Lt. Ehren Watada had his chance. Now it’s the Army’s turn.
A Fort Lewis Army officer who refused to serve in Iraq could face seven years in prison under charges filed Wednesday.
The Army accused 1st Lt. Ehren Watada of missing his brigade’s troop movement to Iraq, twice speaking contemptuously of the president and three acts unbecoming an officer. The alleged actions are violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
The charges set the stage for an Article 32 hearing, where the Army appoints an investigating officer to review the evidence and holds a hearing that could last for days or weeks. At the hearing, Watada’s defense attorney will have the right to cross-examine prosecution witnesses, or call his own.
After the hearing, the investigating officer will make a recommendation of whether the charges merit a court-martial trial.
Here’s hoping the process is swift and Watada gets what’s coming to him.