why don't US want us Brits to see the video?

Question

Bitish soldier killed by US friendly fire, first we are told no video footage, now so much later, we suddenly have video evidence but US says it must not be shown, what kind of cover up is this.
read BBC report here
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6318565.stm

the inquest judge requested it be shown in evidence at the hearing

the US say it is top secret

Answer 1

It's very pathetic. We Americans, keep on bragging that we're having the most advanced military technology in the whole world. Yet, our technology can't even help us with simple identificatication of friend or foe?...

Answer 2

While we, the public, do not know for certain what all is involved in the incident it is most likely a matter of avoiding volatile public response. Images are powerful and even though it was an accident in which a British solider was tragically shot, seeing this take place is guaranteed to stir strong opinions, especially in those already opposed to the war. Moreover, this same tactic is used in American college football. After a controversial play, which the referees rule on, it is against the NCAA regulations to show a replay so as to aviod an undesireable response. .

Answer 3

One might point out that the brits need to learn that they're not the kings of the battlefield. They have a habit of manuevering units with no respect for the operating procedures of their (much more numerous) allies. If the brits could learn to coordinate action, the broadcast at appropriate frequencies, to operate jointly, and to stay out of kill zones when they're told not to go there then all of these unfortunate events could be avoided.

As to the forward air controller (who was a brit), he's obviously covering his own hind quarters because, if he had been doing his JOB properly, he would have responded to the first radio call. And no US pilot is allowed to expend armor on a target without fire coordination from air controllers, it would mean instant loss of their jobs. Basically, that means the forward air controller authorized the attack.

Answer 4

There's a reason the US Air Force sets up "killboxes." Their grid locations are placed on maps and it's the responsibility of the manuever unit to stay away.

Also, there's those crazy things we call "VS-17" panels that are blaze orange that are used to mark vehicles during the day and infra-red strobes and GLINT for night operations...

Answer 5

When are the British going to come clean on the fact that they told the pilot - twice - that there were no friendly vehicles in the area?

Answer 6

The article says that the video may be shown to the victim's family so I don't know what you are talking about.

Answer 7

Same reason you guys kept stuff from WW2 secret for years and years, like the Enigma secret... Guess it's not so fun when you want the video, huh?

Answer 8

Hell! I don't want Americans to see it! It's a sad thing, when allies fire on each other. What's with your morbid curiousity of seeing people killed?

Answer 9

I imagine it's not very nice video, the US should be ashamed that such an incident happened (I am, we did something similar to a Canadian unit in Afghanistan in 2002). It might not be disclosed because there is an ongoing legal matter, and since it's bad publicity they'll probably try to keep it under wraps.

Answer 10

Another cover up by the Americans. Well blow me down with a feather, im shocked beyond belief.

(end sarcasm)