Pardoning war criminals will hurt US troops deployed overseas. I know from experience

Associated Press

• The US military has worked for decades to build a force that understands the rules of war and acts in accordance with them.
• Partners and even foes know that US troops will generally act in accordance with those precepts.
• But pardoning or excusing American war criminals will impact that trust and have long-lasting consequences on the battlefield, writes retired US Army Col. Mike Jason.
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Editor's Note: The following is an op-ed. The opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Task & Purpose.

My cell phone rang on a sweltering Baghdad summer night in 2006. My best friend and West Point classmate, Maj. Bill Taylor was on the other end.

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