why has there been so much secrecy surrounding the "accidental" death of Pat Tillman?

Question

What were the motives for lying about how he died?
story here:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070421/ap_on_re_us/tillman_information_clampdown_9

Answer 1

I think it's pretty obvious. There are lot of human factors here. Army had star NFL football player who was biggest, brightest PR guy for army recruitment. Multimillionaire football star join Army after 911? That's like a movie story. Now imagine telling the public this superstar soldier died in friendly fire. It is extraordinary thing to do. Nobody had guts to do it. Nobody had guts to tell the truth because they were too scared. They just did whatever they could to avoid making such embarrassing, damaging announcement.

I personally think it did huge damage to US military. This Tillman incident basically told us that the US Army put its public image & recruitment needs over honesty and dignity of soldiers who serve this country.

That's not going to do much to help recruitment goals. I hope this show people how our military have been pushed to the limit. We can't put soldiers in combat without adequate training/equipment. We can't afford to sacrifice dignity and honor for some PR reason.

This is going to be one of Tillman's legacies in the US Army. Highlighting what is wrong with current direction and putting spot lights on major screw ups.

Answer 2

Military officials, the Generals, Colonels, Sargents, Lieutenants, soldiers in the field, did not want to take responsibility for Pat Tillman's death. The consensus was CYA. (cover your ***), a military maneuver perfected in Viet Nam.

"Friendly Fire" has probably been responsible for many military casualties; but, none so blatantly "covered up" as the death of Pat Tillman.

As a citizen of the United States, I abhor any "excuse" our President or military officials give to me or the family of Pat Tillman for his death. Someone was responsible, and that person/persons are to be held accountable, either by dishonorable discharge from the military or in a public court.

Parents, wives, sons, daughters, siblings, aunts, uncles, write the President, state and federal legislators. Let them know you demand accountability. You will not send your sons and daughters into "harm's way" when "harm's way" may come from our own troops with no consequences.

Answer 3

Because the military doesnt make mistakes and this is a mistake so it couldnt possibly have happened ! And that fact give fuel to family to sue

Answer 4

I think that it was probably because he was a celebrity and the higher ups didn't want it to get out becuase they knew it would be high profile and that it would look REALLY bad.

Answer 5

the truth could damage the reputations of some people in very high places in the military.

Answer 6

Don't get me started.