Yes, it is a tragedy and probably not 100% fixable. While not excusable (far from it) it has happened in the past and will happen in the future. Battlefields are fluid and continuously changing and whenever human responses are at play, no amount of high technology will prevent these tragedies 100%. Keep in mind that if the majority of fighting is done by the Americans then it is logical that the majority of accidents will occur by the Americans also.

Also, having spent time in the military in an aviation unit, I can honestly say that my experience is that not all pilots are drugged to stay awake. Most pilots are not drugged to the point where they could not legally drive a car. Most pilots were not drugged at all. There are cases obviously and in my opinion it is more often a 'self medication' issue with the military doctors providing the means, but that is not the norm. Also, if you had to be awake for 36 hours straight and perform to such an extent where lives were on the line what would you do? Perhaps we are demanding too much of our soldiers to begin with. Additionally, the battlefield is not everyday life and cannot be expected to be. Far from it.

Tracy

>>SNIP
>>>following dropping bombs on anything that moves, regardless of direction of movement & nationality.
>>
>>but the statement above is so ridiculous on its own merit.
>
>Just making a comment on the fact the the majority of deaths on ALL sides in recent conflicts involving the US have been caused by the US. I think all British troops killed in the last Gulf War were killed by the US. Accidents happen, especially in the heat of war, but the US seems to account for the majority of "friendly-fire" incidents. But then what can you expect when you send pilots out drugged to the extent that they are not legally entitled to drive a car.