Baghdad Diarist Speaks Out

TNR previously identified the pseudonymned Thomas as a “freelance writer and soldier currently serving in Baghdad.” A recent column he wrote recounting troubling examples of his fellow soldiers’ conduct didn’t ring true with some readers, resulting in a firestorm of trouble for TNR.

The Weekly Standard’s Michael Gordfarb sparked the onslaught, calling it a “mission for milbloggers” to dig into the background of the article, setting of a storm of angry blogging and calls for TNR editor Franklin Foer to reveal the identity of his columnist.

TNR’s blog The Plank just posted a statement from the soldier:

My Diarist, “Shock Troops,” and the two other pieces I wrote for the New Republic have stirred more controversy than I could ever have anticipated. They were written under a pseudonym, because I wanted to write honestly about my experiences, without fear of reprisal. Unfortunately, my pseudonym has caused confusion. And there seems to be one major way in which I can clarify the debate over my pieces: I’m willing to stand by the entirety of my articles for the New Republic using my real name.

I am Private Scott Thomas Beauchamp, a member of Alpha Company, 1/18 Infantry, Second Brigade Combat Team, First Infantry Division.

My pieces were always intended to provide my discrete view of the war; they were never intended as a reflection of the entire U.S. Military. I wanted Americans to have one soldier’s view of events in Iraq.

It’s been maddening, to say the least, to see the plausibility of events that I witnessed questioned by people who have never served in Iraq. I was initially reluctant to take the time out of my already insane schedule fighting an actual war in order to play some role in an ideological battle that I never wanted to join. That being said, my character, my experiences, and those of my comrades in arms have been called into question, and I believe that it is important to stand by my writing under my real name.

–Private Scott Thomas Beauchamp