Pelican Parts Forums - Blanco takes 'responsibility' for problems in Katrina response

Quote:

Originally posted by jyl
Someone in the chain of command could have ordered the unit to secure the Convention Center, or at least a part of it. The Major commanding the unit states he had the necessary force. The unit had communication with Guard commanders, since they were being sent on missions and were able to order more weapons and ammunition. The unit's personnel knew how grave the situation was in the Convention Center and they knew how badly civilians were suffering. Did the unit's commanding officer report the situation to his commanders and request permission to intervene? Did his commanders order him not to intervene? If so, why did they conclude that the safety of some 20,000 civilians was less important that the original mission of "debris removal" and etc?

I hope these questions get answered. If civilians are being killed and raped within earshot of a sizeable and organized force of armed National Guard troops, you would expect those troops to take some action - or at least to request permission to take some action.

The rules of engagement don't come from the "chain of command," They come from the civilian leadership...and their lawyers. They are only enforced by the chain of command. In this case...they were state troops...and the ROE is determined by the Governor...until she turns control of the National Guard over to the Feds...which she refused to do.