Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Hollywoodaction]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/03/AR2007070302309.html


In other words, the first Canadian soldier to have died (officially) in a gun battle since the Korean War was shot in the back as a result of a lack of communication within the US Armed Forces. Why wasn't that idiot not told where the friendlies were and what part of the training taught that soldier that it was acceptable to start firing outside of a certain perimeter?

As someone who has served in the Canadian armed forces, I can't express how this really ticks me off.

Man, 10% of all Canadian deaths in Afghanistan was from 'friendly fire' coming from Americans. Imagine if Canadians were responsible for 10% of the American casualties.

[Kuros]

My sympathies for the loss.

This happens not occasionally between Americans and other Americans. Pat Tillman comes to mind.

[Hollywoodaction]

[Gopher]

[cbclark4]

"The engagement of friendly forces by friendly fire has become a
significant problem during this century. Large and highly mobile forces,
vast battlefields, and weapons of greatly increased range, lethality and
complexity has contributed to the increase in friendly fire casualties
(fratricide) since World War I. During America's most recent conflict in
the Persian Gulf, highly trained forces using advanced weapon systems,
defeated a numerically superior enemy. A less desirable result, however,
was a higher percentage of fratricide by U.S. forces than ever before."

"A combination of featureless desert terrain; large, complex and
fast-moving formations; fighting in rain, darkness or low
visiblility; and the ability to engage targets from long distances
were contributing factors in the 28 friendly fire incidents. Of
note, these same factors also contributed to our forces achieving
their victory more rapidly, thereby keeping coalition casualties
to a minimum."


http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1992/KAC.htm


Seems the actions that contribute to "Friendly Fire" also contribute to less overall casualties.

[Hollywoodaction]

[Gopher]

Just a bumbling disorganized mob of killer-ruffians that cannot even communicate, is it?

Your position vis-a-vis the American forces is simply too harsh. Canada's armed forces, according to you, on the other hand, come off as models of efficiency. But you are Canadian. And this is expected, Hollywoodaction.

Sorry to have to be the one to tell you this: Canada and the Canadian military is far, far smaller, even miniscule, when juxtaposed against America and America's armed forces. Different management issues entirely. And apples and oranges as well.

[contrarian]

My number two son is on his way to Afghanistan with the Canadian army. I hope he survives. whether he is killed by an accident or by enemy action he is still dead.

*beep* happens.

[cbclark4]

[cbclark4]

For those wishing to see what a friendly fire scenario looks like, Mel Brooks in "We Were Soldiers". They brought the fire down right on top of themselves.

[Leslie Cheswyck]

[contrarian]

During the Korean War one Canadian Unit, the PPCLI was given a US Presidential Unit Citation. It was for waht they did at the battle at Kapyong. They held a hilltop against more than a division of Chinese by calling thier own artillery down on them.

They were in fox holes the CHinese on top. When the Chinese tried to jump into the holes they were dispatched with a bayonet or a shovel. Friendly fire, but not a mistake.

Proud Canadians might want to go there.

[cbclark4]

[Big_Bird]

[contrarian]

The kid has wanted to be a soldier most of his life. He has a 14" titanium rod screwed to his spine, how he ever made it through basic is a wonder.

Far be it from me (I spent 5 years in the Canadian army way back when) to second guess him.