West, who was not responsible for conducting interrogations in Iraq and had never conducted or witnessed one, had his men detain Hamoodi. In the process of detaining Mr. Hamoodi, soldiers testified that Mr. Hamoodi appeared to go for his weapon and needed to be subdued. Hamoodi was beaten by four of West's soldiers from the 220th Field Artillery Battalion on the head and body. West then fired his pistol near Hamoodi's hooded head. Hamoodi then provided West with names and information, what Hamoodi later described as "meaningless information induced by fear and pain." At least one suspect was arrested as a result, but no plans for attacks or weapons were found. 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."

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." The charges were ultimately referred to an Article 15 proceeding rather than court-martial, at which West was fined $5,000. He knew his military career was over at this point and retired.

Some people will think West is a military hero for wanting to take care of his men. Others will think different of West as a defeated bully who slunk out of the Army with his tail between his legs. Make up your own mind.