COL Steele’s motto and attitude of “violence to subdue violence” as a means to protect his troops, and the dehumanizing perspective of the Iraqi people served as toxic elements. Although these elements of Steele’s command were intended as means to protect his soldiers, it was ultimately transformed into a subculture of killing and deception that spiraled out of COL Steele’s control. I understand and appreciate Steele’s desire to protect his soldiers and his methods were not completely out of line. However, his downfall was his inability to articulate and define his views to the lowest level. Additionally, his presence was insufficient to observe the communication of such intense messages ensure that it was not misunderstood or taken out of context. At one point, COL Steele was described as being haunted and obsessed (an understatement) by the idea of killing Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. His actions lead me to believe that his focus was not on his soldier but rather on his personal
COL Steele’s motto and attitude of “violence to subdue violence” as a means to protect his troops, and the dehumanizing perspective of the Iraqi people served as toxic elements. Although these elements of Steele’s command were intended as means to protect his soldiers, it was ultimately transformed into a subculture of killing and deception that spiraled out of COL Steele’s control. I understand and appreciate Steele’s desire to protect his soldiers and his methods were not completely out of line. However, his downfall was his inability to articulate and define his views to the lowest level. Additionally, his presence was insufficient to observe the communication of such intense messages ensure that it was not misunderstood or taken out of context. At one point, COL Steele was described as being haunted and obsessed (an understatement) by the idea of killing Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. His actions lead me to believe that his focus was not on his soldier but rather on his personal