• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Released: March 20, 2003

ACC releases Article 32 recommendations

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (ACCNS) -- Col. Patrick Rosenow, the Article 32 hearing officer investigating the Tarnak Farms Friendly Fire charges against Majors Harry Schmidt and William Umbach, has completed his investigation and has made the following non-binding recommendations to Lt. Gen. Bruce Carlson, Commander, 8th Air Force and the General Court-Martial Convening Authority:

In his report, Colonel Rosenow concluded there was sufficient evidence to charge each accused and try him by court-martial. However, he asserted that the interests of good order and discipline could adequately be addressed by sanctions other than trial by court-martial. 

For these and other reasons discussed in the report, he recommended the process be handled by administrative rather than judicial action, as follows:

That Major Harry Schmidt's case be considered in a non-judicial or administrative forum in lieu of trial by court-martial;

That Major William Umbach's case be considered in an administrative forum in lieu of trial by court-martial.

General Carlson will review the investigating officer's report and advisory recommendations and exercise his independent judgment in deciding on the proper disposition of both cases. His options include referral of some or all of the charges to a court-martial, non-judicial punishment, administrative sanctions, or dismissal of some or all of the charges, with no further action.