The mistreatment and neglect of American military veterans have long been acknowledged. From unnecessary conflicts to repeated deployments and inadequate medical care, millions of brave men and women have suffered irreparable harm. However, the injustices extend beyond neglect, as revealed in the new documentary “Used and Betrayed,” produced by the renowned Empire Files series. The film sheds light on the United States military’s disturbing history of exploiting soldiers as subjects in shocking experiments.
Delving into declassified documents, the film unveils the circumstances and repercussions of several of these experiments, highlighting a callous disregard for the lives of those who serve. One egregious example dates back to World War I, where over sixty thousand African American troops were subjected to chemical experiments without consideration for the long-term health effects. It wasn’t until 1993 that the truth behind these clandestine experiments emerged, with only a fraction of affected troops receiving proper medical attention.
The atrocities continue with accounts of veterans undergoing lobotomies before the recognition of Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome and being unwitting subjects in the MKUltra Project, a series of drug-induced mind control experiments initiated in the 1950s. Gulf War veterans, exposed to hazardous combat conditions, have since grappled with a range of debilitating conditions, from memory loss to various cancers. Yet, the government has been slow to acknowledge its role in causing these illnesses or to provide adequate assistance.
“Used and Betrayed” passionately advocates for government transparency regarding these historical missions and calls for reparations to afflicted troops and their families. Only through acknowledgment and support can true justice be served for those who have sacrificed so much in service to their country.
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