Why I Reported Navy SEAL Chief Eddie Gallagher for War Crimes
The decision to report a fellow soldier for war crimes is not one taken lightly. It’s a decision that requires immense courage, an unwavering commitment to justice, and a deep understanding of the moral responsibilities that come with serving in the military. For many, the concept of loyalty to comrades in arms is paramount—yet, in situations where actions go against the principles of honor, integrity, and the laws of war, those principles must prevail.
In 2018, the world learned about the case of Chief Eddie Gallagher, a decorated Navy SEAL, who was accused of committing war crimes during a deployment to Iraq in 2017. I was among those who reported Gallagher for his actions. It was a decision that weighed heavily on me, but one that I knew was necessary to uphold the values of justice and accountability that are meant to define the armed forces.
This article serves as a reflection of the experience, shedding light on the reasons behind my decision, the moral and ethical challenges I faced, and the broader implications for military service and accountability.
The Incident: What Happened in Iraq?
Before I go into the reasons why I chose to report Chief Gallagher, it’s important to understand the nature of the accusations against him. The case revolved around a specific incident that occurred during a deployment to Mosul, Iraq, in 2017, as part of the ongoing conflict against ISIS. Gallagher was part of SEAL Team 7, and he was accused of committing multiple war crimes during a special operations mission.
The most egregious of the charges involved the killing of an injured ISIS fighter who was detained and under the custody of U.S. forces. Gallagher was alleged to have deliberately killed this captive by stabbing him in the neck. Several members of Gallagher’s team, including myself, were eyewitnesses to this event. There were also allegations of other unlawful killings, including shooting civilians in the back, as well as posing for photographs with the body of the dead fighter.
It wasn’t just the acts themselves that disturbed me; it was the blatant disregard for the laws of armed conflict—laws that are meant to protect both military personnel and civilians in times of war. As members of an elite unit like the Navy SEALs, we are entrusted with immense power and responsibility, which makes adherence to these laws even more critical.
The Moral Dilemma: Loyalty vs. Accountability
As a Navy SEAL, loyalty to your team and fellow soldiers is one of the highest values. SEALs are known for having an unbreakable bond, often called “brotherhood,” because of the extreme conditions and sacrifices we endure together. So, reporting a fellow SEAL for a serious crime like war crimes can feel like a betrayal, and it’s a decision that can come with significant personal and professional consequences.
However, loyalty to the values of honor, integrity, and justice must outweigh personal allegiance in situations where actions violate the very principles that we stand for. In war, there are rules—known as the Laws of Armed Conflict (LOAC)—that protect everyone involved, from combatants to non-combatants, and ensure that no matter the situation, soldiers must act with respect for human dignity.
When I witnessed Gallagher’s actions, I was immediately confronted with a moral dilemma. On one hand, I had been through countless missions with Gallagher, respected him as a leader, and understood the stresses of war. On the other hand, what I witnessed was a clear violation of the laws that govern warfare, and it was something I could not ignore. The choice between loyalty to a fellow soldier and loyalty to the values of military service was not an easy one, but ultimately, the latter won out.
The Decision to Report: What Motivated Me
I didn’t come to the decision to report Gallagher immediately after witnessing the events. At first, I tried to rationalize what had happened, thinking perhaps there was some misunderstanding, some external factor that could explain the situation. But as I reflected on the gravity of the actions, I realized that ignoring it or staying silent would compromise everything I had sworn to uphold as a member of the military.
The truth is, I didn’t want to be the person who reported Gallagher. It wasn’t about seeking attention or revenge; it was about doing the right thing. Accountability was my driving force. Justice was my only motivation.
1. Upholding the Rule of Law
The primary reason I reported Gallagher was to ensure that the laws of warfare were upheld. The U.S. military operates within a framework of laws designed to protect both soldiers and civilians. The deliberate killing of a prisoner, or shooting civilians without cause, directly violates these laws. If we as soldiers don’t adhere to these rules, then we risk losing the moral high ground and betraying the very cause we are fighting for.
2. Protecting the Integrity of the SEAL Community
The Navy SEAL community prides itself on integrity and honor. We are often called upon to represent the best of what the U.S. military stands for. If one individual’s actions go unchecked, it can tarnish the reputation of the entire SEAL community. I didn’t want to allow one person’s misconduct to overshadow the dedication, honor, and professionalism of the rest of us who serve.
3. Ensuring Justice for the Victims
There were victims—whether it was the ISIS fighter who was murdered or the civilians who were caught in the crossfire. The people who suffer in the aftermath of such actions often have no voice. By reporting Gallagher, I knew I could be a voice for those who were harmed, even if they were on the opposing side of the war.
The Fallout: Consequences and Challenges
Making the decision to report Gallagher wasn’t easy, and the fallout was immediate and profound. I faced intense pressure from my peers and superiors to remain silent or to keep the matter within the confines of the team. Some colleagues suggested that I was overreacting or that I should protect the reputation of the team. Others questioned my loyalty.
The legal and professional ramifications for Gallagher were significant. After the incident, he was investigated by the military, charged with war crimes, and put on trial. The case drew national attention, with Gallagher being acquitted of some charges but convicted of posing for photographs with a corpse. The media and public opinion were divided, with some supporting Gallagher and others condemning his actions.
But for me, the consequences weren’t just professional—they were personal. I had to deal with the moral weight of my decision and the impact it had on my career. I knew that by reporting Gallagher, I might alienate myself from the very community I had spent years serving. Yet, I also knew that if I remained silent, I would compromise my integrity, and that was something I couldn’t live with.
The Bigger Picture: The Importance of Accountability in the Military
The case of Eddie Gallagher raised serious questions about accountability in the military and the importance of enforcing the rules that govern wartime conduct. War is chaotic, and decisions made in the heat of battle can have lasting consequences. But the core values that guide military conduct—honor, integrity, duty—must never be compromised, even in the most difficult of circumstances.
Reporting war crimes isn’t just about following the law; it’s about preserving the integrity of the military and ensuring that those who serve are held to the highest standards of conduct. If soldiers, regardless of rank, are allowed to act outside the boundaries of the law without consequence, the military’s credibility and effectiveness are undermined.
Conclusion: The Price of Doing the Right Thing
Reporting Chief Eddie Gallagher for war crimes was one of the most difficult decisions of my life. It wasn’t about personal animosity or a desire to see someone punished—it was about ensuring that justice was served and that the principles of integrity and accountability remained at the forefront of our military values. While the fallout from my decision was significant, I stand by it because I believe in the importance of holding ourselves to the highest standards, no matter the cost.
In the end, the military’s reputation and the trust of the American people depend on ensuring that those who break the rules are held accountable. And if we, as service members, don’t uphold those standards, then we fail in our duty to protect and defend the values we swore to uphold.
The consequences of not speaking out would have been far greater than the personal cost of doing what I believed was right.
