CAMP PENDLETON -- An enlisted Marine accused in the deaths of two Iraqi civilians in the city of Haditha in 2005 was arraigned this morning on charges of involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment.

Lance Cpl. Stephen B. Tatum appeared before a military judge and reserved entering a plea to the charges, which could result in up to 19 years in prison and a dishonorable discharge.

Tatum, 26, was one of four enlisted men from Camp Pendleton charged last December in the deaths of two dozen civilians in Haditha. The civilians died after a roadside bombing on the morning of Nov. 19, 2005.

He originally faced two counts of unpremeditated murder and four counts of negligent homicide. Those charges were reduced, however, following an Article 32 hearing earlier this year that found the evidence lacking. Article 32 hearings are akin to probable cause hearings in civilian court.

Tatum made no statement during the brief arraignment other than to acknowledge his desire to be represented by two military and three civilian attorneys. His trial is scheduled to begin March 28 and he must enter a formal plea by March 3.

A preview of the defense for the Oklahoma native did emerge during the hearing. His attorneys are asking the judge to approve the hiring of Arabic translators. The request suggests Iraqi witnesses may be called or interviewed and that there is discussion of a possible site visit to Haditha.

Tatum is expected to seek a jury trial and have a third of panel comprised of enlisted men.

The civilian deaths at Haditha came after the bombing destroyed a Humvee, killing a lance corporal and injuring two other Marines. Five Iraqi men who approached the scene moments after the bombing died first and 19 others inside three homes were subsequently killed as the Marines searched for their attackers.

Murder charges against one of Tatum's original co-defendants, Lance Cpl. Justin Sharratt, were dropped earlier this year after a hearing officer said there was no evidence to support the accusations against him.

Another original co-defendant in the killings, Sgt. Sanick Dela Cruz, had charges against him withdrawn in exchange for his testimony.

The fourth man facing homicide charges, squad leader Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich, is awaiting word on whether he will face trial on seven counts of negligent homicide. Citing a lack of evidence, a hearing officer that presided over Wuterich's hearing earlier this year recommended that 10 of 17 murder charges be dismissed and but that he face trial on the lesser charges.

At 1 p.m. today, the Article 32 hearing for 1st Lt. Andrew Grayson, one of four officers charged with dereliction of duty for failing to order an investigation into the killings, is scheduled to begin. Grayson also is charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly ordering the destruction of photographs taken of the slain Iraqis.

Grayson is the last of the officers to have his Article 32 hearing. Charges against two of the officers were later dropped. The battalion commander at Haditha, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani, is slated to be arraigned on Friday and go on trial in April.