US Army throws out 'violent' soldier

THE US Army has thrown out a soldier who threatened to shoot his fellow troops if he was sent to Iraq.

The Pentagon yesterday confirmed that Mark Hall had left the military after he sent officials a violent rap song.

The dismissal for misconduct means Hall will avoid criminal charges but lose all military benefits earned over at least four years of service, including an earlier tour in Iraq.

An army spokesman, Lt Col Eric Bloom, said yesterday that top brass decided to discharge Hall instead of taking him to trial in part because he admitted his guilt.

"With the loss of his benefits, the time he's already done in jail and his reduction in rank, that's justice served," said Bloom.