There’s more. It’s a Covenant exclusive! (Well, as far as the blogosphere is concerned…). Full article at Waco: The Rules of Engagement. This is an FBI memo:
ODS (ODS is handwritten at the top)
Dept. of Justice Request – Waco, Texas
The Department of Justice thru the FBI, requested two soldiers by name, to meet with the Attorney General on 14 April 93, concerning tactical contingency plans that may be used to bring the situation in Waco, Texas to an end. These personnel are; BG Shoomaker, ADC, 1st CAV DIV, and COL Boykin, Sec Ops, at Fort Bragg, NC. These soldiers have extensive special operations experience, and have worked with the FBI on previous occasions. MG Heldstab has approved this mission, and both have been notified. The Top 6 XOs. FORSCOM, III Corps, and USASOC were also informed. The FBI will handle travel arrangements.
(O’Conner’s signature is here) Michael E. O’Connor CPT, FA AOC WATCH OFFICER
MAJ Wells,
This is what I wrote up and gave to Col (P) Ohle early this morning. BG Shoomaker told my watch NCO (SFC Savage) that the FBI plans to pick him at Fort Hood and fly him first to Waco to assess the situation, and then on to Washington DC. He was not sure if MG Heldstab was aware of those plans when he approved the mission. Just wanted you to be current!
Yup, Boykin, then a Colonel, was sent to Waco to discuss tactical contingency plans. Of course, we all know how well that all turned out.
Of course, in the interests of fairness, it should also be mentioned that Assistant Division Commander Shoomaker’s direct superior was the Commander of the 1st Cavalry Division, General Wesley Clark.
Also, that as I understand it, it is against The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 for the military to be involved in civilian police actions:
From and after the passage of this act it shall not be lawful to employ any part of the Army of the United States, as a posse comitatus, or otherwise, for the purpose of executing the laws, except in such cases and under such circumstances as such employment of said force may be expressly authorized by the Constitution or by act of Congress.
So Boykin was thoroughly in breach of this law. Along with a whole lot of other people.