World

Did an American Drone Kill Two U.S. Troops in Afghanistan?

NBC:

WASHINGTON — A U.S. Marine reservist and a Navy corpsman were killed in a drone airstrike in Afghanistan last week in an apparent case of friendly fire, U.S. military officials tell NBC News.

Marine Staff Sgt. Jeremy Smith and Navy Corpsman Benjamin Rast were reportedly killed Wednesday by a Hellfire missile fired from a U.S. Air Force Predator in what appears to be a case of mistaken identity, NBC reported. Smith and Rast were part of a Marine unit moving in to reinforce fellow Marines under heavy fire from enemy forces outside Sangin in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan.

The Marines under fire were watching streaming video of the battlefield being fed to them by an armed Predator overhead. They saw a number of “hot spots,” or infrared images, moving in their direction.

Did an American Drone Kill Two U.S. Troops in Afghanistan?

Apparently believing that those “hot spots” were the enemy, they called in a Hellfire missile strike from the Predator.

It’s believed that this is the first time that U.S. service members have been killed by a Predator in a friendly fire incident.

Smith, 26, of Arlington, Texas, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division out of Houston. Rast, 23, was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division out of San Diego.

The U.S. military is investigating the incident. Military officials say the families of both service members have been informed of the possibility this was a friendly fire incident.

Via Wired.

Comments (47)

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  • Thing
    Posted on April 13, 2011 at 8:10pm

    Troops in Afganistan/Iraq could use some less discreete identification systems, not like they fighting against high tech Chinese or Russian armies{at least their top units}. Now i belive hey get only a few small emiters, placed around helmet, flashing rays that can be detecded by Thermal imaging devices, but probably not from every angle or altitude. Someone should ask where all that money they spend on that future warrior prorgam gone. Prototypes were ready before 2001, at least they should introduce stan alone thermal sights with extra screens by now, would be much harder for sandmonkeys to hide, especialy in their mud{Afgan}houses , which are usually very dark inside, as they like darknees

    Report Post »  
  • Reagan4President
    Posted on April 12, 2011 at 10:35pm

    I will pray for their families. God Bless The Troops.

    Report Post » Reagan4President  
  • The Time Has Come
    Posted on April 12, 2011 at 8:44pm

    If this drone would have killed some terrorists the muslims would be in an uproar, beheading anyone they could get their hands on and obama and petreaus would be apologizing for it.Just oh well things happen when it’s an american serviceman.Pathetic and sickening

    Report Post »  
    • Ron_WA
      Posted on April 12, 2011 at 9:07pm

      Super Dave Petraeus would never have appologized for killing Taliban … he may be a bit PC in how he speaks to the media so as not to bring shame, anti-American sentiment or disparage the eforts of US efforts but he’s more of a patriot than 99% of all Americans. I have known this Man for over 20 years & when you have sacrificed even 10% of what he has done then you deserve a right to speak.

      Report Post » Ron_WA  
    • The Time Has Come
      Posted on April 12, 2011 at 11:31pm

      I dont care how long you’ve known petreaus. He’s a water carrier for a president who has no intention of winning this war.And dont ever presume to know what me and my family have sacrificed or tell me when I can speak on a subject

      Report Post »  
    • Ron_WA
      Posted on April 13, 2011 at 7:08am

      Petraeus is no water carrier; he’s served this Nation under 8 presidents – you know nothing of the man not even how to spell his name; you’re just uninformed; nex time speak from a position of knowledge.

      Report Post » Ron_WA  
  • Ron_WA
    Posted on April 12, 2011 at 7:31pm

    This really sucks but it’s always been part of war & always will be – collateral damage is not just limited to non-combatants. We’ve come a LONG way in limiting it. I can’t tell you how many times we came close to lighting up our own troops & how many times we inadvertently lit up not only our own guys but allies in my four trips to war. They call it the fog of war for a reason.

    Report Post » Ron_WA  
    • Ron_WA
      Posted on April 12, 2011 at 7:40pm

      Gotta’ clarify a bit; I still say this sucks & is collateral damage in the fog of war but I do have say as one who has used & been in the ground control stations of UAVs – their optics & ability to I.D. friend from foe leaves a lot to be desired.

      I hate to defend the fighter jockeys but manned air platforms are truly more able to limit collateral damage than UAVs.

      Having said that, we need to keep using UAVs & learn from this.

      Pray for the families of the fallen & for those involved in making this mistake.

      Report Post » Ron_WA  
  • Gypsy123
    Posted on April 12, 2011 at 4:36pm

    So terrible.

    Report Post » Gypsy123  
  • Kalshion
    Posted on April 12, 2011 at 4:30pm

    Rest In Peace.

    Report Post »  
  • DallyWama
    Posted on April 12, 2011 at 3:36pm

    Obama running a military.

    Report Post »  
  • alexegz30
    Posted on April 12, 2011 at 2:34pm

    Predators are not used lightly or without involvement of an extended chain of command. What we must understand is this was not a split second decision. All fire commands are subject to several layers of authority when it comes to these unmanned aircraft. The focus should not be on the machine used, but on who the people in command were that gave the order for the missile launch. There has never been a predator attack that was not overseen by multiple levels of authority.

    In the remote Predator cockpit, there isn’t one guy sitting by himself holding a fire button, despite the common misconceptions of the press. There are two or more pilots involved in flying the aircraft who are bound by very strict rules and make no decisions as to what missions are being undertaken. All orders are relayed from higher levels of command, especially when it involves more than surveillance ops.

    Report Post »  
    • Wally3430
      Posted on April 12, 2011 at 7:10pm

      Actually there is one pilot flying, one sensor operator controlling the cameras and weapons guidance, one or more intelligence people watching the feed, and another qualified pilot watching the feed—plus there is usually a JTAC on the ground inbedded with the unit. All have instant communication with the other. That’s alot of eyes looking at the same thing, which goes to show you no system is perfect. And, in the interest of accuracy, the picture in this article is of a MQ-9 Reaper….not a Predator.

      Report Post »  
    • alexegz30
      Posted on April 13, 2011 at 11:50am

      Very good response! I am pleased to see others out there who understand the complexity of this “Unmanned” aerial vehicle rather than having to brace myself as I try to overcome the depiction of Predators and other UAVs as little more than remote controlled toys with weapons.

      Report Post »  
  • Sudsy
    Posted on April 12, 2011 at 2:27pm

    As someone very intimate with the use of UAVs on the battlefield from my tours in Iraq, I can tell you that sometimes, especially in the heat of battle while under fire, its extremely hard to PID (Positively IDentify) your target. No matter how great our sensors get, there will always be incidents such as this on the battlefield. That is something we in the military have always accepted as part of joining up. $%^# happens. Its no comfort to the families, but its a reality all of us have faced and accepted when we raised our right hands and handed Uncle Sam the blank check that is our life. Pray for the families, and pray for the Marine ANGLICO JTAC who was likely controlling the Predator, pray for the Predator crew as well. We don’t need any more suicides in our armed forces.

    Report Post »  
  • paulusmaximus
    Posted on April 12, 2011 at 12:31pm

    Second guessing what happened will never make it better, those who called in the strike are hurting as much as those who lost loved ones (YES I BELIVE IT!). This war has become just a Political shell game with corruption and lies abounding. We shore up a wildly corrupt rule and protect the Muslim Brotherhood so they an cause the chaos in the world for their 7th Demon.

    Report Post » paulusmaximus  
  • ED4237
    Posted on April 12, 2011 at 12:24pm

    We need to bring our troops home so they aren’t killed needlessly like this. We have never tried to win this war since day one and we need them home not abroad where nobody but some of anymore support them. We should stop all aid to Pakistan and Afghanistan right now and just let them do whatever they want too.. When you go to war it is to kill not to rebuild and stay there 100 years not that long but we just need out this has gone on way to long.

    Report Post »  
  • Silat
    Posted on April 12, 2011 at 11:13am

    That is why our units need transponders to ID them to the drone operators. A simple sensor system would have saved two US servicemen. God bless these two men and their families.

    This happened at the beginning of the Afghan War too. Today’s technology could have saved them. \
    Too little…to late!

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  • MrsMB2008
    Posted on April 12, 2011 at 11:04am

    Our troops are under such stress right now and it doesn‘t help that their Commander and Chief doesn’t support them. We must all stand and support our troops and pray they come home safely. These wars have gone on way to long.

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  • Getten
    Posted on April 12, 2011 at 10:34am

    http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704662604576257273696136418.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

    Report Post » Getten  
  • TheMarine
    Posted on April 12, 2011 at 10:13am

    [Angry face goes here]

    http://www.KevinWebb22.com

    Report Post » TheMarine  
  • Sinista MACE
    Posted on April 12, 2011 at 9:48am

    Skynet doesn’t discriminate.

    All humans must be obliterated to save the planet from man-made disaster.

    ***COMMENCING SWEEP***

    Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
  • eat-more-bacon-USA
    Posted on April 12, 2011 at 8:52am

    Well, U.S. Troops are the enemy in obama’s estimation.

    Report Post » eat-more-bacon-USA  
  • 5410amh
    Posted on April 12, 2011 at 8:38am

    We all know what will happen, obozo will say “It‘s George Bush’s fualt”.

    Report Post »  
  • Tlc3Terry
    Posted on April 12, 2011 at 8:26am

    What a shame! God Bless their familys!

    This is getting out of control! I just heard on Fox that now Obama is going to stop the drone attacks in Afganistan! So now their not even gonna have air support!

    God Help our soldiers! If this is how he thinks hes gonna fight a war they need to just start bringing our troops home! Its not worth loosing our men and women if hes not going to let them fight to win!

    God Bless Our Soldiers

    Report Post » Tlc3Terry  
    • illuminoddy
      Posted on April 12, 2011 at 8:29am

      exactly what Kennedy did to protect the Communists

      Osama Abu baraki Hussein is protecting his brothers, or those he believes can be controlled, changed, appeased, and made to dwell peacefully with Americans

      Report Post » illuminoddy  
  • rightwingheroes
    Posted on April 12, 2011 at 8:23am

    Democrats want a war where nobody dies.

    I believe i can flyyyyyy, i believe i can touch the skyyy….
    -R Kelly

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  • illuminoddy
    Posted on April 12, 2011 at 8:06am

    predators dont kill people, people kill people

    this was error from the ground force monitoring the situation on infrared

    all US troops shoulld have a certain beacon which flashes on the infrared monitor

    Report Post » illuminoddy  
    • warrior21
      Posted on April 13, 2011 at 9:30am

      I agree! I don’t how the call in fire -air support- in today’s Army. However, in my experience -Vietnam- if we had targets, we could direct the Covey to the target selected using distance and an azimuth from our location. How that works with a drone I don’t know. In any case, it seems to me, that someone on the ground made a mistake. It’s quite easy to do when you are under fire… but it happens all the time.

      Report Post » warrior21  
  • Countrygirl1362
    Posted on April 12, 2011 at 7:50am

    It is past time to bring our troop home. Prayers for all the family and friends affected by the deaths of these heros.

    Report Post »  
    • My Hero-Allen West-click my name
      Posted on April 12, 2011 at 8:15am

      COUNTRYGIRL,

      I have to agree with you. I believe we should bring them all home. I used to think it was better to fight them over there than fighting them here in the US. But I have come to the realization they are there, they are here too so in order to get ride of them we should be here at home defending our homeland. It’s really about the oil. Blood for oil is not a good trade.

      We have all we need here, the problem is that both parties have been complacent over the last two decades of not leading the US to self dependence. Again thank your politicians and lobbyist and the all mighty dollar!

      The time is at hand to get our own house in order!

      Report Post » My Hero-Allen West-click my name  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on April 12, 2011 at 7:41am

    They died defending their country. They are heros.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • robin.kevin
      Posted on April 12, 2011 at 8:02am

      I agree they died as heroes and will not be forgotten.

      Thank God for Soldiers and Jesus for they are the only ones who have ever died for me. One fights for our freedom and the other fights for our souls.

      Report Post » robin.kevin  
  • My Hero-Allen West-click my name
    Posted on April 12, 2011 at 7:00am

    So sad for the Patriots families. Please remember them in your prayers. Such a waste.

    Report Post » My Hero-Allen West-click my name  
  • RightUnite
    Posted on April 12, 2011 at 6:40am

    Well you know what Obama’s going to say…. Well… We didn’t actually do it, the drones did it. An American didn’t actually cause the friendly fire, those d*mned drones did it.

    Report Post »  
    • NickDeringer
      Posted on April 12, 2011 at 6:47am

      No he will say: it was due to GOP budget cuts and George Bush.

      Report Post » NickDeringer  
    • RightUnite
      Posted on April 12, 2011 at 6:50am

      Oh Duh! What the heck was I thinking?? You are certainly right!

      Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on April 12, 2011 at 7:18am

      One thing I do understand from dealing with many combat vet’s is that in the confusion of the fight, it is very possible to make a – a blue on blue incident happens, and people get hurt or killed from friendly fire. No matter how tight security and precautions are taken, there is only one absolute on the field – Murphy will get involved when least wanted or needed.

      My prayers are offered up to the Lord for comfort and support to the families of the slain, and for their friends and comrad in arms as well.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Cloth Stews
      Posted on April 12, 2011 at 8:25am

      A calculated attack on our own so that Obama will have the opportunity to correctly pronounce “Corpsman”.

      I don’t mean to be so cynical but could not help myself. My thoughts and prayers are with the families that lost their loved ones.

      Report Post »  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on April 12, 2011 at 8:49am

      I wish the military would tell these things to FOX, at least then we would know they were telling someone who cared about the military. I guess, though, they are telling the government-run media. My prayers go out for the families of these fallen heros, RIP.

      Report Post »  
    • ishka4me
      Posted on April 12, 2011 at 9:08am

      please take the polotics out of this. friendly fire incidents happen in the chaos of war. Pray for the marines who died and pray twice for those responsible, for they will not ever have a good nights sleep for the rest of their lives.

      Report Post »  
    • MG-42
      Posted on April 12, 2011 at 9:47am

      It’s sad, but under heavy fighting, chaos happens. I pray for the families & their peace.

      Report Post » MG-42  
    • American Soldier (Separated)
      Posted on April 12, 2011 at 10:44am

      I realized yesterday that I have a special gift. It is not one unique to myself, perhaps unique to service members. Those that fought in Vietnam and lost friends there most likely have this. I was driving home yesterday and I saw a sign on the back of a truck. “In loving memory of Sgt….with the 82nd Airborne….. died Feb 27th, 2010″

      What’s the special gift? Knowing that solder had a month left before he would be able to return home. I know because, even though I didn’t know this Sgt from the 82nd, my unit replaced his unit in mid March. Such a sinking feeling. Name any other unit and when the solder died, I’d be able to tell you how close he could have been to going home to his family.

      These wars are not worth it. The loss of good, brave men and the scars left behind on those that survived is not worth it. Whether they’re physical, mental or emotional scars. Bring our troops home, today!

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
    • HerbieHightower
      Posted on April 12, 2011 at 12:17pm

      It’s just a little collateral damage. It happens during war. We hear this all the time.

      Report Post »  
    • American Soldier (Separated)
      Posted on April 12, 2011 at 12:53pm

      @HERBIEHIGHTOWER

      I hope you were being sarcastic. Or I hope you’ve been on the ground fighting. If not in the recent wars but at the very least Vietnam, depending on how old you are. I did not consider myself or my friend cannon fodder, even if the war mongers in Congress believe it to be so. You tell that to the six year old boy I met a few months back at a remembrance ceremony that his dead father was just collateral damage.

      If we’ve been desensitized to the loss of life then we are truly lost.

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
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