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Primetime TorturePrimetime Torture

Primetime Torture Suggested Lesson/Discussion

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Learning Objectives:

• Correct misconceptions about torture and maltreatment fostered by television shows such as “24,” “LOST,” “Alias” and others.

• Review Laws of War and their application to U.S. interrogation policy and practices.

• Review instructions from the Army Field Manual 2-22.3 Human Intelligence Collector Operations


Torture on TV

It used to be that only villains on television tortured. Today, “good guy” and heroic American characters torture — and this torture is depicted as necessary, effective and even patriotic.


Torture on TV


Fiction Vs. Reality

Jack Bauer on “24” has beaten, stabbed, electrocuted, shot, and otherwise abused suspects. Seconds after the abuse begins, the suspects almost always talk.


In Real Life, Torture Creates Strategic and

Tactical Problems Algeria

Iraq

Northern

Ireland


The Laws of War

In addition to the Geneva Conventions, the United States Congress has voted to enact laws that prohibit the torture, cruel, and degrading treatment of detainees in U.S. custody including:

• The Convention Against Torture (1990)• The War Crimes Act, 18 U.S.C. (1996)• The Detainee Treatment Act (2005)

No exceptional circumstances whatsoever…may be invoked as a justification of torture. - Convention Against Torture


Laws of War (cont.)

The UCMJ specifically prohibits

members of the Armed Forces from

committing acts of “cruelty toward, or

oppression or maltreatment of any

person subject to his orders.”

-UCMJ Art. 93

(810 U.S.C. §893)


Field Manual 2-22.3(Human Intelligence Collector Operations)

No person in the custody or control of the Department of Defense shall be subject to any interrogation technique or treatment that is not authorized by or listed in the United States Army Field Manual (FM) on intelligence interrogation.

ARMY = “Executive Agent” for HUMINT Collections/Doctrine for all services.


Field Manual 2-22.3:

Human Intelligence Collector Operations

• Use of force, mental torture, threats, insults, or exposure to unpleasant and inhumane treatment of any kind is prohibited by law and not authorized or condoned by U.S. government

• Use of force not necessary• Use of force a poor technique• May damage subsequent collection efforts


• Compliance with laws and regulations, including proper treatment of detainees, is a matter of command responsibility.

• Commanders have an affirmative

duty to ensure their subordinates

do not mistreat detainees.

Field Manual 2-22.3: Command Responsibility


PROHIBITED INTERROGATION METHODS:• physical abuse• forcing detainee to be naked, perform• sexual acts, or pose in a sexual manner• hoods, sacks, duct-tape during

interrogation • military working dogs• inducing cold or heat injury• mock executions• deprivation food, water, medical care. • damaging or destroying religious articles• threats to turn over to others to be abused/tortured• implying harm to individual or property• threats to separate parents from children• intentional exposure to dangerous conditions


SICK, WOUNDED, INJURED DETAINEES:

• may not delay medical treatment• may not delay pain-relieving medication• may not delay medical evacuation• may not impersonate doctor or medic• may not state or imply detainee will

receive medical treatment in exchange

for cooperation.


WHY WE DON’T ABUSE DETAINEES:

National Values

Respect for the Law (Your Oath)

Maintain Moral High Ground

Conduct Distinguishes Us From Enemy

Humane Techniques Work Best

Do Not Allow Emotion/Stress to Lead to Illegal Conduct

Discipline & Leadership


Discussion Question

Experienced military interrogators pointed out the fallacy of the so-called “ticking time bomb” scenario. If a terrorist knows he only has to keep the location of the bomb secret for a short time until it explodes, what seems more likely?

A. The terrorist gives false information until the bomb explodes

B. The terrorist reveals the location of the bomb.

Is it surprising to you that the experienced professionals have never encountered such a scenario in their entire careers?


Discussion Question:

In the film, Primetime Torture, experienced military interrogators repeated several times that torture or abuse simply doesn’t work and is just as likely to yield false or rehearsed intelligence as useful intelligence.

Can you give potential reasons why this may be true?


Discussion Question

Your squad breaches the door of a suspected insurgent safe-house. After securing the building and flex-cuffing all six people found inside, a team member finds some materials typically used in making IEDs hidden under some floor tiles. (Continued on next slide…)


You have reliable intelligence that even more IEDs are being assembled nearby. Although, the exact address has not yet been specifically identified, one or more of the six detainees in your custody and control may know the exact location of this other “bomb factory.”

How should you treat these persons?What are some potential long and short-term

repercussions if any of these detainees are mistreated?

Discussion Question Continued


Discussion Questions

How does the use of torture or other illegal abuse of detainees by U.S. military personnel bring discredit on America?

How does the use of torture or other abuse of detainees by U.S. military personnel have a negative overall impact on a mission?

How does the use of torture or other abuse of detainees by U.S. military personnel undermine domestic and international support?

Examples?


Discussion Questions

Military personnel in combat face life or death situations everyday, yet America requires us to obey laws and regulations that the enemy often simply ignores.

Why isn’t Law of War a “two-way street?”

What is the linkage between American legal and moral values and our military objectives on the battlefield?


Review

Law of War/UCMJ/Geneva ConventionsFM 2-22.3 (Application to all military services)No Torture (or Cruel/Abusive Interrogation

Methods)Specific ProhibitionsSick, Wounded, Injured DetaineesCommand ResponsibilityWhy We Don’t AbuseTicking Time Bomb Scenario?Television vs. Reality

Arms can effect little if injustice follows in their train. -- Tacitus

primetime torture suggested lesson/discussion human rights first 333 seventh avenue, 13th floor new...

Documents

primetime torture torture

torture slide

primetime torture fiction

primetime torture compliance

mental torture

justification of torture

primetime torture field

primetime torture laws