Congress, DoD spar over soldier testimony on Iraqi forces training

An Iraqi army marksmanship instructor, at the Multi National Forces-West Training Center assists Iraqi recruits with their firing positions in April

Pentagon efforts to block service members involved in training Iraqi security forces from telling Congress about the slow pace of their efforts has led to a behind-the-scenes battle between Congress and defense officials over having rank-and-file troops testify on Capitol Hill.

The issue came to a head when an assistant defense secretary, Robert Wilkie, announced a new policy barring O-5s and below from testifying before Congress or providing briefings if their remarks would be made part of the official record.

“This will not stand,” said Rep. Vic Snyder, D-Ark., chairman of House Armed Services personnel panel, who called the policy a “stupid, ridiculous” decision.

Read the rest at the Air Force Times

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