On June 9, in the single deadliest incident of friendly fire by US forces in the entire war, a US B-1B Lancer bomber US forces, killing five of them and an Afghan soldier. Today, the US Army cleared the Green Berets involved of any wrongdoing.
This was in spite of previous investigations into the incident determining it was “completely avoidable” had the troops simply followed “standard tactics” and understood their equipment’s capabilities.
Controversy surrounded the incident, as the B1-B bomber was flying at an altitude too high to pick up the standard marking devices US troops have to avoid that specific problem.
The Green Berets dismissed the allegations and slammed the initial investigation, saying that the fault ultimately lies with whoever gave them the B1-B in the first place. SOCOM Commander Lt. Gen. Charles Cleveland, himself a Green Beret, concurred, and insisted that no disciplinary action will be taken.
But of course. Being part of the US govt means you're always clear of any and all wrongdoing. Isn't one country that thinks itself the chosen one and above all human law more than enough?
It shall happen again, without the truth instilling some discipline and repentance how can it not happen again?
I'm shocked, shocked that this "investigation" turned out just like most all of the "investigations" the US military has to perform (because it is an act) over the years. Can't have the "Heroes" image besmirched, can we.
Seams something like a repeat of did not read the fing manual issue found at sayyd alma kalay.
At 15,000 ft. everyone becomes a "militant" target. Too bad if you aren't. Very sad.
Hurry up and kill the enemy — More important then wining hearts and minds
Because the bomber pilot could not detect the marking devices, the ground forces infrared strobes, he believed the muzzle flashes were coming from Taliban rifles.
Such kill-crazy rules of engagement created by stupidity inside the Pentagon, why is not some General up there rotting in jail for life?
And how can that bomber pilot in clear conscience say he is free of guilt, when he makes body parts out of troops with only an educated guess as to whose side they are on?
http://www.stripes.com/news/us/report-deaths-were…