As TPMmuckraker noted on Monday, some signs point to a possible distinct set of detention and interrogation rules for Special Operations Forces. However, in a confirmation hearing last week, the incoming heads of the Pentagon’s special operations and low-intensity conflict directorate and Special Operations Command both told the Senate Armed Services Committee their forces will follow the same rules as the rest of the military.
The relevant exchange between Mike Vickers, nominated to be assistant secretary of defense for SO/LIC (as it’s known), Vice Admiral Eric Olson, nominated to be SOCOM chief, and Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and John Warner (R-VA) is below.
From last week’s hearing:
SEN. REED: Thank you. Admiral Olson, there have been reports of detainee abuse by special operators before Abu Ghraib, which raises the question of essentially what are the rules of engagement in interrogation that the U.S. special operators apply? Do you have — can you give this committee assurances that, as military officers and noncommissioned officers, that they operate within the very strict purview of the Geneva Convention?
ADM. OLSON: Yes, sir. Special Operations forces adhere to the same policies, regulations and laws as all the other forces operating in the theater. The policies are set by — in Iraq and Afghanistan are set by the commander of Central Command and adhere to the Detainee Treatment Act. Special Operations forces fall under the same provisions.
SEN. REED: So you would claim no special exception, given the nature of their operations? They would follow the same guidance as regular forces, conventional forces?
ADM. OLSON: Sir, there are no exceptions granted to Special Operations forces regarding interrogations.
SEN. REED: Mr. Vickers, in your view —
MR. VICKERS: I agree with Admiral Olson, sir. …
SEN. WARNER: Mr. Chairman, I’d like to return to your question with regard to the detainees. I did not hear either of the witnesses — I think it was just — they used the name of the statute. But I’d like to have you reply about the Army Field Manual. That would be the guiding document for the actual hands-on by the troops in the field. Is that correct, Admiral Olson?
ADM. OLSON: That’s correct, sir. It’s Army Field Manual 22.3. It is the operative manual, and our forces follow it.
MR. VICKERS: That is correct, sir.
SEN. WARNER: I think it’s extremely important that we have that on the record.
Whether this has always been the case remains unclear, as does whether there’s any guidance for Special Operations Forces on interrogations outside of FM-22.3.
