It is unclear, however, how the entreaties will reverberate across the
military and what actual impact they may have on a young, battle-hardened
force strained by 11 years of war.
While there have been some quiet complaints and discussions by military
leadership about flagging discipline, the more public campaign to raise
awareness among the ranks has been slow to expand.
This is the first time Mr Panetta has personally pressed the issue during a
troop visit, and the Army and Marine Corps leaders have delivered similar
messages during more private meetings with their mid-level officers.
Mr Panetta was careful on Friday to stress that only a very small percentage
of the force is involved in the scandals and that no one is deliberately
acting to sabotage their mission or put fellow soldiers at risk.
But, he said, “these incidents concern me and they have to concern you …
because a few who lack judgment, lack professionalism, lack leadership can
hurt all of us, and can hurt all of those men and women who serve this
country with distinction.”
Insurgents have used the incidents to incite violence and undermine US efforts
to win over the Afghan people, considered critical to counter-terrorism
operations.
The incidents have reinforced the perception of Americans as unfriendly or
occupying forces who do not understand the culture or the religion of the
people they are supposed to protect.
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