2006-11-04 14:45:40 · 12 answers · asked by kissmybum 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Unfortunately, it is more common than we know. Take Desert Storm for example, we lost more due to friendly fire than from the oppostion. Unfortunately, I do not think that there are any charges brought up for these mistakes.
Alan
2006-11-04 14:56:52 · answer #1 · answered by ? 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's quite common. Shortly after the out break of war in Afghanistan, an American Top Gun , did not follow proper procedures, and against the advice of his wingman bombed Canadians on night exercises killing 4 and wounding another 9. Just a few months ago a US pilot strafed a Canadian unit killing 1 and injuring 30. During WW2 there was a saying: When the British bomb, the Germans run, when the Germans bomb the British run and when the Americans bomb , everybody runs"////////
Also don't forget "Pat Tillman".
In the instance involving the 4 Canadians killed, the Wingman apologized to each of the families and then retired from the military. Schmidt, the guy who did the actual bombing was tried, severly repremanded and grounded for life. Nothing as yet on the 2nd one. There was some action regarding Pat Tillman but I'm not sure what. Because of his NFL fame, it's probably on Google.
2006-11-05 18:37:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well since the Afghan war started 5 canadians were killed by american military pesonnel. The recent one was a canadian olympian of jamican desent. I think when rules are ot followed then the military will court marshall but due to conditions will probably be very significant.
The american pilot that killed four canadians, made a error that didn't make sense and didn't follow command, so he was punished and to a pilot taking away his ability to fly mainly supersonic jets is a strong statement to why there is a command structure.
But a highlight in that tragedy was the american base where soldiers were serving with the killed Canadians, That based honoured them by placing the four Canadian soldiers names on the memorial stone along with the men that were stationed at that base that were KIA.
Remember soldiers are more loyal to eaach other than the average friend you meet during daily life activities, a different code of honour than anywhere else.
Lest we forget
November 11th
And everyday
2006-11-06 01:59:08 · answer #3 · answered by tordor111 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Today, friendly fire mistakes are not all that common. Because U.S. combat casualties are 'rare', the percentage of friendly fire casualties is high. But the number of actual incidents is very low, much lower than in WWII, as an example.
And yes, people have been charged, and convicted, in some cases.
2006-11-04 23:16:40 · answer #4 · answered by Jolly1 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, the American military are the major perpetrators in this respect! Detailed analysis of these reported events invariably conclude that American military acted without due regard to substantive identification of the target attacked! Indeed, the American military takes little or no precautions to ascertain the identity of the enemy albeit from the air or the land. Conversely, at no time whatsoever, does the American high command investigate and/or level charges against any personnel thus found involved and/or unquestionably guilty of such acts.
2006-11-04 23:38:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ever play a video game and accidentally shoot someone on your team because you were trying to win and not be "killed" in the game. Multiply that fear and tension by a 1,000 when you might get killed for real.
You're physically fatigued, hot, going on minimal sleep, haven't been home for months, and your nerves never get a chance to rest. Suddenly there is a raging fire-fight and people are trying to kill you and your friends; its easy to get jumpy and shoot at anything that startles you. We are a super-power and have the worlds most deadly and high-tech weapons. Point them in the wrong direction, add fear, fatigue, and nerves and the wrong people can be killed quite easily.
Master Sergeant, 19 1/2 years.
2006-11-04 23:10:39 · answer #6 · answered by AngryPatriot 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
very common. A battle field is a hellish chaos. Men are fighting for their lives. Information is limited. You don't know where the bullets are coming from. You return fire. People die.
2006-11-04 22:53:43 · answer #7 · answered by georgex 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Its an accident. Yes people have been charged. It depends upon if negligence is involved. I feel bad for both parties because it is in most cases just an accident. What about equipment error? Who you gonna charge then. I think our service men have and are doing a Damn good job.
2006-11-04 22:54:58 · answer #8 · answered by goodtimesgladly 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Very - and it has occurred in every conflict throughout history. Sometimes actual accidents - other times (less frequently) fragging.
2006-11-04 23:40:31 · answer #9 · answered by 34th B.G. - USAAF 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it depends on how stupid the friendly fireing was. If its dumb enough its criminal negligence and the perp. gets court marshled
2006-11-04 22:51:44 · answer #10 · answered by Eric B 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋