The Trial of a Navy SEAL Chief

<p>The trial of Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher, a decorated member of the Navy SEALs, offered rare insight into a culture that is, by design, difficult to penetrate. Our colleague tells us what he learned from the verdict. Guest: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/dave-philipps" target="_blank">Dave Philipps</a>, who covers the military for The New York Times. For more information on today’s episode, visit <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/thedaily" target="_blank">nytimes.com/thedaily</a>. </p><p>Background reading: </p><ul><li>After a key witness for prosecutors<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/20/us/navy-seal-edward-gallagher-corey-scott.html?smid=pc-thedaily" target="_blank"> changed his story on the stand</a>, Chief Gallagher<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/02/us/navy-seal-trial-verdict.html?smid=pc-thedaily" target="_blank"> was found not guilty of the most serious charges against him</a>, including the first-degree murder of a captive ISIS fighter and attempted murder of civilians in Iraq.</li><li>Some SEAL commanders<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/03/us/Edward-Gallagher-acquitted.html?smid=pc-thedaily" target="_blank"> expressed worry that the verdict would discourage others</a> from reporting possible war crimes in the future.</li></ul>