RE: http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,159571,00.html

I think this Inquiry will do the right thing. Don't you?

Rules Of Engagement! Today That Means That We Must Let A Marine Die First Then Shot Back? This Is A War Zone. If Not Lets Go Home.

Go Hard or Go Home!

Semper Fi

Is this a war or what/ Fight or get out



Msgt USAF RETIRED and DAV in a wheelchair

Yea, the way to find out what really happened is to offer money to people injured during this operation. I can see it now, If you were an innocent bystander and injured during this unprovoked attack on innocent civilians, you can come forward, tell us your story, and collect money for doing so, but remember, you must not be a Taliban or Al Quede member, just innnocent people. I can see the people lining up now, telling how they were just out for a walk when these blood thirsty Marines opened up on them. I had my AK of course, and it did go off accidently when I was shot, but Iam innocent. Right

The Army commander on the scene seemed to think that whatever happened warranted the removal of the Marine unit from his area of operations. He is being castigated for his 'rush to judgement' in Marine circles, but will not be called by the defense.

The unit involved admit 'taking fire' from a distance of 3 miles from one point, and returning fire. Problem is they seemed to be engaging other targets at shorter range for a ten mile run.

I have not heard of any other unit running a 10 mile ambush in Afghanistan and coming through with no casualties.

Staying objective until 'all the facts' are in.

quote:

Staying objective until 'all the facts' are in.

Strange words coming from you....

I read it somewhere that this is the Army playing politics because the Marines are dancing on the big stage in an official (SOCOM) capacity now. The SEALS have been pushing for the Marines to have a more active role in Special Operations. Speaking of SEALS, I recall a fireteam that waited while out on a recon patrol in Afghanistan, three killed, one critically injured, the only survivor. How many times have we heard of an EOD attack, followed by small arms fire and RPG's, catching our troops in a crossing volley of hot blue steel coming down range? It happened in Tikrit on the march to Baghdad and in many other places. EOD hits the front, RPG fire from the rear, creating a gaunlet and lots and lots of dead people. The Marines recognized this and were pro-active in the effort of saving lives. The orchestrators of the attack more than likely set up the ambush to maximize on civilian deaths and now, OUR TROOPS have to pay?!?!? This is str8 B.S.!!!!

I am as in favor of justice as anyone, but I have to wonder whether this "Inquiry" is really an opportunity for two Officers to be sacrificed for some sort of political expediency!

W should (and I believe do) hold our forces to high standards of conduct. That being said, war is hell!-If we don't have the guts to accept that, will we remain capable of a national defense?

quote:

Originally posted by GunnyRet03:

quote:

Staying objective until 'all the facts' are in.

Strange words coming from you....

More like 'strange words going to you.'

Find a post where I haven't been as objective Gunny.

Now, let me see if I remember how this works:
a. Clear the vehicle immediately.
b. Form a 360 around the vehicle.
c. Take all suspected or apparent hostiles under fire.
OR:
a. Stop the convoy of vehicles.
b. Get out, take a good look around.
c. Go up to every non-military person and ask if they did any shooting.
d. Walk around the area to insure it wasn't a vehicular backfire or a kid with a firecracker.
e. Wipe out your trousers, get back in the vehicles, and boogy in.

Hmmmmmmmmm...I guess I'd have to go with the first scenario.
Sorry, I guess I'm just an old baztard who likes living. Get real!!!
Sergeant Major

During yesterday's long hearing (0800-1900), the focus was more on escalation of force, rather than rules of engagement. SSgt Queiro had some very compelling testimony about the incident, and not many good things to say about SSgt Travers. They were both in the 3rd vehicle in the convoy and really didn't "see" anything, but heard small arms fire after the blast, some of which was described as not being "military" small arms fire.

There was alot of discussion about the movement of civilian vehicles in the opposing lane of traffic when passing convoys, whether they should pull over, pull over and slow down, pull over and stop, and what was done if they didn't. Both SSgt's described the practice of hand and arm signals, flashlights, and an "unwritten" throwing of rocks through windshields if vehicles didn't yield to the convoy.

We still have about 50 or more witnesses that will testify and don't expect the COI to conclude before the end of January.

quote:

Originally posted by popsiq:

quote:

Originally posted by GunnyRet03:

quote:

Staying objective until 'all the facts' are in.

Strange words coming from you....

More like 'strange words going to you.'

Find a post where I haven't been as objective Gunny.

LMFAO!!!
http://forums.military.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/672198221...361001#7540090361001

It's hard to believe that this experienced group of operators (not experienced in this unit, but in Force, etc.) would do as the Army and Afghans describe.

Victims get paid, so there's an incentive to be a victim. Investigators conclude: "No evidence of small arms fire" ... days or a week later? What? They didn't police up their brass after the incident?

Whatever the outcome, those Marines deserve our support.