Marine Col. Joe W. Dowdy Removed

[N_Quire]

Col. Joe W. Dowdy, the officer in charge of the 1st Marine Regiment, one of the three major Marine Corps ground units fighting toward Baghdad has been removed by his superiors.

This seems odd to say the least. I wonder what the reasons are for relieving a commander in time of war.

[Nicool003]

That is very interesting indeed. Perhaps he was in charge when there was a friendly fire accident...?

[damgo]

From what I'm told, usually it is one of three things:
1) Failure to take an objective as ordered (eg, not fast enough)
2) Unacceptable casualties or risks
3) Physical/mental incapacitation (eg if he were ill or wounded)

Everyone is being very close-mouthed about this, I haven't been able to find any info. But it is really severe, and that is a high-ranking post. There are only ~30 officers at that high a level in the entire Marine Corps.

[kat]

— A U.S. Marine regimental commander was replaced Friday after being accused of showing too much caution in his drive on Baghdad. (http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?Category=24&ID=93174&r=1)

[jondiego]

Dowdy wouldn't send his troops into the field just to draw the enemy out and so he was relieved for not following direct orders by his superior.