I posted this earlier in another section...........?

Question

but I'm new and didn't know SQUAT . So I hope this is the right section.......Does anyone think that we should provide our frontline soldiers with a means of taking their own life ( the method at ths moment is irrelevant, suffice to say it would have to be instant and painless ) in the event of capture by Al-Queda as upon capture they would be tortured and MURDERED in the vilest possible way and the video then posted on the net to further the ideals of this sick group.? I fully realise the implications of this as to morale but must say the decision would ultimately up to the individual person. I don't suggest this lightly but if given the choice which would you prefer.? The option of dying with at least some dignity ro to have your head hacked off for the benifit of those P~~~Ks. I mean no disrespect to our HEROIC soldiers, rather the opposite, after all of all the released hostages how many were soldiers.?

I'm not suggesting that this be given as a standing order but rather a personal choice to be optioned in the event of the worst possible scenario. I apologise if I've offended anyone but if I was in that situation then I know what I would choose . To play the Devils advocate for a minute , Would you want your loved ones to see your final moments to be such an unimaginable horror.? Please understand my thoughts are only for the individual not the political elite and I'm horrified at the idea personally but as they say "What if.?"......................................Again I apologise profusely if I've offended and thank you all for you're tolerance of a pretty morbid question.

Answer 1

As the mother of a soldier I have a though time thinking about death,but I understand what you are saying, I'd rather my son died by his own hand that have him kidnapped by the insurgents and like you mention see him executed on tv.You have no idea how hard it is for me to say this.And for those who think the soldiers can get away with doing it by the UCMJ you have no clue,the insurgents do not play by any rules but theirs. God bless our troops.

Answer 2

I don't disagree with your question, but as such i don't think a British soldier has been taken captive yet. a suicide pill would be useful if that happened, but not sure any British soldier would want to use it. The one thing the other answers have not picked up on is should this happen the Islamic terrorist gangs would want to put them on a show trial and execution and then put it on the web. I know if i was that soldier, i would not want to let them have that pleasure, and if i had a pill to deprive them of that, then for sure I'd take it.

Answer 3

While this is a rather morbid question, the answers are fairly easy to come by. Do not read further if you have objections to such conversation.





Any member of the military in an active war zone should be armed at every moment while on station or on duty.

You may not approve of taking one's life to prevent a far worse fate, but the opportunity exists to use one last bullet to keep oneself from capture, just in case.

Answer 4

If captured, a soldier is to follow the Articles of the Military Code of Conduct:

Article I

I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

Article II

I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.

Article III

If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and to aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

Article IV

If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

Article V

When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.

Article VI

I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.

No where in these Articles does it say commit suicide! That is a cowards way out!!!!

Answer 5

Me personally dont agree with a easy way out i would rather hope i could get a chance to escape i think your method is very final!
i know it was documented that if a American cavelryman was captured by the indians they were always told "save the last round for yourself" as the indians were prone to mutilate their enemies.
and so were the cavelry vice versa.

Answer 6

Our soldiers are trained to give name, rank and serial number if captured. They are obligated to try to escape if there is a possibility. If they wanted to die they would blow their brains out when they realized they were being captured. Most military would not want to give up that easy.

Look how many men at Gitmo kill themselves to escape the torture of the Bush government. Well, we don't know exactly because Bush abuses our constitution so much the news media is not allowed to report such facts.

Answer 7

You can not take your own life with out direct orders issued at that given time.

Plus it is the COWARDS way out

Please Support Our Troops and Civilian Contractors



Apparently some can not see the inappropriate idea in this question or understand my facetious answer

Answer 8

Rather than this 'suicide' option, I wish we could/ would embed an satellite GPS tracking chip in every soldier. That way if they were captured, we could come and rescue them, and take out the terrorists.

Let's get some big minds working on inventing it!

Answer 9

yes u do have your own thoughts on the matter but as a serving member of the British force i can say that not one soldier that has been a hostage in the past couple of years has actually been executed,but then i am only trying to think positive as i am going back to Iraq in 10 days

Answer 10

United States Military members have a Code of Conduct to follow. They enter into service knowing there is a chance of capture and/or death. But they serve because they love their country and want to protect its flag and its citizens. Remember to thank a soldier for his or her sacrifice so you can keep your freedom.