Deploring Abuse of Persons in United States Custody in Iraq

Deploring Abuse of Persons in United States Custody in Iraq -- (House of Representatives - May 06, 2004)

Mr. SIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for the time, and I associate myself with the remarks of the chairman and of the ranking member.

I also have a heavy heart. As someone who served as a U.S. Army military intelligence officer for more than 30 years on active and reserve duty, I am appalled and disgusted by the images of U.S. soldiers mistreating prisoners in Iraq. Not only is the abuse of prisoners repugnant to our moral values as Americans, but it has little to no utility in eliciting useful intelligence from hostile elements.

Army Field Manual 34-52 clearly defines interrogation as the art of questioning and beaming a source to obtain the maximum amount of usable information. The goal of any interrogation is to obtain usable and reliable information in a lawful manner, in a lawful manner.

It goes on to say, "The use of force, mental torture, threats, insults, or exposure to unpleasant and inhumane treatment of any kind is prohibited by law and is neither authorized nor condoned by the U.S. Government. Experience indicates that the use of force is not necessary to gain the cooperation of sources for interrogation. Therefore, the use of force is a poor technique, as it yields unreliable results." This is Army Field Manual 34-52.

I am outraged to think that the stupid and insulting behavior of a very few soldiers and officers could undercut the honorable and the courageous service of so many American soldiers in Iraq. A full investigation is in order. Punishment for the guilty parties is required, and we must send a clear message to the world that the action of a very few does not represent the values of most American soldiers and most Americans.