War-protesting Fort Lewis officer doesn't deploy with his unit

A Fort Lewis-based officer who declared that he would not accompany his unit to Iraq followed his promise this morning.

Lt. Ehren Watada was not present when his battalion, part of the 3rd Brigade 2nd Infantry Division, gathered at 5:13 a.m. Instead, Watada remained within his headquarters building.

Watada, who joined the Army in 2003, said he came believe the Iraq war was illegal and immoral, and he had a duty not to follow orders.

No charges against Watada will be filed until the commander has had a chance to review all of the facts of the case and consult with military lawyers, according to a news release issued by the Army.

Meanwhile, Watada has been ordered to remain on duty, with some limitations on his pass privileges, pending further instructions from his chain of command. He has been ordered not to leave Fort Lewis.

The other soldiers in Watada's unit departed on schedule this morning, "honoring their obligation to the nation as thousands of soldiers have done before," according to the Army.

About 4,000 Soldiers of Fort Lewis' 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division will serve a year tour of duty in Iraq.