Avatar feed
Responses: 4
SSG(P) Casualty Operations Ncoic
2
2
0
If you haven't seen the movie in its entirety, I would suggest it, as this incident is the basis for the rest of the movie. All the legal angles are explored in the courtroom scenes.

As for the situation in the movie clip, I agree with MSG (Join to see) in that the order to "engage hostiles as they appear" is lawful. The "Waste the MFers" was unnecessary, and later in the movie, the prosecution does indeed use this to show ill intent towards the crowd. While I've never been under fire, especially that volume of fire, where people have been getting maimed and killed by aimed gunfire, it is surprising that the Marines would indiscriminately rain down that much ordnance into a crowd. It would seem that one would want to take out confirmed sources of accurately aimed fire. Again, I've never been in a situation like that, so I don't know what I would do in a similar situation. I DO know that I would not put unarmed children in my sights.
(2)
Comment
(0)
SSG Carlos Madden
SSG Carlos Madden
7 y
(0)
Reply
(0)
SSG Pete Fleming
SSG Pete Fleming
7 y
Speaking as someone who been in situations with mortars and intense sniper fire raining down on (ok not to that extent but felt like it at times)... trigger control can be relative. Some people are more disciplined than others, some see it as an excuse to shoot (as seen by those who kept firing after cease fire was called)

It is easy to say what you would do or not do. But if your life is in danger, your fight or flight response kicks in, and since flight not an option... However it does come down to doing what is right, and right does have levels. Which is more right the one little child or ten of your buddies?

But I am straying...ultimately the senior on the ground is responsible, right or wrong, he/she must stand by their choices made and hope at the end of the day it was right...

Was his the right choice? You saw the movie
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
MSG Intermediate Care Technician
2
2
0
Edited 7 y ago
His comment of "Engage HOSTILE TARGETS as they appear" is, IMHO, a lawful order. It's a very shaded lawful order (since there are civilians in the crowd), but still one nonetheless. And he was doing real good with that order until he said "waste the motherf*ckers."

That being said, the more imminent danger, I would say, would be the rounds coming in from the roofs across the way. Engaging and eliminating them would have seemed more appropriate. But, since most combat actions are always hindsight well after the actual shooting is over.....

These types of actions can, and are, analyzed every way and three ways on Sunday, but no one can say with ANY certainty how they would call the shots until they, themselves, are in this situation. But, I'm just a REMF POG, so what do I really know?
(2)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SPC Cynthia Newton
1
1
0
If there were snipers in the crowd, yes. awful truth. Correct me if I am wrong.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close