As a term with a special meaning, “commando” was first used by the British military in the Boer War of South Africa (1899-1902). In that war the British soldiers found that the Boers had a special striking force whose members had been trained in unusual skills required for accomplishing “impossible” military missions. The British often had a hard time in dealing with these rough South African soldiers, and for an unknown reason they began to call them “commandos.”

In the Second World War, the U.S. and Britain as well as Nazi Germany used specially trained ground units for combined or amphibious operations. Formally each country called its own commando unit by a different name, but everywhere the members of these tough corps were popularly referred to as commandos. In the U.S., for instance, the rack combatants were grouped in what were and are formally called Ranger Battalions.

First, the government’s role in society is to protect and prevent any harm from coming to the country. This role of the government could be seen within the preamble, war powers, etc. The Authorization for use of Military Force allows the president to “use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks” of September 11, 2001.

If someone is considered an enemy combatant, they should be allowed to use due process to contest their case. The reasoning behind this is that if a person is wrongfully accused, they are paying the price for another’s actions. In court, they should gather evidence beyond reasonable doubt that they are innocent. I understand why the President chooses who to pardon and who not to. However, if the due process was used, these people can not only be found guilty or innocent a lot sooner.

Even in the article, the author says that “putting the power in the hands of the president is dangerous.” The reason for it being dangerous, is that our military and police will capture too many friends and foes for one person to look to pardon. It cannot be done. However, if a group of judges or even juries heard the case, it would make it go a lot faster.