This example, of a helicopter crew acting like they were in a video game, is appalling. However, the cover up is downright despicable.
What we should have learned from the Pat Tillman case was that the truth will eventually come out. It tells us that war is not pretty and mistakes are made but that we need to be culpable for our actions.
The recent wikileaks.org video of the attack on a group of people in Iraq shows that someone out there doesn't agree with covering up the truth of our actions in war. It also points to a bigger problem: The military often gets trigger-happy soldiers that seem to forget the overall mission of our military.
My understanding of how we engage in the practice of war is a mission, not a game. Yes, strategy is used to accomplish a mission but we can never forget that the winning of hearts and minds does not include personal gratification nor should we ever try to easily dismiss the wrong actions or give them any leeway to commit atrocities.
It sounds like these airmen acted in accordance to a jock mentality where they wanted to score points with their buddies rather than do what was right. Given that the video came out long after the cover up, it shows that leadership was okay with hoping that no one was owning up to the failure to give the truth rather than protecting someone undeserving of protection.
I feel for the families that lost their loved ones. I also feel for the families that have to deal with these foolish man-children that took out their own shortcomings on the innocent.
I recently re-enlisted in the Army in a public affairs role in hopes that I can keep the truth coming. I hope not to run into opposition to being the truth-seeking arm of our military.
If we truly want to win the wars we started, we must act as if we are there for the people we hope to assist, not be the monsters we are constantly painted as because of our ignorance.
