News Release: Neal A. Puckett will appear on FOX News “American Newsroom” this morning at 9:45 AM Eastern time to provide an update on the Navy SEAL case and his client SO2 McCabe.  Tune in for the latest information!

Press  Release:  The trial of SO2 Matthew McCabe has been moved from January 19, 2010 to May 3, 2010 in Norfolk, VA.  The Military Judge ruled that the government request for a delay was approved.  However, she did not move the court-martial to Iraq as did the Military Judge in the cases of the other two Navy SEALs charged in the case.

A different Military Judge in the cases of SO2 Keefe and SO1 Huertas ordered the cases be tried in Iraq to accommodate the defense requests for the detainee to be present after declining to accept a deposition.  The SO2 Keefe Case is scheduled to begin on 5 April 2010 and SO1 Heurtas is scheduled to begin on 19 April 2010.

Representative Dan Burton (R-IN-05) received a December 15, 2009 reply from Major General Cleveland, indicating he will continue with the Navy SEALs special courts-martial.  Rep. Burton’s January 4, 2010 reply letter strongly urges the General to reconsider.

General Cites Enforcement of Lawful Orders

The General reportedly cited the incomplete and misrepresentation of facts by the media, the need to enforce lawful orders no matter how small the infraction, and the refocus on the case on allegations of attempted cover ups and influence of a witness.

Rep. Burton Urges Non-Punitive Means

Rep. Burton’s second letter to the command acknowledges the need for discipline but restates that the punishment far exceeds the crime.  The Congressman additionally cites concern over the culture of the military where members are more concerned about protecting themselves from prosecution than fighting the enemy; the perception of America by terrorists as too weak to do what is necessary; and the damage caused to America’s morale if these courts-martial proceed.

Navy SEAL Prosecution at What Cost?

Military members have the responsibilities to act on the battlefield within political and military policies and rules of engagement and in accordance with their training and the unit mission standing operating procedures (SOPs).  In this case, the Navy SEALs are being prosecuted at a level deemed a federal crime rather than through administrative means that would leave the military morale and their continued service to the country in place.