Military

HEADQUARTERS
UNITED STATES FORCES-AFGHANISTAN
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN
APO AE 09356

24 JUN 2012

USFORA SJA

MEMORANDOM FOR Commander, Commander, United States Central Command, 7115 South Boundary Boulevard, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida 33621-5101

SUBJECT: Report of Investigation IAW Army Regulation (AR) 15-6 - Facts and Circumstances Surrounding Allegations of Shooting of Afghan Civilians Outside Village Stability Platform (VSP) Belambai

1. On 22 March 2012, I appointed BG Ricky Waddell as an AR 15-6 Investigating Officer. He was tasked to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the allegations that SSG Robert Bales shot Afghan civilians outside VSP Belambai, Afghanistan on 11 March 2012. BG Waddell completed his investigation and I approve the findings and recommendations.

2. I am forwarding you the completed AR 15-6 investigation for your review and consideration. One recommendation, in particular, contained with paragraph 6a of Enclosure 3, concerns Army Force Generation (ARFORGEN) process. BG Waddell recommended that conventional infantry battalions selected for the village stability operation (VSO) mission be selected as early as possible in the ARFORGEN cycle, and also included training recommendations for those battalions. Accordingly, I request that you forward the investigation to the Chief of Staff, Army for coordination of these recommendations.

3. POC for this request is [REDACTED] or [REDACTED].

Access Full Redacted Report of Investigation IAW Army Regulation (AR) 15-6 - Facts and Circumstances Surrounding Allegations of Shooting of Afghan Civilians Outside Village Stability Platform (VSP) Belambai [PDF 140 MB]