant system of
justice in the United States.277 Just as Congressman Martin said in the
congressional floor debates after World War II, You have built up a
good piece of legislation here. . . . It is also important that Congress be
ever ready to revise and improve the system in the way best illustrated by
H.R. 4080.278 This statement is more than an observational pleasantry
during a hearing, but rather a warning to future generations to continue to
analyze and improve the UCMJ. In fact, not just improve, but improve
in the way best illustrated by [the UCMJ]. Modifying the UCMJ in
this way requires Congress to continue to balance service member rights
with the requirements of discipline in the modern military. As military
law advances, Congress and the services must identify protections of the
past that have become hindrances for the future.
The prohibition on guilty pleas in capital cases is a glaring example
of a protection that has outlived its historical purpose and has become a
hindrance. The original intent ensured that the reviewing authority
received enough information in a record to determine if the accused was
in fact guilty and to decide if he should mitigate the sentence. However,
the passage of the UCMJ, in combination with advances in military
criminal law like the detailed providency inquiry, increased requirements
for presentation of mitigation evidence in capital trials, and the
promulgation of RCM 1004, eliminates those historical concerns.
Not only have additional rights rendered 45(b)s original intent
obsolete, but also evolving practice and complexity of capital litigation
favor its change. A repeal of the prohibition will allow defense teams to
focus their cases on mitigation, highlight the remorsefulness of their
clients, and avoid litigating meritless cases. Even today, with Article
45(b) firmly held constitutionalcapital issues like Inmate Nidal
277
See UCMJ art. 146 (2012) (establishing an annual Code committee to report, among
other items, recommended changes to the UCMJ); see Major General William A.
Moorman, Fifty Years of Military Justice: Does the Uniform Code of Military Justice
Need to Be Changed?, 48 A.F. L. REV. 185, 186 (2000) (Our system, like all other legal
systems, is subject to the dynamics of change. No legal system can remain static, each
must change to reflect the needs and demands of society or risk becoming an
anachronistic relic of a dead or dying society. For the reason, we are always looking for
and evaluating ways to improve military justice activities.); see also Everett, supra note
268 (calling for continued study to improve the UCMJ).
278
H.R. Debate, supra note 1.
288
[Vol. 220
Hasans attempt to plead guilty at trial and capital appellants like Inmate
Hassan Akbar raise the issue on appeal.279 Admittedly, this may be a
defense tactic to insert an issue at trial to seek reversal of a conviction
later on appeal. However, the fact that litigants continue to raise the
issue is evidence that Congress should at least now examine the
prohibition.
The benefits of a change in the law do not solely benefit the accused.
A guilty plea in a capital case would reduce the cost to the government
and create less of a burden on the judiciary. Perhaps, more importantly,
a plea is likely to reduce processing time of a capital case. Such a
reduction would help the UCMJ meet the commanders requirement to
maintain discipline by illustrating prompt and fair justice. Moreover,
prompt adjudication of capital cases would increase public confidence in
the military justice system and reduce the impact of protracted litigation
on victims.
The aforementioned benefits, in addition to advanced rights for
service members under the UCMJ, establish a strong argument that
Congress should repeal Article 45(b)s prohibition and allow an accused
fighting for his life to choose his own defense strategy.280
279
2014]
289
Appendix A
Article 45. Pleas of the Accused
(a) If an accused after arraignment makes an irregular pleading, or after a
plea of guilty sets up matter inconsistent with the plea, or if it appears
that he has entered the plea of guilty improvidently or through lack of
understanding of its meaning and effect, or if he fails or refuses to plead,
a plea of not guilty shall be entered in the record, and the court shall
proceed as though he had pleaded not guilty.
(b) A plea of guilty by the accused may not be received to any charge or
specification alleging an offense for which the death penalty may be
adjudged. With respect to any other charge or specification to which a
plea of guilty has been made by the accused and accepted by the military
judge or by a court-martial without a military judge, a finding of guilty of
the charge or specification may, if permitted by regulations of the
Secretary concerned, be entered immediately without vote. This finding
shall constitute the finding of the court unless the plea of guilty is
withdrawn prior to announcement of the sentence, in which event the
proceedings shall continue as though the accused had pleaded not guilty.
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Appendix B
Recommended Changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice
818. Art. 18. Jurisdiction of general courts-martial
Subject to section 817 of this title (article 17), general courts-martial
have jurisdiction to try persons subject to this chapter for any offense
made punishable by this chapter and may, under such limitations as the
President may prescribe, adjudge any punishment not forbidden by this
chapter, including the penalty of death when specifically authorized by
this chapter. General courts-martial also have jurisdiction to try any
person who by the law of war is subject to trial by a military tribunal and
may adjudge any punishment permitted by the law of war. However, a
general court-martial of the kind specified in section 816(1)(B) of this
title (article 16(1)(B)) shall not have jurisdiction to try (sentence) any
person for any offense for which the death penalty may be adjudged
unless the case has been previously referred to trial as a noncapital case.
845. Art. 45. Pleas of the accused
(a) If an accused after arraignment makes an irregular pleading, or after a
plea of guilty sets up matter inconsistent with the plea, or if it appears
that he has entered the plea of guilty improvidently or through lack of
understanding of its meaning and effect, or if he fails or refuses to plead,
a plea of not guilty shall be entered in the record, and the court shall
proceed as though he had pleaded not guilty.
(b) A plea of guilty by the accused may not be received to any charge or
specification alleging an offense for which the death penalty may be
adjudged. With respect to any other charge or specification to which a
plea of guilty has been made by the accused and accepted by the military
judge or by a court-martial without a military judge, a finding of guilty of
the charge or specification may, if permitted by regulations of the
Secretary concerned, be entered immediately without vote. This finding
shall constitute the finding of the court unless the plea of guilty is
withdrawn prior to announcement of the sentence, in which event the
proceedings shall continue as though the accused had pleaded not guilty.
2014]
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Appendix C
Recommended Changes to the Rules for Courts-Martial 201(f)(1)(C)
(C) Limitations in judge alone cases. A general court-martial composed
only of a military judge does not have the jurisdiction to act as the
sentencing authority in any case in which a finding of guilty has been
entered to any offense for which the death penalty may be adjudged
unless the case has been referred to trial as non-capital. A general courtmartial composed only of a military judge does not have jurisdiction to
try any person for any offense for which the death penalty may be
adjudged unless the case has been referred to trial as noncapital. (has
jurisdiction to accept a plea to any charge or specification alleging
an offense for which the death penalty may be adjudged).
R.C.M. 910(a)(1)
(a) Alternatives.
(1) In general. An accused may plead as follows: guilty; not guilty to an
offense as charged, but guilty of a named lesser included offense; guilty
with exceptions, with or without substitutions, not guilty of the
exceptions, but guilty of the substitutions, if any; or, not guilty. A plea of
guilty may not be received as to an offense for which the death penalty
may be adjudged by the court-martial.
R.C.M. 1004(a)(2):
(a) In general. Death may be adjudged only when:
(1) Death is expressly authorized under Part IV of this Manual for an
offense of which the accused has been found guilty, or is authorized
under the law of war for an offense of which the accused has been found
guilty under the law of war; and
(2) The accused was (either) convicted of such an offense by the
concurrence of all the members of the court-martial present at the time
the vote was taken (or a military judge accepts a knowing and
voluntary plea to a death eligible offense); and
(3) The requirements of subsections (b) and (c) of this rule have been
met.
292
[Vol. 220
Judge Advocate, U.S. Army. Presently assigned as the Executive Officer, Office of
The Judge Advocate General, Washington, D.C. M.S.S., 2013, The U.S. Army War
College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania; The U.S. Army Command & General Staff
College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, 2004; LL.M., 2001, The Judge Advocate Generals
School, U.S. Army, Charlottesville, Virginia; J.D., 1991, The Beasley School of Law,
Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; B.A. (English, Public Policy), 1988,
Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Previous assignments include: Staff Judge
Advocate, 25th Infantry Division (25ID), Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, U.S. Division
Center, Iraq, 20102011, and Multi-National DivisionNorth and Task Force Lightning,
Iraq, 2009; Assistant Executive Officer, Office of The Judge Advocate General,
Pentagon, 20072009; Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, 10th Mountain Division (Light
Infantry) & Fort Drum, Fort Drum, New York, 20042007; Deputy Staff Judge
Advocate, Combined Joint Task Force76, Afghanistan, 2006. Member of the bars of
Pennsylvania, the U.S. District CourtNorthern District of New York, the U.S. Court of
Appeals for the Armed Forces, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
1
Robert H. Scales, Op Ed, The Generals Ill-timed Revolt, WASH. TIMES, May 2, 2006, at
A19.
2
General Martin Dempsey, in Victor Davis Hanson, Should Retired Military Officers
Speak Out: Always, Neveror It Sort of Depends?, NATL REV. ONLINE, Aug. 23, 2012,
available at http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/314795/should-retired-militaryofficers-speak-out-always-never-or-it-sort-of-depends/ (last visited June 4, 2014). See
also Jim Garamone, Public Trust Requires Apolitical Military, Dempsey Says, U.S. A.F.
2014]
293
294
[Vol. 220
SAMUEL P. HUNTINGTON, THE SOLDIER AND THE STATE (The Belknap Press of the
Harvard University Press 1957). For compressive discussions on the nature of the
military profession, see also ANTHONY E. HARTLE, MORAL ISSUES IN MILITARY DECISION
MAKING (University Press of Kansas, 2d ed. 2004); RICHARD H. KOHN, ED., THE UNITED
STATES MILITARY UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES, 17891989 (New
York University Press 1991); WILLIAM B. SKELTON, AN AMERICAN PROFESSION OF ARMS:
THE ARMY OFFICER CORPS, 17841861 (The University Press of Kansas 1992); DON M.
SNIDER & GAYLE L. WATKINS, PROJECT DIRS., & LLOYD J. MATTHEWS, ED., THE FUTURE
OF THE ARMY PROFESSION (McGraw Hill 2002); MICHAEL ELIOT HOWARD, SOLDIERS AND
GOVERNMENTS (Indiana University Press 1959); MORRIS JANOWITZ, THE PROFESSIONAL
SOLDIER: A SOCIAL AND POLITICAL PORTRAIT (Free Press 1960); SAMUEL E. FINER, THE
MAN ON HORSEBACK. THE ROLE OF THE MILITARY IN POLITICS (Westview Press, F. Pinter,
2d enlarged ed., rev. & updated vers. 1988); CHARLES A. STEVENSON, WARRIORS AND
POLITICIANS: U.S. CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS UNDER STRESS case studies (Routledge
Press 2006).
2014]
295
296
[Vol. 220
Id. at 24041 n.10 (citing FREDERICK L. BATES & CLYDE C. HARVEY, THE STRUCTURE
(Gardner Press 1975)).
HACKETT, THE PROFESSION OF ARMS 9 (MacMillan Publishing
Company 1983).
OF SOCIAL SYSTEMS 77
15
GENERAL SIR JOHN
2014]
297
See 10 U.S.C. 688 (LexisNexis 2014) (Retired members: authority to order to active
duty).
17
See generally id. 371 (Retirement for Length of Service), id. 75 (subch. II, Death
Benefits).
18
Richard Swain, Reflection on an Ethics of Officership, PARAMETERS, Spring, 2007, at
4, 18 (citing Letter from George C. Marshall, to Charles J. Graham (Sept. 23, 1943), in
THE PAPERS OF GEORGE CATLETT MARSHALL: VOLUME 2, WE CANNOT DELAY, JULY 1,
1939DECEMBER 6, 1941, at 616 (Larry I Bland, Sharon R. Ritenour & Clarence E.
Wunderlin, Jr., eds. (Johns Hopkins Univ. Press 1986)).
298
[Vol. 220
Id. at 19. See also Martin L. Cook, Revolt of the Generals: A Case Study in
Professional Ethics, PARAMETERS, Spring, 2008, at 4, 9. Cook considers the ethical
balance between retired officers who engage in public debate on military issues at a cost
to the profession, and the benefit such participation brings to important national security
dialogue.
20
HACKETT, supra note 15, at 9.
21
BERNARD HORN & ROBERT WALKER, EDS., THE MILITARY LEADERSHIP HANDBOOK 458
(2008) (Dundurn Press and Canadian Defense Academy Press in cooperation with the
Department of National Defense, and Public Works and Government Services Canada).
2014]
299
300
[Vol. 220
2014]
301
30
Id. at 71.
HARTLE, supra note 5, at 168.
32
For an excellent and unique study of the conservative political alignment of the
Army's officer corps, and its implications for civil-military relations, see JASON K.
DEMPSEY, OUR ARMY, SOLDIERS, POLITICS, AND AMERICAN CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS
(Princeton Univ. Press 2010).
33
Admiral Michael G. Mullen, Military Must Stay Apolitical, JOINT FORCE Q., July 1,
2008, at 2. Retired Air Force General Richard Myers, also a former Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs, has similarly commented that retired generals who allow themselves to be
used as a potted palm at political conventions really do a disservice to the military.
Thomas E. Ricks, Get Retired Generals Out of Politics Now; Shut Up and Go Home to
Your Farm, FOREIGN POLY (Online ed.), Apr. 12, 2010, available at http://ricks.
foreignpolicy.com/posts/2010/04/12/get_retired_generals_out_of_politics_now_shut_up_
and_go_home_to_your_farm (last visited June 12, 2014). Id.
31
302
[Vol. 220
34
See generally Perry Bacon Jr., The Revolt of the Generals, TIME, Apr. 16, 2006,
available at http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1184048,00.html (last visited
June 4, 2014); David S. Cloud & Eric Schmitt, More Retired Generals Call for
Rumsfelds
Resignation,
N.Y. TIMES,
Apr.
13,
2006,
available
at
http://www.nytimes.com/
2006/04/14/washington/14military.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 (last visited June 4,
2014); Richard J. Whalen, Revolt of the Generals: Military Officers Speak out Against a
Failed War, NATION, Oct. 16, 2006; A News Hour with Jim Lehrer (Online ed.), PBS,
Apr. 18, 2006, available at http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/military/jan-june06/
rumsfeld_4-18.html (last visited June 4, 2014).
2014]
303
304
[Vol. 220
2014]
305
policy advocacy and partisanship, they risk betraying the very attribute
that distinguishes them in the first place. If former leaders appear to
leverage their active service as the fulcrum by which they enter the
public space to criticize policy, or even worse, to profit from it, they may
lose the halo of selflessness so strongly engendered by a successful
military career, and the profession they represent.
What is at risk when retired senior leaders question the decisionmaking process of the active cohort and civilian leadership? For many, it
is nothing less than the credibility of the military profession itself. Costs
to the profession, large and small, occur when former military officers
openly criticize the current military and civilian leadership, appear to
gain personally from such criticism, or perpetuate the idea of a
monolithic military establishment as an interest group or vague political
constituency. When this happens, public trust in the military as a whole
risks compromise. The public will naturally infer that retired senior
officers are channeling a prevailing view within the military potentially
at odds with the current civilian or military leadership, putting active
members of the profession in the position of having to defend civilian
policy or military advice.
For example, if a president thinks a senior leader will turn against
him publicly upon retirement, write tell-all books, or enter the public
domain of discourse and punditry, then why trust him todayor any
military leader, for that matter? Dissent by retired officers in
controversial or politicized matters can attach to the active service and
inform Congress and the administration about the sort of military they
are dealing with, correctly or not. This dissent can result in a false
perception by the public and Congress that the views expressed by the
retired cohort are the views of the organization as a whole. What
happens to the publics perception of the profession when the public
domain is occupied by discordant military voices and disquisitions
regarding strategy (especially, when they create a cacophony of
contradictory expert assessments among various constituencies involved
in a particular issue or approach)?
In answering this question, Army Lieutenant Colonel Jason
Dempsey, who holds a Ph.D in Political Science from Columbia
University, considered the impact on the active force of political
involvement by recently retired general officers and its relationship with
civilian authority, and found that there is indeed a cost.
306
[Vol. 220
43
2014]
307
46
Andrew Tilghman, Retired Officers Endorse Romeny, but Report Says Effect May Be
Negligible, ARMY TIMES, Oct. 29, 2012, at 12.
47
Given the fact that over 300 retired general officers endorsed Mr. Romney, who lost
the election to President Obama, they evidently do very little good for their intended
beneficiary.
48
GOLBY ET AL., supra note 45, at 18.
49
Matthew Moten, The Army Officer's Professional EthicPast, Present, and Future,
STRATEGIC STUD. INST., U.S. ARMY WAR C., Feb. 2010, at vi.
50
Id.
308
[Vol. 220
2014]
309
Jon Elster, Rationality, Morality, and Collective Action, 96 ETHICS, Oct. 1985, no. 1,
at 13655.
310
[Vol. 220
2014]
311
58
59
60
61
312
[Vol. 220
62
63
Id. 207(a)(2).
For a period of 2 years after termination of Government service,
former Government officers and employees may not knowingly make
a communication or appearance on behalf of any other person, with
the intent to influence, before any officer or employee of any Federal
agency or court, in connection with a particular matter which the
employee reasonably should have known was actually pending under
his or her official responsibility within 1 year before the employee
left Government service, which involved a specific party at that time,
and in which the U.S. is a party or has a direct and substantial
interest.
Id. 207(b).
For a period of 1 year after leaving Government service, former
employees or officers may not knowingly represent, aid, or advise
someone else on the basis of covered information, concerning any
ongoing trade or treaty negotiation in which the employee
2014]
313
are in place because they serve the best interests of the public. A
reasonable set of sanctions for retiring senior leaders is entirely
consistent with this.
So what can be done? First, there needs to be an acknowledgement
that the non-partisan nature of the military profession extends to its
retired cohort. This article makes the argument why. Second, this new
professional ethic must become part of the dialogue at Army and joint
ethics events like the annual Command and General Staff College Ethics
Symposium, held at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and the Annual Army
Profession Forum/Symposium held at West Point. It is a topic that
should be integrated into the senior leader narrative for the profession,
and considered and advocated by military institutions like the Center for
the Army Profession and Ethic (CAPE). Furthermore, non-partisanship
should be added to the instruction and formal education of general
officers at the joint and Service level, such as the Chief of Staff's Army
Senior Leader Development Program (ASLDP) and the Senior Official
Personal/Support Staff Collective Training Package (addressing travel,
gifts, relations with contractors, official/unofficial functions, etc.)
Institutionally, and not unlike what many bar associations and
attorney credentialing authorities do within the legal profession, the
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs or the Service Chiefs of Staff could
establish a Committee for Military Professional Ethics, with a
subcommittee empowered to receive, consider, and make findings and
recommendations regarding the professional conduct of retired senior
leaders: whether cited actions were consistent with the military
participated personally and substantially in his last year of
Government service.
Id. 203.
After you leave Government service, you may not accept
compensation for representational services, which were provided by
anyone while you were a Government employee, before a Federal
agency or court regarding particular matters in which the
Government was a party or had a substantial interest. This
prohibition may affect personnel who leave the Government and
share in the proceeds of the partnership or business for
representational services that occurred before the employee
terminated Federal service. (Examples: Lobbying, consulting, and
law firms).
Id.
314
[Vol. 220
64
See U.S. DEPT OF ARMY, REG. 27-1, JUDGE ADVOCATE LEGAL SERVICES (30 Sept.
1996) (revised by RAR, 13 Sept. 2011) (revising Chapter 7 (Professional Conduct
Inquiries)).
65
DEMPSEY, supra note 32, at 191.
66
Id.
67
Id.
68
HUNTINGTON, supra note 5, at 466.
69
DEMPSEY, supra note 32, at 191.
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315
VIII. Conclusion
Taken together, the changes suggested in this article would help to
protect and perpetuate the American publics perception of the military
as an honorable, ethical institution and profession free of partisan bias.
There is no question that the active duty servicemember is bound by the
professions nonpartisan standard. The retired cohorts close and
continued association with the military profession demands that they,
too, abide by those same ethical imperatives. The profession of arms
should take nothing for granted in the realm of military and civilian
relations, and cannot afford to risk eroding that bond of trust we have
with the American people.70
70
316
[Vol. 220
Introduction
Judge Advocate, U.S. Coast Guard. Presently assigned as Advanced Operational Law
Fellow, Center for Law and Military Operations, The Judge Advocate Generals School
(TJAGLCS), United States Army, Charlottesville, Virginia. LL.M., 2013, TJAGLCS,
Charlottesville, Virginia; J.D., 2005, Suffolk University Law School; B.S., 1997, U.S.
Coast Guard Academy. Previous assignments include Assistant Engineer Officer, U.S.
Coast Guard Cutter RELIANCE (WMEC-615) Portsmouth, New Hampshire (1997
1999); U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Boston, Massachusetts (Facilities
Inspection Division Chief, 19992000; Waterways Management Division Chief, 2000
2001; Environmental Response Division Chief, 2001; Maritime Security Operations
Division Chief, 20012002); Trial Attorney, Navy Region Legal Service Office East,
Norfolk, Virginia, 20052006; Operations Law Staff Attorney, U.S. Coast Guard
Maintenance and Logistics Command Atlantic, Portsmouth, Virginia, 20062008;
Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, U.S. Coast Guard Fifth District, Portsmouth, Virginia,
20082009; Incident Management Division Chief, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Northern
New England, Portland, Maine, 20092012. Member of the Bar of Massachusetts. This
article was submitted in partial completion of the Master of Laws requirements of the
61st Judge Advocate Officer Graduate Course, TJAGLCS, United States Army,
Charlottesville, Virginia.
1
JEAN-PAUL SARTRE, EXISTENTIALISM IS A HUMANISM 37 (2007).
2
Karuk Tribe of California v. U.S. Forest Serv. (Karuk III), 681 F.3d 1006 (9th Cir.
2012), cert. denied, 133 S. Ct. 1579 (2013).
3
See generally SARTRE, supra note 1.
4
See Karuk III, 681 F.3d at 102122.
2014]
317
318
[Vol. 220
2. Statutory Provisions
The ESA mandated the federal government to identify threatened
and endangered species and designate their critical habitats (Section 4),
authorized land acquisition for habitat protection (Section 5), called for
state and international cooperation in species protection (Sections 6 and
8), and prohibited the taking of endangered or threatened species by
public and private parties (Section 9), among other directives.14 Section
7 (the section at issue in Karuk III) created the requirement for agencies
10
See BRIAN CZECH & PAUL R. KRAUSMAN, THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT: HISTORY,
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY, AND PUBLIC POLICY 1, 24 (2001).
11
See id. at 2324 (noting that between 1970 and 1972 alone the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act, Clean Air Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, and Coastal Zone
Management Act were enacted); Tennessee Valley Auth. v. Hill, 437 U.S. 153, 188
(1978).
12
See CZECH & KRAUSMAN, supra note 10, at 2126.
13
See SHANNON PETERSEN, ACTING FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES: THE STATUTORY ARK, at
ix, 119 (2002). Data shows the Endangered Species Act (ESA) has had a positive impact
on species protection. For example, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has
delisted eleven species due to their recoveries. However, there is debate over the exact
reach of its benefits. Id.
14
See CZECH & KRAUSMAN, supra note 10, at 25; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Endangered Species Program, FWS.GOV, http://www.fws.gov/endangered/lawpolicies/section-4.html (last visited Apr. 22, 2014). Taking has a broad meaning. Take
means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to
attempt to engage in any such conduct. 16 U.S.C. 1532(19) (LexisNexis 2014).
2014]
319
to consult with federal fish and wildlife agencies when a federal action
(defined below) may affect protected species.15
DALE D. GOBLE & ERIC T. FREYFOGLE, WILDLIFE LAW: CASES AND MATERIALS 1164
65 (Robert C. Clark et al. 2002). See Section 7 Consultation: A Brief Explanation,
FWS.GOV (Mar. 29, 2011), http://www.fws.gov/midWest/endangered/section7/section7.
html (finding that action may affect a listed species is a requirement to finding agency
action with respect to invoking consultation; without it, consultation is not required).
Although discussed in the Karuk decisions, this article focuses on the agency action
requirement, as that is the heart of the controversy in the case. See Karuk Tribe of
California v. U.S. Forest Serv. (Karuk III), 681 F.3d 1006, 1011 (9th Cir. 2012), cert.
denied, 133 S. Ct. 1579 (2013).
16
See 16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(2) (LexisNexis 2014). Section 7 states that
each federal agency shall, in consultation with and with the assistance
of the Secretary, insure that any action authorized, funded, or carried
out by such agency (hereinafter in this section referred to as an
agency action) is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of
any endangered species or threatened species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of habitat of such species . . . .
Id.
17
Id.
18
50 C.F.R. 402 notes that Section 7 and the requirements of this part apply to all
actions in which there is discretionary Federal involvement or control. Id. 402.03
(emphasis added). Thus, even if the agency conducts an action under the ESA, if it was
320
[Vol. 220
2014]
321
322
[Vol. 220
Circuit expanded this scope and the apparent applicability of the ESA
further than precedent and the facts warranted in Karuk III.29
2014]
323
324
[Vol. 220
41
Id. Suction dredge mining uses an apparatus that sucks up stream bed material and
directs it to a floating sluice box. Excess material is deposited into a tailings pile in the
stream or on the stream bank. Id.
42
Id. at 101315.
43
Id.
44
Id.
2014]
325
B. Case History
1. District Court and 9th Circuit Panel Decisions
The Karuk Tribe brought suit against the miners and the Forest
Service in the Northern District of California in 2005 to challenge the
four NOIs under the ESA.46 The Tribe specifically alleged the Forest
Service violated Section 7 of the ESA by failing to consult with USFWS
during the NOI review process. It argued that the Forest Service NOI
reviews were a federal authorization of mining operations, and thus were
agency action that triggered Section 7 of the ESA. The district court
found the NOI reviews did not constitute agency action.47 On appeal (in
Karuk II) a three-judge 9th Circuit panel upheld the decision.48
See id.
See id. at 1016. The Tribe also alleged failures to follow the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Forest Management Act. Both allegations were
unsuccessful and not discussed in Karuk III. Id.
47
See id. at 1011, 1016.
48
See Karuk Tribe of California v. U.S. Forest Serv. (Karuk II), 640 F.3d 979, 993 (9th
Cir. 2011) rehg en banc granted, 658 F.3d 953 (9th Cir. 2011) and on rehg en banc,
681 F.3d 1006 (9th Cir. 2012). The Karuk II majority opinion finding the NOI process
did not invoke agency action was the basis for Judge Smiths dissent in Karuk III; he
authored both opinions. See generally Karuk II, 640 F.3d 979; and Karuk III, 681 F.3d
1006.
49
Karuk III, 681 F.3d at 1006.
50
Id. at 1007. Two judges did not join with Judge Smiths final commentary on the state
of 9th Circuit environmental case law and the impact of the Karuk III decision on mining.
Id.
46
326
[Vol. 220
Id. at 102124.
See id. The word affirmative appears often in 9th Circuit analysis of agency action.
The 9th Circuit has stated that Congresss intent was that agencies must refrain from
jeopardizing listed species when acting affirmatively. See Defenders of Wildlife v. U.S.
Envtl. Prot. Agency, 420 F.3d 946, 967 (9th Cir. 2005), revd and remanded sub nom.
Natl Assn of Home Builders v. Defenders of Wildlife, 551 U.S. 644 (2007).
53
Karuk III, 681 F.3d at 102427. Judge Fletcher discussed discretion at length and why
it was present. However, discretion is not truly at issue, and the dissent conceded this.
Id. at 1036 (Smith, J., dissenting).
54
Id. at 1020.
55
Id. at 102125. For example, the District Ranger told the New 49ers, This
authorization expires December 31, 2004. On another occasion the Ranger told the New
49ers, I am unable to allow your proposed mining operations regarding separate
mining not challenged in the case. Id. at 1022.
56
Id. at 101316, 102223. The facts (1) that the record does not show all of the four
NOI submitters met with the Forest Service and (2) that it indicates at least one
(Hamilton) may not have been able to meet the specific criteria set by Vandiver, but was
still able to mine, are not addressed by the majority. Id.
57
Id. at 1021.
58
See infra Part III.C.1.b. See infra notes 8386 and accompanying text.
59
Karuk III, 681 F.3d at 102024. The majority also makes a comparison to the
Administrative Procedure Act (APA) based on Siskiyou Reg'l Educ. Project v. U.S.
Forest Serv., 565 F.3d 545 (9th Cir. 2009), where an NOI review was labeled final
agency action for the purposes of the APA and cited as an act from which legal
consequences flow. This raises the specter that the entire controversy is already decided.
52
2014]
327
b. An Overbroad Holding
There are two issues that should have been addressed in Karuk III:
(1) Did the review of the specific NOIs at issue constitute agency action
and invoke the ESA; and (2) Do the NOI regulations on their face invoke
the consultation requirement in all cases? It is possible that use of the
NOI process in every circumstance is not agency action, but under these
facts, the manner in which it was executed did amount to agency action
(the conduct and communications at issue make this argument possible,
as shown by Judge Fletchers opinion).60 Along this line, the court could
have specifically limited its holding to the NOIs at issue. This is not to
say this would have been the correct holding, but it would be more
supportable than the one given. It would have recognized the intent of
the regulations and not ignored appropriate precedent. Regardless of the
decision on the specific NOIs at issue, it would have correctly decided
the more important issue of the NOI regulations overall, and avoided
exposing a host of other activities to baseless challenge.
Judge Fletcher did indicate an attempt to limit his opinion solely to
the four NOIs at issue.61 However, he used unclear language throughout
the opinion that left plenty of room to argue the NOI regulations require
ESA consultation every time they are applied.62 The parties themselves
One might argue if NOI review is final agency action under the APA, it must be agency
action under the ESA. Judge Fletcher implied as much. However, the reasoning that
declares ESA agency action is not the equivalent of major federal action under NEPA
applies. See infra note 92 and accompanying text (directly equating APA final agency
action with ESA agency action raises problems). For example, it is possible that what is
declared agency inaction by the court could still be considered final agency action under
the APA, thus making the APA applicable, but not the ESA. Karuk III, 681 F.3d at 1023.
60
See Karuk III, 681 F.3d at 102124. Judge Fletcher supported his opinion heavily
with facts surrounding the Forest Service and miner meetings. Id. It would be interesting
to see how he would have decided had there been little to no interaction between the
Forest Service and miners, aside from the required responses under the Code of Federal
Regulations.
61
See id. at 102130. For example, Judge Fletcher uses the phrase in approving the
NOIs challenged in his conclusion, possibly implying an attempt to limit the decision to
the four NOIs challenged. Id.
62
See id. at 1021, 1024, 1030. Judge Fletcher uses phrases such as [b]y regulation, the
Forest Service must authorize mining activities before they may proceed under a NOI
and the Forest Service controls mining activities through the NOI process. . . . Id.
These statements clearly indicate he believes the NOI process itself is at issue. In their
briefs surrounding the petition for certiorari discussed below, the parties believed the
same. See also Endangered Species Act to Trump Mining Claims: Supreme Court Lets
Stand Ninth Circuit Ruling in Karuk Tribe of California v. U.S. Forest Serv., CALIFORNIA
LAND USE BLOG (Mar. 22, 2013) (averring that low-level mining that could have
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agree Karuk III determined the NOI process itself, and not just the four
NOIs, invoke Section 7 consultation.63 Because of the failure to limit the
decision, its impact might be felt outside the context of the Forest
Service mining NOI regulations. Although the holding does not discuss
impacts on other regulatory schemes, the arguments used in the decision
provide a glimpse into how parties could challenge similar notice
processes used by other agencies.64 As discussed below, such challenges
could have a huge negative impact on agency regulation and business
endeavors.65
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and it was well established that such activities did not equal agency
action.67 He noted precedent similar to Karuk III establishing that
inaction is not agency action. Most significantly, he showed Judge
Fletcher did not identify any case where activity similar to that engaged
in by the Forest Service was found to equal agency action.68
C. Why Judge Fletcher and the Karuk III Majority Are Incorrect
Judge Smith held the correct position in declaring the Forest Service
NOI process should not be considered agency action for three main
reasons. First, the majority overstated the significance of the interactions
between the Forest Service and miners. Second, the NOI regulatory
structure and intent, largely ignored by Judge Fletcher, weigh in favor of
finding the NOI process is a simple notice procedure.69 Third, a finding
of no agency action under these facts is well supported by analogous case
law that was not adequately addressed by Judge Fletcher.70
Id. at 103839.
Id. at 103439.
69
See id. at 103435.
70
See id. at 1036.
71
Marbled Murrelet v. Babbitt, 83 F.3d 1068 (9th Cir. 1996).
72
Id. at 1074 (noting the letter required lumber companies to provide a description of
procedures to be followed, and required a no-take determination by the USFWS in
order to avoid a taking of northern spotted owls; and directing that site consultation with
USFWS was required prior to timber harvest operations).
68
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73
Id.
Id. at 107475.
75
Id.
76
See Karuk Tribe of California v. U.S. Forest Serv. (Karuk II), 640 F.3d 979, 993 (9th
Cir. 2011), rehg en banc granted, 658 F.3d 953 (9th Cir. 2011) and on rehg en banc,
681 F.3d 1006 (9th Cir. 2012) (explaining that the NOI process merely facilitates whether
an Ops Plan is needed, it is not a regulatory action itself, and communications between
miners and the Forest Service at the NOI stage occur for the limited purpose of
categorizing the private activity, not for the purpose of obtaining the agencys affirmative
permission to act).
77
See Karuk Tribe of California v. U.S. Forest Serv. (Karuk III), 681 F.3d 1006, 1038
39 (9th Cir. 2012), cert. denied, 133 S. Ct. 1579 (2013).
78
Id. at 103738 (Smith, J., dissenting).
79
See id. at 1038 (noting in Sierra Club v. Babbitt, 65 F.3d 1502, 1511 (9th Cir.1995),
the court held that an agencys letter purporting to approve a construction project could
not be construed as an authorization for ESA purposes because the letter did not
otherwise satisfy the statutory criteria of an ESA authorization).
80
See id.
74
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This is further evidence of intent to use the NOI process only as an information-gathering
tool, not an approval process.
87
See Karuk III, 681 F.3d at 1011. The language Judge Fletcher uses shows he appears
to have the case decided before conducting any analysis. He frames the question as
whether the Forest Services approval of four NOIs . . . . is agency action (emphasis
added). Prior to attempting an analysis of the NOI regulations, he states, By regulation,
the Forest Service must authorize mining activities before they may proceed under a
NOI. Id. at 1011, 1021 (emphasis added).
88
Id. at 1017.
89
See id.
90
See Auer v. Robbins, 519 U.S. 452, 46162 (1997). There are several reasons for not
giving deference to an agencys interpretation of its own regulations. They include: (1)
the agencys interpretation conflicts with a prior interpretation; (2) the agency
interpretation is merely a convenient litigating position; and (3) accepting the
interpretation would impose new regulatory requirements without fair notice. See
Christopher v. SmithKline Beecham Corp., 132 S. Ct. 2156, 2166 (2012); Thomas
Jefferson Univ. v. Shalala, 512 U.S. 504, 515 (1994); Bowen v. Georgetown Univ. Hosp.,
488 U.S. 204, 213 (1988); Long Island Care at Home, Ltd. v. Coke, 551 U.S. 158, 159
(2007). None of these concerns are present in Karuk III. The Forest Service maintained
a consistent position, treating the NOI system as a notice process and maintaining an
interpretation not asserted merely to win the Karuk case. See Karuk III, 681 F.3d, at
103134 (Smith, J., dissenting).
91
See infra Part III.B.2.b.
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Thus, Judge Fletcher not only should have given more consideration
to key facts and interpretations surrounding the Forest Service
regulations, he should have granted some deference to Forest Service
explanations regarding the NOI process.
His failure to do so
significantly contributed to his overly broad interpretation of agency
action.
See Karuk III, 681 F.3d at 103537 (Smith, J., dissenting). One case used by Judge
Smith, Sierra Club v. Penfold, 857 F.2d 1307 (9th Cir. 1988), warrants mention for an
incorrect analogy. In that case, the 9th Circuit held Forest Service NOIs were not major
federal action triggering NEPA requirements, and Judge Smith felt this supported finding
the NOI process did not amount to ESA agency action in Karuk III. Judge Fletcher
correctly points out NEPA and the ESA have two different standards for action, and thus
the analogy does not work. Id. at 1024 (majority opinion). This is of no momentfor
the reasons stated in this article, Judge Smiths opinion should have carried the day
without any mention of Penfold.
93
Karuk III, 681 F.3d at 1036 (Smith, J., dissenting); Baker v. U.S. Dept. of Agric., 928
F. Supp. 1513, 1515 (D. Idaho 1996) (approval of mining plan of operations under 36
C.F.R. 228 is agency action); Turtle Island Restoration Network v. Natl Marine
Fisheries Serv., 340 F.3d 969, 970 (9th Cir. 2003) (NMFS had a duty to consult under
Section 7 with respect to high seas fishing permits it issued); Sierra Club v. United
States, 255 F. Supp. 2d 1177, 1179 (D. Colo. 2002) (road easement granted by the
Federal Regulatory Energy Commission to gravel miners was agency action);
Washington Toxics Coal. v. Envtl. Prot. Agency, 413 F.3d 1024, 1030 (9th Cir. 2005)
(EPAs registration of fifty-four pesticide active ingredients, allowing them for public
use, was an agency action).
94
See Karuk III, 681 F.3d at 103536 (Smith, J., dissenting) (discussing W. Watersheds
Project v. Matejko, 468 F.3d 1099 (9th Cir. 2006); California Sportfishing v. F.E.R.C.,
472 F.3d 593 (9th Cir. 2006)).
95
See id. at 102124 (majority opinion). It is notable that Judge Fletcher does not refute
the analogy to Western Watersheds anywhere in his opinion. He does not even mention
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112
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See generally Tennessee Valley Auth. v. Hill, 437 U.S. 153 (1978).
See PERKINS COIE, supra note 8.
121
See Karuk Tribe of California v. U.S. Forest Serv. (Karuk III), 681 F.3d 1006, 1038
(Smith, J., dissenting) (9th Cir. 2012), cert. denied, 133 S. Ct. 1579 (2013).
122
See PERKINS COIE, supra note 8.
123
Karuk III, 681 F.3d at 1035 (Smith, J., dissenting).
124
See PERKINS COIE, supra note 8.
125
See PETERSEN, supra note 13, at ix, 119 (commenting on the ESA citizen suit
provision serving as a powerful tool for environmental groups to expand the powers of
the law, and that litigation has played a significant role in broadening the scope of the
act).
120
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This is but one example. There are likely dozens more, spanning multiple federal
agencies; the government uses NOIs and similar processes across the board to lessen
regulatory burdens on the public in numerous spheres. The EPA NOI process at issue in
Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association v. EPA is another example.
Another is the U.S. Customs NOI process for drawbacks (refunds) involving unused
merchandise. Regulations provide that individuals seeking to use this process must
submit an NOI to the Customs Service, which will make a determination as to whether or
not the merchandise must be inspected, or inspection will be waived. See 19 C.F.R.
191.35 (LexisNexis 2014). The feasibility of challenges to these NOI processes is
debatable (especially since the may affect standard must still be met), these examples
and the one discussed in detail herein are merely provided to show that there are
numerous notice activities utilized by the federal government.
127
The regulation states,
(a) The COTP may require a facility operator to notify the COTP of
the time and place of each transfer operation at least 4 hours before it
begins for facilities that: (1) Are mobile; (2) Are in a remote
location; (3) Have a prior history of oil or hazardous material spills;
or (4) Conduct infrequent transfer operations. (b) In the case of a
vessel to vessel transfer, the COTP may require a vessel operator of a
lightering or fueling vessel to notify the COTP of the time and place
of each transfer operation, as specified by the COTP, at least 4 hours
before it begins. (c) No person may conduct such transfer operations
until advance notice has been given as specified by the COTP.
See 33 C.F.R. 156.118 (LexisNexis 2014). The COTP refers to the Coast Guard
Captain of the Port, and means the U.S. Coast Guard officer commanding a Captain of
the Port Zone described in part 3 of this chapter, or that persons authorized
representative. Id. 154.105. The COTP administers marine safety, security, and
environmental protection programs throughout his or her area of responsibility. See U.S.
COAST GUARD, MARINE SAFETY MANUAL VOL. VI, PORTS AND WATERWAYS ACTIVITIES
para. 1.A.2 (11 Oct. 1996) [hereinafter USCG MARINE SAFETY MANUAL].
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140
See id. at 1039 (Smith, J. dissenting) (noting that ESA consultations can sometimes
take years, and private entities often have to hire their own experts to assist in the process
due to agency shortfalls).
141
See Comparison of U.S. and Foreign-Flag Operating Costs, U.S. MARITIME
ADMINISTRATION (Sept. 2011) http://www.marad.dot.gov/ documents/Comparison_of_
US_and_Foreign_Flag_Operating_Costs.pdf. It notes in 2010 the average daily
operating cost of a U.S.-flagged vessel was about $20,053. In the Coast Guard example,
this would be the cost to a vessel operator for every day a fuel transfer was delayed due to
an ANOT challenge. See id.
142
See Interagency CooperationEndangered Species Act of 1973, as Amended; Final
Rule, 51 Fed. Reg. 19926, 19930 (June 3, 1986) (codified at 50 C.F.R. 402). This was
the last time the USFWS and NMFS clarified the definition of action under the ESA
regulations. See id.
143
Cf. Chevron, U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Res. Def. Council, Inc., 467 U.S. 837, 843
(1984) (where citizens challenged EPA regulations implementing the Clean Air Act as an
unreasonable interpretation of the law).
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V. Conclusion
It is evident from Karuk III that this area of the law can turn on the
finest distinctions in federal regulations and actions. Nonetheless, on
balance precedent, regulations, and the law are on the side of Judge
Smith and the Karuk III dissent. Judge Fletcher was overly focused on
the activity and language used by the Forest Service, he ignored
precedent, and he could not identify case law specifically analogous to
his position. The focus on activity and labeling is understandable, but
not at the exclusion of precedent and valid regulatory interpretation.
There is no doubt Section 7 is meant to be broad. However, Karuk
III pushed the laws reach too far. One could take the Karuk III result to
its furthest extent and argue any time an agency does anything, it acts
affirmatively, and apply that concept across the board to invoke the ESA
for virtually any federal activity. Given the amount of notice activity in
the federal realm, Karuk III creates a huge potential for frivolous suits,
and will ultimately cause great confusion and inconsistency in regulatory
efforts.147 The federal government should investigate issuing clarifying
regulations to lessen the chance that similar notice activities will be
interpreted as agency action in future court challenges. It should also
look for future opportunities to aid in overruling Karuk III to ensure it
cannot be used to further confuse the regulatory landscape and burden
the public.
147
See Petition for Writ of Certiorari at 3132, The New 49ers, Inc., et al., v. Karuk
Tribe of California (9th Cir. 2012) (No. 12-289).
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the worst U.S. national security failure in cyberspace in the last ten
years? I would submit to you that there are really only two possible
answers to that question. One possibility, one that fits the nation state
model, is the systematic efforts by the Chinese government to conduct
espionage against American national security and economic security
interests. We have lost a boatload of intellectual property. The
Commission on the Theft of American Intellectual Property says that it is
on the order of $300 billion in value per year, which is really not chump
change, even in the United States.
Meanwhile, the Defense Science Board has issued a classified
reportand by classified, I mean it is only on the front page of the
Washington Postbut a classified report on all of the systems that have
been compromised in one way or another by ongoing Chinese espionage.
They range from the F-35 fighter to something called nano armor, which
I dont even know what that is, but it sounds really cool and I hope we
have it, and I am upset that the Chinese are getting it as well.
So that is one area where we have systematically suffered a national
security failure, and that is kind of paradigmatically what we have been
talking about. If you have listened to President Obama and the Secretary
of Defense, that is what they talk about when they talk about the conflict
in cyberspace.
But the other answer, the answer that I think is actually more in your
minds today, at least in my mind, would be Edward Snowden, right? A
single individual who, through his own individual activities, or perhaps
with a cadre of a few fellow travelers, has done immense damage to the
American national security interests. Think of what has happened just by
virtue of Edward Snowdens activities. We have suffered major
diplomatic difficulties. There is a significant amount of anger at the
United States amongst our allies and friends in Europe about what they
perceive to be American spying on their national security interests. They
sort of knew that we did it, but now it is out in the open, they can no
longer deny it, and they are annoyed.
Even worse, the disclosures have given China and Russia the
opportunity to create a false equivalence, if you will, between the nature
of what they are doing, which is widespread rampant economic
espionage, and what the United States has been engaged in, which by and
large has been more traditional national security intelligence activities.
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conflict in cyberspace, and that is the reality that I do not think our cyber
strategy is coming to grips with.
My lecture today is titled The Structure of the Cyber Military
Revolution. For those who do not know, it is a deliberate evocation of
Thomas Kuhns famous sociological book The Structure of Scientific
Revolutions.2 And for those who have not read that, here is a really short
and necessarily incomplete summary of what Kuhn said.
Kuhn was asking, How do we do science? How does something
like science develop? And he said that there are really two forms of
science development out there. One form is what we would call normal
science. Normal science is the kind of step-by-step accretion of new
information. All of a sudden, we can measure something to .001 instead
of .1. All of a sudden, we begin to know how much carbon dioxide there
is in the atmosphere, and we can measure it as it increases. We have
developed theories about what that might mean for global warming. And
they can be right or they can be wrong, but normal science kind of starts
from a basic set of premises and builds on that one step at a time in a
slow accumulation of human knowledge.
The other type of science development that Kuhn talks about is what
he calls paradigm shifts. Paradigm shifts are these avulsive yet
discontinuous changes in thinking where all of a sudden everything you
knew beforehand was wrongwhat you thought was right is wrong, and
everything that you know now or that you have just learned is a new
reality.
The example he gives, the classic example of this, is from
astronomy. Ptolemy thought that everything went around the Earth, and
he had this whole idea of astronomy that was Earth-centric. Then all of a
sudden, along came Copernicus, who made some new measurements and
came to the conclusion that the Earth was not the center of the universe.
That, in fact, the Earth went around the sun. The sun ran around the
center of some universe elsewhere in the world. This was a huge
disruption of the astronomy status quo. Nothing is less useful than a
Ptolemaic astronomer after this sort of change, right? And thats why
people resist themthey are too disruptive.
2
THOMAS S. KUHN, THE STRUCTURE
Chicago Press) (1st ed. 1962).
OF
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Paradigm shifts are not limited to science. We see them in all sorts
of human endeavors, including military endeavors. Take an example,
Naval warfare. There are some Navy men in the room, right?
For 400 years, the entire scope of British strategy was based upon
their view that naval supremacy was all that was necessary to rule the
world. From the Spanish Armada in 1588 to 1940 in World War II,
Britain ruled the waves. Many thought that this was an eternal truth that
the Navy would always be the queen of combat and that nothing would
ever change that. Then along came the Japanese. There is a very famous
video taken by the Japanese after the British had sent the Prince of Wales
and the Repulse out to Singapore as a response to growing Japanese
power. The British Admiralty thought that this was enough to deter
Japanese aggression in Southeast Asia. The Japanese, with a few very
small torpedo planes, more or less, demonstrated that they were wrong.
Aviation power was the new paradigm, and those who didnt make the
change from a naval-centric power to aviation power were left with
nothing but sunken ships on the bottom of the South China Sea.
We are in the middle, I think, of that same sort of paradigm shift in
cyberspace. And the shift is the empowering of individuals to act with
force in ways that were beyond our conception beforehand.
I would like to introduce you to Max Cornelisse.3 Max is what I
would call a happy hacker. He is a white hat, a Dutch hacker, who sees
as his goal, using nothing but his iPhone, exposing flaws in Dutch cyber
systems. Here we are in Amsterdam. All of a sudden, Max can turn out
the lights. And just to show that he is not working alonewell, we will
get to that in a second. I have seen him open drawbridges. I have seen
him send mass text messages to everybody in a room hacking a cell
tower. Here he is, proving that it is not a buddy in the basement: he
does it in another building. So Max, as I said, is a happy hacker. He is a
3
Since giving this lecture, Ive come across some evidence that Max himself may be a
fraud. E.g. http://ucnim.wordpress.com/2009/01/14/max-cornelisse-amazing-computerhacker/. On the other hand, most of the capabilities he has exhibited on video have been
achieved by real-world security researchers. They can hack into traffic control systems,
e.g., Flaws Let Hackers Control Electronic Highway Billboards, NEXTGOV.COM,
http://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2014/06/flaw-lets-hackers-control-electronichighway-billboards/85849/, and medical devices, e.g., Jerome Radcliffe, Hacking
Medical Devices for Fun and Insulin, BLACKHAT.COM, http://media.blackhat.com/bh-us11/Radcliffe/BH_US_11_Radcliffe_Hacking_Medical_Devices_WP.pdf. Thus, though
Max is, perhaps, a flawed symbol personally, what he represents is the reality of the
future.
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good guy, a white hat. He does not mean to do any damage. Although,
if I were working in the building on a last-minute assignment for my
Judge Advocate Course, that would be kind of annoying. But he is not
trying to do damage.
But what if he were bad Max or mad Max from Thunder Dome and
this was not a random building in Amsterdam, but a hospital, or the New
York Stock Exchange, or the Pentagon, or some other critical command
and control node? Just as the video of Japanese attacks on the Prince of
Wales signaled the paradigm shift in Naval warfare, this, I think, is a sign
of the paradigm shift that we are in the midst of. Our military strategy, I
think, is still fighting naval battles. Max, and other security researchers
like him, are torpedo planes.
So let me step back a bit and kind of give you a little architecture of
who these types of actors are. And for this I want to give some thanks
this is the product of a bunch of discussions I have had with a very
brilliant fellow named Josh Corman who works for Sonatype and spends
a lot of his time studying the hacktivist community.4 So some of what I
am about to tell you is the product of discussions he and I have had. So
citation is the most sincere form of flattery, and I do not want to claim
his ideas as my own.
Who are the combatants in cyberspace? They are not just nation
states. They are not Russia and China. From Russia and China, we can
expect some form of rationality. We can understand their motivations.
We know why the Chinese are stealing intellectual property to jumpstart
their economy. We can make some judgments about what would annoy
them, what would not annoy them.
In the end they are rational actors just as the Russians were in the
Cold War. But in this domain, the motivations of the actors are as
diverse as the number of people who are there. And the closer you look,
the more unclear it is. There are indeed many actors with many different
motivations. I drop them into two different groups. Ones who are
chaotic actors, and perhaps it is a little unfair to call them chaotic actors,
4
Mr. Corman is the Chief Technology Officer for Sonatype. Previously, Corman served
as a security researcher and strategist at Akamai Technologies, The 451 Group, and IBM
Internet Security Systems. He co-founded Rugged Software and IamTheCavalry to
encourage new security approaches in response to the worlds increasing dependence on
digital infrastructure. See www.rsaconference.com/speakers/joshua-corman. He writes a
useful blog called Cognitive Dissidents, http://blog.cognitivedissidents.com/.
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but what seems to unify them is a disrespect for authority, for hierarchy,
for structure, a dislike of it and an effort to work outside of it. And then
there are those on the second level, who are more interested in creating
terror and war, who are closer to something we would be familiar with
and are more like nation states, though not quite.
I say that there are essentially three flavors in the top row of chaotic
actors. Hacktivists or anarchist in the purest sense; vandals or criminals,
who are spending most of their time breaking things or stealing things;
and then most troubling of all for law and policy, people who are in that
space for collective action, for free speech reasons, for protecting the
freedom of the Internet. The challenge for lawyers and people it that it is
really hard to tell the difference among all three of these.
Lets talk about the first group: Hacktivists. To my mind, they are
cyber insurgents with a bit of an ideological twist. If you dont believe
methese are just some of the names of some of the people who are
from some of the groups. If you dont believe me, here is Barrett Brown.
Barrett Brown is the self-described cyber strategist for Anonymous,
which is an ad hoc collection of generally anonymous cyber activists.
Here is what he said: Its a guerrilla cyber war, that is what I call it. It
is sort of an unconventional asymmetric act of warfare that we are
involved in.5 If that is not enough, Anonymous has posted a manifesto
online. You can Google it and pull it down and listen to it. This is what
they say: I declare the global space we are building together to be
naturally independent of the tyrannies and injustices that youthats
governmentsthat you seek to impose on us. You have no moral right
to rule others, nor do you possess any real methods of enforcement we
have true reason to fear.6
This is tantamount to an insurgents declaration of war. And if you
kind of doubt that, you probably didnt know this, but were at war.
Anonymous has declared war on the United States. They did that in a
manifesto published in February 2012, and they called on all of the
citizens of the United States, that is all of us in the room, to rise up in
rebellion. You didnt get that message did you? But that is what they
5
Michael Isikoff, Hacker Group Vows Cyberwar on U.S. Government, Business, Mar.
8, 2011, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41972190/ns/technology_and_science-security.
6
Anonymous to the Governments of the WorldWeb Censorship, YOUTUBE.COM (Apr.
25, 2010), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbqC8BnvVHQ. Anonymous refers to
itself in the singular, even though it is a collective group of people.
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And then, of course, some of the actors are kind of pseudo-state actors
like Al Qaeda, the Russian Patriotic Hackers, and if you have been
reading the news, units of the Peoples Liberation Army, PLA. Unit
61398 in China is essentially a top secret unit of the Chinese, and they
sometimes look like Anonymous, and we cant tell the difference
amongst all of the various actors in this space.
I did this slide three days ago, four days ago; if I had to redo it today,
I would put the Syrian Electronic Army (SEA) up there somewhere. I
am not sure whereprobably down in the political motives group, but
maybe up in the anarchistic group, in the middle; I do not know for sure.
But the SEA have recently acted against American interestsand we
arent sure if Assad is behind them or not.
So now that we know who these actors are, what does that mean? So
far, I have just been kind of descriptive. What does that mean for our
policy? Well, first let me talk a little law because, after all, we are at a
law school, and this is a conflict space, and you have just finished the
section on operations law. You know a lot more about this than I do,
guaranteed. You live, sleep, breathe jus in bello and jus ad bellum.
Necessity and proportionality are by now, after how many weeks, four,
three, coming out of your ears. The good news is that there is an
emerging consensus that those laws, the international humanitarian laws,
the laws of armed conflict, apply just as readily in cyberspace as they do
in the physical, kinetic world.
Recently, a group of experts convened in Tallinn, Estonia and wrote
something we call the Tallinn Manual,7 which was an explication of how
traditional laws of armed conflict, traditional rules from the Geneva
Convention, would be applicable to nation states conflict in cyberspace.
This is good. This is a wonderful achievement, and if you wind up being
assigned after this to U.S. Cyber Command in the Staff Judge Advocate
office there, you will imbibe the Tallinn Manual every day. We also
saw, quite luckily, after four or five years at the UN, the Chinese
government just made an announcement that they agreed that
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the laws of armed conflict
applied to cyber conflict.
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I dont know what would have applied if that hadnt applied, but at
least we have an agreement amongst the nation states that thats the set
of rules we are going to apply to cyber war.
But if you bought anything that I have said so far about the paradigm
shift thats happening in cyberspace, you know that is barely the start of
the story. What about conflicts with nonstate actors? International
humanitarian law is reduced is defined by state-to-state conflict. There is
a limited amount of international law that applies in non-international
armed conflicts. Again, stuff you all know better than I do. Things like
Common Article 3 of the Geneva Convention and things like that. But
the fundamental question for operational lawyers in the cyber domain for
the next five yearsfair warning, this is great thesis topic areais what
sort of law applies to, say, our conflict with Russian Patriotic Hackers, or
the Syrian Electronic Army. We have readI have readthe San Remo
Manual,8 which is the equivalent for international law that applies to all
non-international armed conflict. And I have to tell you, I have
absolutely no idea, no idea whatsoever, how military lawyers are going
to apply that law, which applies to non-international armed conflicts in
the kinetic, in the physical world with boots on the groundhow thats
going to be applied next year to a conflict in the cyber domain against a
nonstate actor.
In that one space, there are literally five dozen subtopics that you can
ask. What do the ruleswhats a protected person? What is an
appropriate weapon? What is a good targeting decision? How do you do
that when the other guy is not a nation state actor? He is not wearing a
uniform, and you are not even sure of his motivations. That is the
fundamental question, and it is going to be a great specialty for
somebody in this room. You write that paper now and two years from
now, when we actually have to answer that question, the Army is going
to look around and say who knows this stuff? And they are going to pull
out your paper from the files here at the JAG School, and you will be the
pocket expert. I highly recommend it.
Let me turn from that to give you some sense of what some of those
questions would be; some of the policy issues that are going to drive the
counterinsurgency in cyberspace conflict. Some of this I have said
TO
ARMED
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charged with a crime for stealing them, and he committed suicide. His
name is a cause celebre in the Internet and information freedom space,
amongst the people who should be our natural allies. I am not going to
argue the merits of his criminal prosecution, but through a very
underhanded sort of set of activities, we essentially drove a number of
people who might be like-minded to us in general away from the United
States point of view, at least for little bit of time.
We need to build resiliency. When you buildwhen you have an
insurgency in Iraq, one of the first rules that I learned was rebuild the
road so that the insurgents cant claim a success in disrupting the
economy of the area. We need to have the cyber equivalent to that. And
you will read every strategy in the U.S. government, military or civilian,
and you will not find a single mention of resiliency as an important
factor in the cyber domain. But we should be striving for a world in
which the Syrian Electronic Army, who recently took down the New
York Times for two or three days, can only take it down for an hour, or
30 minutes, where we can bring it back up as quickly as possible.
And then, finally, I could go on, but we need a theory of offensive of
action. The general theory of kinetic offensive action against nation
states is one of maximum destruction of the enemys forces. You want
to eliminate its factors of military production. In insurgency warfare in
the kinetic world, the physical world, thats very different. You want to
find key havens, capture and kill key leaders, and isolate the enemy in
domains away from where the civilian population is. We need to build
the same sort of targeted cyber tool capability in the cyber domain.
Again, another classified leak in the Washington Post suggests we are
trying to do that, but we are doing it on the intelligence side, not at U.S.
Cyber Command.
Finally, we need to do all of this consistent with our own values, the
rule of law, and appreciation of dissent in the First Amendment. By
contrast, we dont want to be like Belarus, where the response to social
media innovation is a lifetime imprisonment or the death sentence.
One more critical point Ill make, and this is one not of strategy but
of structure. Five years ago, I wrote an article about the organization of
American government in cyberspace calling for more centralized federal
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their likely targets? We dont know, because we dont have any sense of
what their capabilities or any intelligence on their targeting
methodologies or what they think are our soft points. Do we have
targeted weapons that can find the Syrian Electronic Armys commandand-control servers and take them out without taking offline the entire
Syrian electric grid? I dont know, but I suspect not. Do we want to take
down the entire Syrian electric grid? No, because thats what the rebels
are also using for their command and control and thats what the civilians
are using to ameliorate the horrible effects of the chemical warfare that
they are undergoing.
What response and resiliency measures do we have in place here in
case the Syrian Electronic Army does attack? I dont know, but very
little I suspect. In short, the entire paradigm of the cyber aspect of our
anticipating kinetic attack on Syria is really a counterinsurgency
response to what we see as potential counter activity by the Syrians.
Let me make two final points very quickly. The first is I have left
out of this discussion completely one other set of important actors out
there, corporations or the private sector. If you dont think that
Facebook, Google, Microsoft are big players in this space, think back to
January 2012. I dont know if you remember, but the entire Internet was
blacked out for a day by these companies in protest of a bill that they
didnt like that was being considered in Congress.
If an Iranian had done that to us, wed call that a cyber intrusion or
possibly even a cyber attack. But when Google does it to itself, what do
we call it? And imagine if they decide tomorrow that even if Congress
authorizes an attack against Syria, they dont like that idea, so they say
they are going to blackout the network anyway? Because the means of
our communication are in their hands, they have an important role here.
The other final point I would end with is an admonition to humility.
Nobody who works in this environment has any real certainty. Oliver
Cromwell is reported to have said back during the War of the Roses to
churchmen in Scotland: I beseech you in the bowels of Christ, think it
possible you may be mistaken.12
Now, I have got to think about that. Perhaps China really is the main
threat and my worry about Anonymous and LulzSec is wrong. Perhaps
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nation states will, ala Belarus, crush Anonymous and LulzSec. But as
long as the United States and the West are limited by our respect for the
rule of law, I do not think we are going to undertake the types of activity
against those groups that would be successful in crushing them. The
Russians might, but we would never do that.
So what I see is that the change is real. Max Cornelisse and his ilk
are a harbingerpower and force are being democratized, and we are not
ready for it. So that is my bottom line. In my judgment, we are in the
midst of a Kuhnian paradigm shift from a time when nation states have a
monopoly on the use of significant force to a time when destructive
potential in cyberspace is being increasingly democratized. If I am right,
then our current military strategy in cyberspace is focused on the wrong
enemy at the wrong time, using the wrong tools and with, I think, the
wrong hierarchy. And that almost certainly means we are setting
ourselves up for a failure of a sort that I cannot even imagine.
Again, I have overstated the conclusion somewhat for rhetorical
effect, but the outlines of the problem are there for anyone to see. I think
it is just that we are not looking.
So with that, I thank you for the honor of being invited to give you
this lecture. I very deeply appreciate it, and I will look forward to
speaking with you and answering your questions.
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Judge Advocate, U.S. Army. Presently assigned as Deputy Chief of Operational Law,
U.S. Army Pacific, Fort Shafter, Hawaii.
1
JAMES CARL NELSON, FIVE LIEUTENANTS: THE HEARTBREAKING STORY OF FIVE
HARVARD MEN WHO LED AMERICA TO VICTORY IN WORLD WAR I (2012).
2
Id. at 266.
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JAMES CARL NELSON, THE REMAINS OF COMPANY D: THE STORY OF THE GREAT WAR
(2009).
4
JAMES CARL NELSON, About the Author, http://theremainsofcompanyd.com/about.html
(last visited Sept. 9, 2013).
5
Id.
6
Biography, JAMES CARL NELSON, http://www.amazon.xom/JamesCarlNelson/e/B0029
4I39A/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_01 (last visited Sept. 9, 2013) [hereinafter Biography].
7
Id.
8
NELSON, supra note 4.
9
NELSON, supra note 1, at ix.
10
Id.
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11
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18
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Id.
Id. at 11517.
26
Id. at 130.
27
George Redwood was a scout, mapping machine gun posts and German strong points.
He first achieved fame on March 29, 1918 when he led four Americans to capture
prisoners of war. See id. at 188. On May 29, 1918, he was wounded in the shoulder by
machinegun fire but refused to go to the aid station. Later that day, he was again
wounded, this time in the jaw. He was ordered to go to the hospital, but refused and left
the aid station to return to his men. He was again shot in the chest by machinegun fire,
refused any aid, rescued a wounded Soldier, and was killed by artillery while trying to
lead a counterattack against the German lines. See id. at 27073.
28
Id. at 53.
25
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29
The narrative suffers also from a lack of editing, as the book contains grammatical and
editing errors, occasionally leaving out quotation marks, to cite one example. With a
better editor to keep Nelson from wandering into an unnatural writing style, this book
could have been much more digestible and enjoyable.
30
Slang term for an American Soldier in WWI, although its origins are unknown. The
Origins of Doughboy, http://www.worldwar1.com/dbc/origindb.htm (last visited Sept. 9,
2013).
31
A term for the Global War on Terrorism, as coined by General John P. Abizaid in
2004, see Bradley Graham & Josh White, Abizaid Credited With Popularizing the Term
Long War, WASH. POST, Feb. 3, 2006.
32
This reviewer deployed to Baqubah, Iraq, in February 2004 until November 2005 as a
Platoon Leader for C Battery, 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Infantry
Division. The transition from a field artillery battery to a maneuver combat company
was filled with the same frustrations.
33
NELSON, supra note 1, at 86.
34
See id. at 166.
35
Id.
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Id. at 211. Haydock describes eating at a hotel after coming off two weeks in the
trenches. He enters the hotel, looking like a tramp . . . covered in mud of a months
collection, no belt, and in need of a haircut. Id. Upon entering the hotel, he encounters
two staff 2nd lieutenants all shined up within an inch of their lives. Id. They thought
we had the plague (as a matter of fact we were only unclean) in a way that made me
smile. It is a funny war. Id.
37
Id. at 126. Haydock describes eating turkey dinner and the lieutenants giving each
other stockings full of cigarettes, chewing gum, and an orange.
38
Id. at 205. Like many other doughboys in France that spring, Morgan often lost track
of the time, his duties, the sameness of the days, and the changing French weather
conspiring to leave him unsure if it was Monday or Sunday. Id. at 205.
39
Id. at 123. George Haydock describes his kit in great detail. Starting at the bottom I
wear the heaviest underclothes I own, flannel shirt sweater, and uniform, either my big
boots or heavy shoes and spiral putties. Over this I wear my sheepskin coat, carry a pack
with two days rations, blanket poncho, shelter tent, and an extra pair of shoes and mess
kit. On my belt I wear a canteen, first aid packet, automatic and two extra clips, a Veri
pistol, which is a modified form of a shotgun to fire rockets with, around my neck I wear
an English small box respirator which is a gas mask to take air in and is about a foot
square. On the other side I wear a French gas mask . . . dispatch case, and am supposed
to have field glasses to crown the whole business. This is in addition to his helmet,
which he describes as a tin hat. Id.
40
Id. at 168. Newhall describes sending Soldiers to guard rabbits during a fire drill to
protect the Government from exorbitant claims for lost property. Id.
41
See generally id. at 23238. While the other Harvard lieutenants make appearances
through the book, the focus is certainly on Haydock and Newhall. Most of the second
half of the book in the story focuses on their friendship and growth as leaders.
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Using the private thoughts and exploits of Haydock and Newhall, Nelson
demonstrates that mentorship, humility, and introspection are more
determinative of a persons leadership ability than education and
upbringing.42 One example of a positive mentor Lieutenant Colonel
Jesse Cullison, who taught Newhall effective communication under
stress by know[ing] exactly what he wants and [being able to] tell his
subordinates what he expects of them briefly and clearly, without
scolding, lecturing, or threatening them.43
As an important counter-point, a lieutenant can learn just as much by
watching a poor leader.44 Nelson shows that great leaders are humble
and rely on the knowledge of others. Haydock, originally timid and
unsure, learned to rely on his noncommissioned officers, writing, If they
will help me, all will be well.45 He eventually becomes assertive and
confident, winning the respect of his men. Through Haydock, Nelson
illustrates that with mentorship and training, a lieutenant can find the
balance between having a sense of humor and strictly enforcing
standards.46 Most importantly, Nelson shows a great leader places the
needs of his men before his own. This is exemplified again in Haydock,
who died running up and down the line telling his men to keep lower for
your own sakes.47 Ultimately, it was not Harvard that made Haydock
and Newhall great; it was their humility, their desire to learn, and their
mentors.
V. Conclusion
Waal, now, said an old soldier once to a young
lieutenant, soldiers is queer beins [sic]. Yer have to get
so yer understand em[sic]. Getting so you understand
em may, of course, come to an officer by the gift of God,
without the necessity of having to live with soldiers; but
generally it does not.48
42
Id.
Id. at 232.
44
Id. at 213, 232 (describing how Newhall observed traits he despised in his Company
Commander, Captain Francis Van Natter).
45
Id. at 115.
46
See. id. at 22930.
47
Id. at 266.
48
Id. at 229. This quotation is from Robert Bullard, the 1st Divisions Commander.
Haydock, who struggled to understand em [sic] the previous winter, had come to know
43
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the men in his platoon individually and earned their respect . . . . Id. Through the
course of the second half of the novel, Nelson uses the diaries of Haydock and Newhall
to show the progression of these young lieutenants from clumsy and clueless lieutenants
to competent leaders, as fine as any that America has ever produced.
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[Vol. 220
correlate his generals professional success with their personal and moral
traits,15 Hanson generally succeeds in providing a useful historical profile
of the strategic and tactical capabilities of these Savior Generals.16
At the outset Hanson limits his biographical pool to generals from
consensual societies.17 Although done at the expense of a more robust
empirical analysis, his restrictive data pool makes his thesis more useful
to readers from those societies.
While he offers a moralistic basis for picking consensual societies,
this restriction ultimately allows him to neatly frame a definition of wars
as lost when a free nations people lose interest in them or see no way to
achieve a desirable end.18 Hanson then argues that these lost wars can be
saved by military leaders who find ways to reverse public opinion with
short-term battle wins, while simultaneously implementing new
strategies allowing others to achieve the nations overall war aims.19
These Savior Generals often come into a theater facing civilian
disillusionment20 or despair21 and generally following a string of recently
lost battles or men.22 They quickly generate battle victories by flexibly
adopting new tactical methods and using a combination of charisma and
leadership to boost Soldier morale.23 For this theme of tactic adoption
and morale building, Hansons most persuasive and logically consistent
example is the Athenian general, Themistocles. In the Athenian-Persian
wars of the early 5th century B.C., years of infantry tradition and a recent
ground victory at Marathon convinced Greek strategists to prepare solely
for infantry engagements with Persia.24 Against the Persian navy and the
huge numbers of soldiers it was capable of bringing to Greek shores, that
strategy soon proved to be a miserable failure.25 Following the Greek
defeat at Thermopylae, the Athenian national defense strategy devolved
into one of simply surviving as a people on a piece of land.26 Using a
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
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27
Though Hanson draws liberally from Herodotus, Thucydides, and Diodorus, there are
understandably few contemporary sources to draw from.
28
HANSON, supra note 1, at 2934.
29
Id. at 19.
30
Id. at 4041.
31
Id. at 14.
32
Id. at 49.
33
Id. at 6679.
34
Id. at 9093.
35
Id. at 13639.
36
Id. at 140237.
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Id. at 47.
Id. at 68, 8182.
Id. at 82, 91.
Id. at 131, 134.
Id. at 16566.
Id. at 221.
Id. at 21721.
Id. at 13637, 247.
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Id.
Id. at 24446.
47
Id.
48
Id. at 2021.
49
Id. at 16869.
50
Id. at 22627.
51
Id. at 59, 22728.
52
Id. at 133.
53
Id. at 23841.
54
Neither Ridgeway, Petraeus, nor Sherman took their leading roles in the face of
widespread approval for their predecessors tactics or lack of previous contact with their
particular conflicts. Rather than consensus that past practice was working, all arrived at a
time when it was recognized that something different needed to be done. Id. at 242.
46
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Hansons argument that Petraeus resigned from the Central Intelligence Agency, rather
than being the result of political backstabbing by bureaucrats, is probably attributable to a
more pedestrian cause like the difficulty of holding a high security clearance in light of
both his personal and electronic indiscretions. Id. at 249. In this same vein is Hansons
argument that Belisarius was singled out for Theodoras wrath because of his morality
and good character. Id. at 8789, 93. One might read that with a grain of salt.
Theodoras mistreatment of her subjects was sufficiently widespread and egregious to
merit an entire sixteenth chapter in Procopiuss Secret History. See PROCOPIUS: SECRET
HISTORY, translated by Richard Atwater (1927), available at http://www.fordham.edu/
halsall/basis/procop-anec.asp.
55
Id. at 250.
56
Id. at 24950.
57
Id. at 238, 250. Excepting Shermans brief break from the Army in the 1850s, each
general was a lifelong officer. To advance as far as they did in their respective careers,
one must question whether they were truly iconoclastic Cassandras in waiting, or were
simply good officers who had the right ideas at the right time and the fortune to be in a
position to implement them. Likewise, Hansons portrayal of Petraeus as being
fortuitously summoned from the obscurity of the Fort Leavenworth schoolhouse to save
the day in Iraq ignores the fact that in the preceding four years he held two and threestar
posts in Iraq. As a former division and multi-national forces commander in the middle of
the fight, he had not exactly been previously incapable of exercising his strategic vision.
58
Id. at 3440. Hanson acknowledges the flimsy historical basis for his contentions as
well as the idea that Greek generals often met with similar fates. Id. at 25758, endnotes
3339.
59
Id. at 25960, endnotes 1 and 2.
60
Id. at 8789, 93.
61
Id. at 236.
62
Id. at 24849.
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IV. Conclusion
When focusing on the tactical and strategic minds of his subjects,
Hanson successfully profiles soldiers generals who understand strategy,
adopt new tactics, change public opinion, and set their nations on a path
to achieving strategic end aims. His historical vignettes are quick,
pleasurable reads, grounded in a wide selection of primary, secondary,
and tertiary sources. If read as interesting historical snapshots, The
Savior Generals is informative, delightful, and well worth the readers
time. However, the authors limited choice of biographies, failure to
discuss other factors that possibly saved his lost wars, and focus on the
heroic and tragic personal aspects of his subjects make his effort to
construct a model of future Savior Generals more thought-provoking
than practically useful.
Official:
GERALD B. OKEEFE
Administrative Assistant
to the Secretary of the Army
1419111