[Basenshukai]

A couple of points.

1. First of all, it would be really useful to actually read the full report (minus any "classified" information) as opposed to the PAO approved report, or some civilian newspaper's version of the facts of said report. Where would a report like that be available?

2. Taking into account what TR mentioned, I will write that it is very easy for the soldier at platoon-level to rest blame for any and all events upon the battalion leadership. The average BN CDR rarely gets to walk and talk with the soldiers on a daily basis. Chances are that they don't really know much about their "old man" except for what others say about him. I've seen fellow officers shrug-off responsibility for any negative event (tasking, mission, ect) by simply saying "we are doing it because the BN CDR/SGM said for us to do it". When company-level officers don't take ownership of unpopular orders, it degrades their soldiers' trust in their leadership at levels above their platoon leader/company commander.

BN CDRs/SGMs have some pretty heavy pressures on them as well. They know they are ultimately responsible. The average soldier doesn't get to see the work and personal sacrifices that their leadership make on a daily basis. The missing link here, seems to be communication.