By this time, low morale had already led to widespread misconduct, and the majority of the Third Platoon (at least 15 soldiers, according to Army investigations) was getting stoned several times a week.
Matthew Didier, the platoon commander at the time of the killings, in a sworn statement that has not been made public but was obtained by The New York Times.
Seven companies were studied by comparing the platoon with at least 1 case-patient to other platoons in the company.
Instead of kicking in doors and making snap judgments about who the enemy is, they are in a restrained mode that at one point has the platoon leader waving at Iraqis he thinks have just tried to kill his men.
You will now be assigned to the Recon Indoctrination Platoon at the Amphibious Reconnaissance School (ARS) in Little Creek, VA or Coronado, CA. You will now be assigned to the Recon Indoctrination Platoon at the Amphibious Reconnaissance School (ARS) in Little Creek, VA or Coronado, CA. Finishing ARS will officially promote you to becoming a Reconnaissance Marine.
Andre Zuehlsdorf, commander of the company of German soldiers that includes the platoon now stationed at St. Joanikije.
Through these interactions a cooperative behavior emerges and vehicles in the platoon eventually move at a constant speed on a circle with constant inter-vehicle spacings.
But the platoon's position at the southern end of the 99th Division's sector was not only outside their own regimental boundary, it was outside their Division's boundary and V Corps boundary.
The Rangers inflicted heavy casualties each time as a result of a well-established defensive perimeter, though the platoon of tanks at the foot of the hill opposite the Chinese attack were unable to assist the Rangers, as the crews had no experience in night operations.
"It was very confusing, at least at the platoon level," he said.
