Should the "friendly fire" pilots face trial?

Question

In March 2003, two USAF A-10 "tankbuster" planes attacked a British convoy, killing Lance Corporal Matty Hull, despite clear and repeated signals that they were coalition troops:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6318565.stm

Cockpit video from the planes has come to light: it's still classified, but reports indicate that one voice can be heard saying gleefully, "Somebody's going to jail for this!"

The USA does not usually allows its forces to face trial in other jurisdictions, and has opted out of the International Criminal Court: but should these men be an exception, and tried in the courts of its ally? If not, why not?

Please indicate in your answer whether you are American, British or other.

BPSKI: how exactly has the pilot "suffered"? Compared to, say, Matty Hull's family?
Has he been tried? Has he been punished in any way? If so, I can't find any reference to it.
Are you saying that US troops are not in any way answerable for their actions? What if it had been a US convoy he'd attacked?

And a 2003 tragedy IS a "current event" when news of the cockpit video came out at his inquest YESTERDAY.

Ashleigh: in that case, why would we ever try anybody for involuntary manslaughter? Or once someone pulls on that uniform are they no longer responsible for their actions - free to kill friends and those surrendering (see link) at will?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,1074725,00.html

BPSKI: I'm not hateful and vindictive, and I don't hate Americans - I have many great American friends. I just can't accept the assumption that in matters of international relations, America is above the law.
You're right that there is a difference between an accident and a deliberate attack - and there's something in between, and that's called negligence.
Or course people get killed in war, but soldiers still have a responsibility to at least try not to shoot their own side or unarmed civilians waving a white flag - and with responsibility has to come the threaten of sanctions.

BPSKI: I don't want to draw, quarter or gun down anybody. I just want to see people face the consequences of their actions: after all, Matty Hull's family have to face the consequences to them every day, and they did NOTHING wrong. If these pilots were tried and cleared (in an impartial court, not a US military whitewash like this http://edition.cnn.com/US/9903/04/marines.cablecar.03/), so be it - but they should go through due process.
We were supposed to be the side in this conflict that stood for the rule of law, and doing the right thing: I think we have to practice what we preach.

That link again but working:
http://edition.cnn.com/US/9903/04/marines.cablecar.03/

It's not for me to forgive, nor for me to judge. That's for Lance Cpl Hull's wife and family and the courts respectively.

Answer 1

I am a Britistish ex Serviceman.I was 51years old and volentiered to go back for the 1st Gulf War I was with 24 Fld Ambulance in Saudi and not far from where friendly fire (as it's called) took out the warrier carrying the RRF killing, I think 9 British lads.The visibility was excellent that day but the Americans said it was misty.Later they admitted it was clear ,I may be wrong but I think the families are still waiting for some sort of closure on this matter.That was in 1991.

Answer 2

properly contained in the case your speaking about, British protection rigidity authorities did verify with the pilots. the U. S. and British protection departments both investogated the incident. It grow to be a civilian British courtroom of Inquest ( coroner ), who had to convey the pilots to Britian for the inquest. No they ought to not be courtroom martialed. A british Air Controller, advised the pilots there have been no British infantrymen everywhere close to the realm the pilots were in. Plus the reality, that the Brits, have not courtroom martialed an British infantrymen for the 6 pleasant hearth incidents they have been fascinated with. The Brits can continuously grant thier personal Air help.

Answer 3

In the fog of war accidents happen. I do not wish to belittle CPL Hulls sacrifice but would removing the pilot make the war safer. Would replacing him with a less experienced pilot reduce the likelihood of friendly fire accidents.

The rate of these accidents is down compared to previous wars, but they are a fact of war.

Would prolonging the tragedy bring the Corporal back?

I am an American born of a British mother. I am an inactive US Marine who was slightly injured by friendly fire during the first Gulf War. I harbor no grudge agianst the soldier who fired at me; it could have easily been the other way around.

Answer 4

For your knowledge that was a tragedy and I don't think that pilot has suffered enough grief, It isn't like you Brits never made a mistake quit your belly aching. And further more a 2003 tragedy is far from current events there genius. You pompous clods act as if it was done intentionally. I'm willing to say that the pilot that made that tragic mistake will suffer emotionally for the rest of his life so bash the U.S.A. If it makes you feel better. There is a difference between a attack and a accident if you didn't know.Pity for your vindictiveness. And to set the record straight I was and still am deeply saddened by that accident I personally feel British and all other allied forces to be a brother hood so don't make me out to be hateful and vindictive as you are wanting to draw and quarter that flight crew. So just come clean be honest you just want to gun em all down you are just to pig headed for FORGIVENESS!

Answer 5

I do not believe that the pilots should face trial. Even if proved they were culpable to a crime.
They should be disciplined internally but not court martial-ed.
I believe the system of training and tactics, along with psychological indoctrination causes the problems we see almost daily amongst American troops.
I want the heads of those who administer and create this system. Preferably on a pike.
I am British.

Seeing as they cannot follow even the simplest of instructions, I will help out......
the guy above me is an American

Answer 6

There was a saying during the latter days of WW2 (and afterwards too) which went.....

When the Nazi planes and artillery unleashed their loads, the British and Americans ducked for shelter.

When the British unleashed their loads, the Nazis ducked.

When the Americans did it, EVERYONE ducked.
===================================

There have been many cases of 'Friendly Fire' incidents and it can be hugely problematic to resolve these episodes etc as there are likely many conflicting pressures that generate much.

However, the American attitude of 'blamelessness' being just one sided does 'Nothing' to endear them and their efforts to do - whatever. Whilst at the SAME TIME, having claimed their 'Right' to have a Guantanamo Bay and its processes.

Yes, the pilots (and others) should stand trial, just as should anyone who picks up a weapon, of ANY kind.

Sash.

Answer 7

If the accident took place on British soil the pilots would face disiplinary action.

If the accident took place on US soil the pilots would face disiplinary action.

So looking at it fairly the pilots should at least stand trial as they would in their own country

See the first link (an American site) regarding 2 pilots who dropped bombs on Canadian soldiers?

Fair I think not, if there is a trail for that then there should be a trail for the British.

They've even got a term for it - "Blue on Blue". (See second link).


British & proud

Answer 8

Yes.

If the pilots were negligent or just didn't care who they vaped they deserve to be in prison. If there was some operational reason they attacked allied vehicles in error their defence attorneys should be able to find it and force the US military to make sure it can't happen again.

Born in the UK.

Answer 9

You yanks are guilty of most cases of friendly fire simply because you are too gung ho, and your overall attitude is shoot and be damned, in my opinion the pilots should be tried, found guilty and jailed for life.

English and very very proud about it too

Answer 10

A mistake was made and a tragedy occurred. What can anyone do to make amends?