More Idiotic Friendly Fire

Before January this year, US armed forces were not trained to recognise British vehicles. In the British Army, troops are trained to recognise vehicles from most antions..I know as I have seen the teaching aides. Additionally I have a friend in the army who had the pleasure of joint exercises with US army. He has often told me the story of how in a briefing the American commander instructed his troops to "fire" on any formation in arrow-head as they woudl be the enemy. At which point my friend was obliged to interject and instruct the briefer that the British army also uses the arrow head formation, and was indeed also taking part in the exercise.

In both this and the last gulf war I know of no occaisions where British forces have fired on American, yet I know of three where A-10s have attacked British personnel. It wouldn't be so bad if the aircraft was high speed high altitude one that used stand off attacks, but instead it is dog slow and attacks at relatively short range..no excuses for this one.

maybe they should issue

Jane's Tank & Combat Vehicle Recognition Guide by Christopher F. Foss
Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide by David Rendall

[ 04-01-2003, 05:48 AM: Message edited by: Sir_Tainly ]

[Ronn_Bman]

Originally posted by Donut: As I said Ronn, I can understand mistakes being made in the heat of battle when your life is at threat but an A10 pilot has time to be 100% sure. Is it a crime to return to base without firing all of your weapons. And of course they are trained - that's why they keep hitting us. BTW - if 1 out of every 6 soldiers is British you'd think they'd be harder to find.

Well, I've said in this thread that the A-10 attack is inexcusable, and that it definitely seems to fall "outside" the scope of normal friendly fire.

I understand this incident is different, and I am not and have not defended it. My response that you've quoted was a response to a post that went far beyond this particular incident.

And no, it is not a crime to return to base without firing all your weapons. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Donut]

Originally posted by Ronn_Bman: Well, I've said in this thread that the A-10 attack is inexcusable, and that it definitely seems to fall "outside" the scope of normal friendly fire.

Ouch! Normal friendly fire. But I take your point Ronn.

[ 04-02-2003, 04:44 AM: Message edited by: Donut ]