The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and its predecessor, the Articles of War, provided the U.S. with a separate system of laws and statues that is directed toward maintaining morale and discipline in the armed forces. These laws exist distinct from the civilian system, which focuses on jurisprudence, liberty, and due process. The point of military law is to ensure those who pledge allegiance to the Constitution as members of the armed forces uphold their obligation, under all circumstances. Even in 1775, the founders of this nation could see that a separate system was needed to ensure duty and order in the military. These factors are essential to winning any war and establishing public confidence in the armed forces. They are essential to the armed forces of Iraq.
Therefore, before we go headstrong into training the Iraqi soldiers on the latest technology and equipment, we should be careful to first lay the foundation for their success. Their armed forces must be subject to a separate and distinct military justice system that proscribes harsh penalties for failure to comply. This will not only ensure loyalty on the battlefield but also restore the confidence and trust the Iraqi people must have of their military and security forces. These forces are the bedrock of this new democracy and, without strict allegiance to the Republic of Iraq over all other affiliations, all the training in the world is doomed to failure.