Vern Buchanan Goes to Bat for Green Beret, Asking Army for Full Reinstatement

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., backed the Army giving an additional 60 days as a Green Beret tries reinstated in the Army after he was forced out of service when he reported an Afghan ally sexually abusing a child but said the solider deserves a full reinstatement. 

Last week, Buchanan and U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., insisted that Sgt. First Class Charles Martland turned in an Afghan ally for his sex crimes to his superiors and is now being retired against his will on Nov. 1 after his superiors did nothing to investigate the matter . In recent weeks, Buchanan has called for an investigation of why the Pentagon covered up the sex crimes of American allies in Afghanistan. 

The Army has decided to delay Martland’s discharge an additional 60 days as he appeals that decision. Buchanan called it a “good first step” but wrote Army Sec. John McHugh on Wednesday urging a full reinstatement. 

“Postponing Sgt. Martland’s separation from the military for 60 days to allow him time to file an appeal is a good first step, but the Army must act to reverse his forced discharge,” Buchanan wrote McHugh. “Sgt. Martland is a hero - not a villain and he should be treated as such.”