In case people aren't yet aware of this guy's illustrious military background:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_West_(politician)
While serving in Taji, Iraq, West received information from an intelligence specialist about a reported plot to ambush him and his men.<11> The alleged plot reportedly involved Yahya Jhodri Hamoodi, a civilian Iraqi police officer.<11> West, who was not responsible for conducting interrogations in Iraq and had never conducted or witnessed one, had his men detain Hamoodi.<11> In the process of detaining Mr. Hamoodi, soldiers testified that Mr. Hamoodi appeared to reach for his weapon and needed to be subdued.<11> Hamoodi was beaten by four soldiers from the 220th Field Artillery Battalion on the head and body.<12> West then fired his pistol near Hamoodi's head,<11> after which Hamoodi provided West with names and information, which Hamoodi later described as "meaningless information induced by fear and pain."<11> At least one of these suspects was arrested as a result, but no plans for attacks or weapons were found.<11> West said "At the time I had to base my decision on the intelligence I received. It's possible that I was wrong about Mr. Hamoodi."<11>
West was charged with violating articles 128 (assault) and 134 (general article) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. During a hearing held as part of an Article 32 investigation in November 2003, West stated, "I know the method I used was not right, but I wanted to take care of my soldiers."<12> The charges were ultimately referred to an Article 15 proceeding rather than court-martial, at which West was fined $5,000.<11> LTC West accepted the judgment and retired with full benefits in the summer of 2004.
The guy should be sitting in Fort Leavenworth and not in the halls of Congress.