Officials have released the identity of the United States soldier responsible for the murder of 16 innocent Afghan civilians. The shooter, identified as Army Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, is accused of disguising himself as a local and walking a mile from his base to the targeted villages, where he moved methodically from house to house shooting sleeping civilians and burning some of the corpses.

This incident has ignited rage from Afghan civilians and the Taliban alike. The Taliban produced a video in which they vowed revenge for the massacre. In the video, they addressed U.S. service members as “American savages” who committed “inhumane acts.” These actions were in fact inhumane.

However, it is interesting coming from the Taliban, if I may remind you of Sept. 11, 2001. Bales’ behavior comes in the wake of the international disturbances caused by U.S. service members burning copies of the Quran as well as urinating on the bodies of dead terrorists. Whether those two acts were deplorable or honorable is up for debate, but it has clearly sparked disruptions in our relations with the Afghan government, as well as the people we are there to support.

Considering psychological affects

Given the above facts it would be easy to judge Bales but let us consider the bigger picture here. Bales was on his fourth combat deployment. His first three deployments were in Iraq and his most recent was in Afghanistan. Bales, an advanced infantryman, had seen combat in multiple arenas. During prior deployments, he had been injured in two separate attacks: a brain injury suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his truck, and an attack resulting in the loss of part of his foot. Bales also suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder due to combat action from previous enemy engagements. The day before he carried out his massacre, he witnessed his comrade’s leg being blown off. It is necessary to include all of these facts as well before we slander the actions of the soldier.

I am not claiming that his psychological condition justifies his actions, but I feel that it definitely serves as something to consider when holding him accountable. This is a tragic case of a loyalist who was overcome by the effects of war. Peers and superiors have acknowledged his valorous performance in past deployments, and neighbors have commented on his friendliness. Many have expressed how there were absolutely no signs of behavior that would allude to these heinous acts. Shocked neighbors said he was often seen outside playing with his two children. Some reflected on barbecues that he would host for the neighborhood.

Recent reports do indicate that during Bales’ employment as a stock broker, prior to his military service, he was allegedly convicted of fraud and unauthorized trading of funds. These acts, though unethical, hardly characterize a man to perform these murderous acts.

Considering the big picture

It is my hope that Biola students are aware that events such as these do not reflect the character of those serving in our armed forces. Bales was a committed defender of this nation, so much so that it had a tragic toll on him. Those who serve in combat are subjected to that which most will never know. To put oneself in a situation where psychological distress is imminent is just one of the sacrifices made by service members.

It is important for me to communicate the mission of the U.S. military as one in defense of America and those abroad living in oppression. Our military boasts those with the most gentle of hearts in harmony with the fiercest abilities; those who have been trained to bring kind assistance during times of natural disaster, but will laugh in dominance while facing even the most feared enemies.

So when analyzing the actions of this wayward soldier should we weigh in the influence of past services rendered? I would hope that when considering the outcome of Bales’ decimation assertive actions be taken to prevent him from repeating this event but that mercy be shown him as well considering that a large portion of him pursued the furthering of our freedom as well as our allies.