Blue on Blue Tape classified By USA

[jonathan_ddr]

Hi Guys
I have not been around for a while but this has me HOPPING MAD

In 2003 two A10s spotted a UK Patrol of four CVR(T) reconnaissance tanks and despite the vehicles having all the correct identification markings they attacked!!!

The Tanks radioed for the attack to stop and were told the A10's were not contactable and were ROGUE!

They attacked again despite RED SMOKE being released; the signal for friendly troops. Also Iraqi civilians were waving white flags.

On the cockpit recorder one Pilot was heard to say "Some ones going to Jail for this one"

The UK Coroner to the inquest into the Death of a British Soldier killed in the attack wanted to show the relatives the Tape but the US Army have said that it is classified.

All I can say is what utter UTTER TOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He believes that its evidence is crucial but still the US refuses to release it, YET we have a copy of the tape.

ITS about time our Government and Troops stood up to the US ARMY and say enough is enough and release the tape.

IT is time for us to start saying unless requested ANY USAF plane comes within gun range of our troops IT WILL BE SHOT DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!

ITS about time the US train its troops to ID the target first. IRAQ did not have any CVR(T) vehicles let alone the WARRIORS they attacked in Gulf 1.

And to cap it of I see in the battle for Najaf The IDiOTS attacked US LVTPs.

STRING THESE PILOTS UP....NO TIE THEM TO A TANK THEN SHOOT IT WITH THEIR OWN A10.


Jon (Venting Frustration)

[Anth]

I was reading about this earlier and agree with you.

Its not on that we help out by putting our guys in the line of fire only for that fire to be coming from our Ally!

[Woodmonkey]

Originally Posted by jonathan_ddr

All I can say is what utter UTTER TOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He believes that its evidence is crucial but still the US refuses to release it, YET we have a copy of the tape.

ITS about time our Government and Troops stood up to the US ARMY and say enough is enough and release the tape.

Why doesn't your government release the tape?

ITS about time the US train its troops to ID the target first. IRAQ did not have any CVR(T) vehicles let alone the WARRIORS they attacked in Gulf 1.

I don't agree with us shooting down each others' aircraft, but targets should be ID'd. Is there an answer as to why this wasn't? Are stiff enough complaints filed?

[jonathan_ddr]

Originally Posted by Woodmonkey

Why doesn't your government release the tape?

Hi Katie

Because the US say its classified and we don't want to upset the US especially in making Bush look stupid.

Jon

[Woodmonkey]

I don't see that this would reflect on Bush, but on the pilots themselves.

[Chrisj]

Unfortunately US pilots have always been seen by some as trigger happy adopting the shoot first, ask questions later approach. The refusal to release the tape just reinforces this view and naturally the assumption being made is the US military have something to hide. Whilst its commendable that the US military are prepared to protect their soldiers from spurious allegations it should not defend them blindly when there is evidence of wrong doing. There seems to be a reluctance for the American military to co operate with UK coroners investigations with video footage withheld, incomplete witness statements, refusal to supply evidence usually on the grounds of national security. The more this happens the greater the feeling that US troops in the Middle East are out of control or incompetantly led will grow. If this perception is allowed to develop in the UK then public opinion which is largely against the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts could force a government to withdraw troops. The ultimate outcome could be a nation who would not provide military support to the US no matter what the circumstances.

Public perception is important in the modern world, with a wide variety of media reporting from all corners of the world and a rather guilable public who seem only too willing to believe any nut with a conspiracy theory it is important for the US military to prevent the allegations of cover ups over 'friendly fire' incidents. People will believe anything they read in the papers just look at the number of people who believe in the Diana conspiracy despite the investigations, inquiries and hearings which have all found no evidence to support her assasination by the establishment. If the US military appears to be obstructive over this issue then all it will do is harm its own image in the eyes of its allies.

[Woodmonkey]

Originally Posted by Chrisj

Unfortunately US pilots have always been seen by some as trigger happy adopting the shoot first, ask questions later approach. The refusal to release the tape just reinforces this view and naturally the assumption being made is the US military have something to hide. Whilst its commendable that the US military are prepared to protect their soldiers from spurious allegations it should not defend them blindly when there is evidence of wrong doing. There seems to be a reluctance for the American military to co operate with UK