My Question: Is there a gang connection here?
U.S. Soldier pleads guilty in rape and murder of Iraqi Fourteen Year Old Girl

Several months ago I read an article which discussed in depth the problem of gang-bangers joining the military for combat training. Specifically, the article stated that there was a concerted effort by gangs to have their members join for the benefit of combat training and once returning to civilian life, these members were utilizing those skills in the gang turf wars. Quickly the story seemed to have disappeared in the myriad of election issues and other world events. However, I wonder if there is any connection between alleged gang-members in the military and this particularly heinous crime or other high-profile cases in which members of our military have done the unthinkable. I'm a realist and accept that there will always be "bad-apples" but this particular crime and other incidents reportedly perpetrated by a small number of our troops would seem to beg the question. Especially since these types of crimes would seem to be more normal conduct of "gang-bangers" rather than our normal high caliber men and women in uniform.

As of now, I have not heard of any gang connections in this particular case but the cold-blooded nature of the crime definitely makes me wonder. For the record, I am opposed to our military members becoming subject to Iraqi law (or any other foreign law) but in this circumstance, if these individuals are convicted pursuant to UCMJ, I would have no problem personally turning them over to the Iraqis for punishment.