Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller Will Likely Do “Some Jail Time” Over Asking For Accountability From Military Leadership
Stuart Scheller, a Marine who went viral last month for criticizing senior military leaders for the bungled Afghanistan pullout, said he may face a court martial and prison time.
On Sept. 11, Scheller wrote a letter to his Facebook page stating that he is quitting his military service. Scheller’s letter noted “loss of trust and confidence,” which matched the military’s explanation.
What’s the scoop?
The military is examining Scheller’s predicament, according to the Washington Examiner.
The Marine Corps will assign an investigating officer. Most likely a Colonel,” Scheller said. “Once the investigating officer finalizes his recommendation, the Marine Corps will decide if they should pursue court-martial.”
If his case goes to trial, Scheller believes he will be found “guilty.” Scheller did not specify what alleged military offense he may have committed.
“I will be found guilty and will probably do some jail time,” the Marine added. “This will provide me a valuable opportunity to read, write, and contemplate.”
So, the military said?
Scheller is “currently under investigation,” said Training and Education Command spokesperson Capt. Sam Stephenson. He didn’t elaborate on the inquiry.
“The Marine Corps is not providing any additional information regarding Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller. His situation is currently under investigation and being handled appropriately by his chain of command, and therefore, we cannot comment further,” Stephenson said, the Examiner reported.
Stephenson added that in the wake of the events in Afghanistan this week, Marines should seek support from other Marines, their chain of command, or therapy.
A mental health examination was requested for Scheller, which he apparently passed.
“I was ordered by my commanding officer to go to the Hospital for a mental health screening. I was evaluated by the mental health specialists and then sent on my way,” Scheller said on Monday. “I am moving forward with my resignation. I, like many of you, am very scared. But courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s the ability to overcome it. At the end of the day, if I stand with accountability and integrity, the system can’t beat me.”
