Two soldiers killed in exercise...

[pickel]

Unfortunately, friendly fire has gotten many a good man.
My condolences to their families and loved ones.

[Warthog]

In actuality, I'm sure our training casualties are far less than the past...it's just it seems so "much", I guess, or rather the media takes notice because there are hardly any casualties in recent conflicts...a good thing really.

Warthog

[sharder8]

Quote:

I'm wondering how it's possible to be run over by a vehicle that sounds like an aircraft engine.

It ain't hard!!!

I had one sneak up on me when I wasn't paying attention! Turned around and I was looking in the muzzle of a 120mm main gun!!

Harder

[Thud]

On my first trip to JRTC (there in Louisiana) we lost a couple of 101st Airborne troops during a nighttime air-assault. Seems that the rappel master made a miscalculation. Had 30 feet of rope and gave them clearance to jump at 60 feet. The first two guys to land were crushed by the others coming down the rope.

I still remember the following morning when a few of the survivors came in, some on crutches, some bandaged up. They went straight up to the flight-crew and told them that they realized it was just an unfortunate mistake, and that they wouldn't hesitate to fly with them again. That, my friends, is cajones.

While it is damn sad to lose people like that, the danger is a part of the job, and these guys accept it and face it straight-on.

[TM12]

sharder8 isn't lying. They're not loud from the front. A few days ago a tank driver died here in Germany when his tank slid and rolled in the mud. He essentially suffocated in the mud before they could get him out. As many have said, it's a dangerous job that requires a great amount of thought, awareness and attention to detail that's difficult to maintain when you're tired, cold and hungry. Leaders do their best to eliminate the risks of being human but, it's impossible to do it 100%. I would ask everyone to remember that training around the world has increased in preparation for what is probably the inevitable attack on Iraq. I would ask you to maintain your support if they do and I ask you to not give in to the terrorists. Consider the odds of lightning striking the same place twice and remember that when you sell your stock or refuse to buy more out of worries about war or take a car when you really wanted to fly, then the terrorists have won. Fear is natural and life goes on. The question is "On who's terms will you live?" Your's or theirs?

[SickPup404]

Well said, TM12!