FabSwingers.com > Forums > The Lounge > Sgt Blackman

Sgt Blackman

Jump to: Newest in thread

By *atcouple OP Couple over a year ago

Suffolk - East Anglia

Sgt Blackman has won the right to an appeal hearing.

Really hope he wins. His conviction was extremely unfair.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *etter the devil you knowWoman over a year ago

Lyndhurst

Good news he doesnt deserve to be in prison.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *imiUKMan over a year ago

Hereford

Please explain why you think he shouldn't be imprisoned?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

He went to work

And did his job.

Nuff said

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *irtyGirlWoman over a year ago

Edinburgh

"Sgt Blackman has won the right to an appeal hearing.

Really hope he wins. His conviction was extremely unfair."

From the little I've just found on Google it looks as though he shot someone whilst calling him a cunt. I'd say that's against the law... why is his conviction unfair?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Please explain why you think he shouldn't be imprisoned?

So as you've probably been under fire from Taliban insurgents many times and obviously visited the most dangerous square mile in the world for five-and-a-half months unvisited, unrelieved, under-resourced, you can probably justify this moral high ground you're perched on and tell us what he 'should' have done amid conflict in the extremity of exhaustion.... it's so easy to judge when it's not your boy, you're dad, you're friend...

Maybe he should have administered first aid and then if he was ever captured they would have been lenient with him??

See that big glass thing in your room, no not the telly...that window...outside that is a 'real' world full of horror and pain and until you've walked a man in someone's shoes... don't...the them how to walk.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *imiUKMan over a year ago

Hereford

[Removed by poster at 06/12/16 21:37:09]

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

From the little I've just found on Google "

Let's just leave that there...

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *imiUKMan over a year ago

Hereford

It's not a story that I've really followed, but as far as I'm aware:

He took it upon himself to try and deny first aid to and then execute an injured enemy fighter, whilst he/a mate filmed the latter part, during which, he called the wounded man a cunt and admitted that he'd broken the Geneva convention.

Is there a sub-plot that I'm somehow missing?

(reposted for typos)

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"It's not a story that I've really followed, "

Again....just leave that line there shall we...

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Sgt Blackman has won the right to an appeal hearing.

Really hope he wins. His conviction was extremely unfair.

From the little I've just found on Google it looks as though he shot someone whilst calling him a cunt. I'd say that's against the law... why is his conviction unfair?

The argument was that he was under stress because he was in a war zone.

As an ex squaddie I'll stick my neck on the line and say he was under extreme stress, however what he did was definitely illegal.

Now compare what is said about him and about the police in the shooting of Mark Duggan. They dealt with a rapidly unfolding situation which they percieved was an immediate danger to themselves or others, however many people have condemned them.

Strange world we live in.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *eerobCouple over a year ago

solihull

Can't be one rule for us and one for them. If it had been a British soldier dispatched in this way there would rightfully be uproar about it.... He knew the rules...

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *imiUKMan over a year ago

Hereford

"It's not a story that I've really followed,

Again....just leave that line there shall we..."

We could, but as you seem to have an opinion, you could inform us that there is more to the story than I've just summised, but you didn't.

Is that because there isn't?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *irtyGirlWoman over a year ago

Edinburgh

"Please explain why you think he shouldn't be imprisoned?

Maybe he should have administered first aid and then if he was ever captured they would have been lenient with him??

Judging by the recording that was taken during the incident it sounds like he was well aware that he was in the wrong. It's not about moral highground, it's not about being on a high horse, it's about facts and there doesn't appear to be any dispute that he did in fact shoot someone unnecessarily. Going to serve your country doesn't give you a free pass to get out of jail if you commit a crime.

I don't need to walk a mile in anyone's shoes to know the difference between right and wrong.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *irtyGirlWoman over a year ago

Edinburgh

From the little I've just found on Google

Let's just leave that there..."

Last time I looked this is an open forum for debate and discussion...

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Please explain why you think he shouldn't be imprisoned?

Maybe he should have administered first aid and then if he was ever captured they would have been lenient with him??

I don't need to walk a mile in anyone's shoes to know the difference between right and wrong.

Maybe you should hotfoot it over there and tell the sweet Taliban about that 'right and wrong' I'm sure after you spoke to then they'll see the error of their ways and stop being such meanies..

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

From the little I've just found on Google

Let's just leave that there...

Last time I looked this is an open forum for debate and discussion..."

And I'm expressing my point just as you are or do you have a different view of what a debate is?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *imiUKMan over a year ago

Hereford

"Please explain why you think he shouldn't be imprisoned?

Maybe he should have administered first aid and then if he was ever captured they would have been lenient with him??

I don't need to walk a mile in anyone's shoes to know the difference between right and wrong.

Maybe you should hotfoot it over there and tell the sweet Taliban about that 'right and wrong' I'm sure after you spoke to then they'll see the error of their ways and stop being such meanies.."

You still appear to lack a cogent argument.

As it seems the bloke not only did something which he knew was wrong, he filmed it and admitted he knew it was wrong on film.....

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *irtyGirlWoman over a year ago

Edinburgh

"Please explain why you think he shouldn't be imprisoned?

Maybe he should have administered first aid and then if he was ever captured they would have been lenient with him??

I don't need to walk a mile in anyone's shoes to know the difference between right and wrong.

Maybe you should hotfoot it over there and tell the sweet Taliban about that 'right and wrong' I'm sure after you spoke to then they'll see the error of their ways and stop being such meanies.."

Why would I want to do that?

I'm not saying their life is a bed of roses, I've seen the destruction war causes but it's one thing to be involved in battle as part of your job, it's another thing altogether to kill an injured person at point blank range in cold blood, admit it on a recording and then appeal it as unfair.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *irtyGirlWoman over a year ago

Edinburgh

From the little I've just found on Google

Let's just leave that there...

Last time I looked this is an open forum for debate and discussion...

And I'm expressing my point just as you are or do you have a different view of what a debate is?"

I'm not the one suggesting you don't express your opinion so I guess our views on a discussion are indeed different.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Please explain why you think he shouldn't be imprisoned?

Maybe he should have administered first aid and then if he was ever captured they would have been lenient with him??

I don't need to walk a mile in anyone's shoes to know the difference between right and wrong.

Maybe you should hotfoot it over there and tell the sweet Taliban about that 'right and wrong' I'm sure after you spoke to then they'll see the error of their ways and stop being such meanies..

You still appear to lack a cogent argument.

As it seems the bloke not only did something which he knew was wrong, he filmed it and admitted he knew it was wrong on film....."

That's it then lock him up throw away the key, let's not look into any of the build up , let's just compare it to good old fashioned right and wrong and strike up a point for the do-gooders, I'm not bringing an argument of sorts merely asking you to think of what they go through daily, life does not have the same value as we see it..every shadow is an enemy a faceless person who wants to KILL you, but maybe we should just imprison them all and spend a fortune rehabilitating them...

You seem as far removed from their world and outlook as they are yours.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Please explain why you think he shouldn't be imprisoned?

Maybe he should have administered first aid and then if he was ever captured they would have been lenient with him??

I don't need to walk a mile in anyone's shoes to know the difference between right and wrong.

Maybe you should hotfoot it over there and tell the sweet Taliban about that 'right and wrong' I'm sure after you spoke to then they'll see the error of their ways and stop being such meanies..

You still appear to lack a cogent argument.

As it seems the bloke not only did something which he knew was wrong, he filmed it and admitted he knew it was wrong on film.....

You seem as far removed from their world and outlook as they are yours. "

Nobody is denying it is stressful. But that's part of the job.

And everyone who kills somebody illegally finds mitigating circumstances. But that's what it is. Mitigation not absolution. He still broke the law.

And yes. I know exactly what a conflict zone is like.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *imiUKMan over a year ago

Hereford

"Please explain why you think he shouldn't be imprisoned?

Maybe he should have administered first aid and then if he was ever captured they would have been lenient with him??

I don't need to walk a mile in anyone's shoes to know the difference between right and wrong.

Maybe you should hotfoot it over there and tell the sweet Taliban about that 'right and wrong' I'm sure after you spoke to then they'll see the error of their ways and stop being such meanies..

You still appear to lack a cogent argument.

As it seems the bloke not only did something which he knew was wrong, he filmed it and admitted he knew it was wrong on film.....

You seem as far removed from their world and outlook as they are yours. "

So there really isn't any more to the situation to that which I posted?

Ok then, heres another question: What makes him any different from any other war criminal?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ouple in LancashireCouple over a year ago

in Lancashire

Nobody is denying it is stressful. But that's part of the job.

And everyone who kills somebody illegally finds mitigating circumstances. But that's what it is. Mitigation not absolution. He still broke the law.

And yes. I know exactly what a conflict zone is like.

this and ditto..

MOAM, where this to have happened in a conflict between 'us' and say another European country with one of their soldiers being on the receiving end, would you still be of the same opinion..?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Is it possible there's a middle ground of a lenient prison sentence

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

and yes,'good old fashioned right and wrong' still applies..what he did was wrong..

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I can appreciate the conditions and the mental health of soldiers in helmand at the time.I believe he is a scapegoat for much bigger mistakes from higher ranking persons.

Having said that it doesnt justify his actions he should be charged with the lesser charge of manslaughter (diminished responsibility a quote from the Judge “If the British Armed Forces are not assiduous in complying with the laws of armed conflict and international humanitarian law they would become not better than the insurgents and terrorists they are fighting.” which i think is right

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

He was filmed by his own body cam and heard to say shuffle off this mortal coil you c**t that's an execution and deserves to be treated as such.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *iamondjoeMan over a year ago

Glastonbury

People who are trained to kill or use force really should have a better idea of how to use it.

Or at least not be filmed shouting, losing their rag and executing a prisoner.

imo

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Yes he broke the Geneva convention, yes it was filmed on head cam. Because that's what are boys have to do now. Do people really think this hasn't happened and gone on for years in war zones. The only reason it came to light was because of another incident outside of the conflict. Which I won't discuss, but let's put it this way if it wasn't for that, it would never have come to light. The likely hood is the insurgent wouldn't have survived with his wounds, first aid or no first aid. Although for all those do gooders out there if it had have been the other way round and it was Sgt Blackman lying there fatally wounded, do you really believe the insurgents would have tried to save him!!! I think not they they would have had his head on a stick and used it as propaganda. Bad things happen in war, yes he fucked up, but war does strange things to normal straight thinking guys! I for one hope he gets off on appeal. Because if it wasn't for guys like Sgt Blackman this world would be in a even shitter state than it already is. Per Mare,Per Terram.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Yes he broke the Geneva convention, yes it was filmed on head cam. Because that's what are boys have to do now. Do people really think this hasn't happened and gone on for years in war zones. The only reason it came to light was because of another incident outside of the conflict. Which I won't discuss, but let's put it this way if it wasn't for that, it would never have come to light. The likely hood is the insurgent wouldn't have survived with his wounds, first aid or no first aid. Although for all those do gooders out there if it had have been the other way round and it was Sgt Blackman lying there fatally wounded, do you really believe the insurgents would have tried to save him!!! I think not they they would have had his head on a stick and used it as propaganda. Bad things happen in war, yes he fucked up, but war does strange things to normal straight thinking guys! I for one hope he gets off on appeal. Because if it wasn't for guys like Sgt Blackman this world would be in a even shitter state than it already is. Per Mare,Per Terram. "

i hear what you are saying...and understand it..but still i have to disagree..what he did was, in my opinion,indefensible.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *anes HubbyCouple over a year ago

Babbacombe Torquay

I won't be so insensitive as to accuse him of wrongdoing.....however it should be taken into consideration that not all of his comrades chose to speak up for him in his defence at his court martial.

I have family in the Royal Marines and opinions are very mixed in the corps I can assure you.

I do however hope that his sentence be commuted to manslaughter so that his imprisonment ends next Spring.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

But in that type of conflict especially, British troops need to be seen to be better than those of the Taliban. I don't suppose for an instant that he was the first to break the Geneva Convention and neither will he be the last, but the fact is he did, he was caught and punished accordingly.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ink oysterMan over a year ago

berkshire/ UAE

What he did was wrong hence why he's in prison simple

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"What he did was wrong hence why he's in prison simple "

no the reason he is in prison is because we live in a nanny state, an the government have to be seen to make an example out of him! When really they should be saying fair play son! That's what we are paying you for!!

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

The terrorists take advantage of our human rights laws, for instance we can't engage them if they aren't shooting first. So when our special forces are sent to help fight against Boko Haram and other lslamic groups, they only target the natives in firefights so we can't strike first.

He would have seen his friends attacked and killed. Anger takes hold and he was right when he said that they would have done the same to him.

l think as it's a crime of passion, his sentence should be lesser.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

He knew his rules of engagement. He knew he was breaking the Geneva convention. He admitted that. If you listen to the audio he was calm and unhurried. Under duress or not, he was a SNCO in the royal marines. He is highly trained for this kind of thing. This was not in the heat of battle, it was an act of vengeance. This should never have happened. It is drilled into all of us who served that we are not above the law and will be held accountable for out actions.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"He knew his rules of engagement. He knew he was breaking the Geneva convention. He admitted that. If you listen to the audio he was calm and unhurried. Under duress or not, he was a SNCO in the royal marines. He is highly trained for this kind of thing. This was not in the heat of battle, it was an act of vengeance. This should never have happened. It is drilled into all of us who served that we are not above the law and will be held accountable for out actions. "

this,exactly...regardless of the situation..what he did was morally, indefensibly wrong.i cannot see any grey area in this at all.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"What he did was wrong hence why he's in prison simple

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ink oysterMan over a year ago

berkshire/ UAE

That's your opionion the facts are he acted unlawfully he should stay in prison all his life and that's my opinion

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *anes HubbyCouple over a year ago

Babbacombe Torquay

"What he did was wrong hence why he's in prison simple

Sorry Bob but that's ridiculous, and fortunately not how the vast majority of our brave Army and Navy boys operate.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I was just in the shower thinking about all this.

Before going into any war zone you are briefed about your responsibilities. It's as boring as fuck because you've heard it so many times, but it is drilled into you.

Also, as a grunt you look up to your Sgt when things are shitty. He sets the tone, along with the Corporals (of which I was one).

It's not nanny state or do gooders. It's simply doing your job professionally.

Let's throw something else into the mix. If you treat the enemy in such a poor way, you have no moral high ground and they have no incentive not to treat your guys in the same way.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *OMBSTACKCouple over a year ago

Nottingham

Lots of stuff going on here let's put the world to rights I do not see a lot of you standing up for the kids in Syria and Iraq etc. Put your boots on the ground and back up your mouth. He did break the Geneva Rules that apply to combatants in Armies around the world. However we were fighting insurgents both Afghan and outsiders. I was on this tour but do not know him personally. It was a reserve Marine that had the Cam and the Insurgent was fatally wounded. What he did was wrong by our rules of armed conflict. If they gave him First Aid the outcome would of been the same. The lead up to this was lots of IED's killing and maiming British Troops and body parts were strung up in trees outside the PB by insurgents. The conditions and stress are beyond comprehension. If you have walked the walk you know, if not you cannot really comment. If the Cam was not there and footage was not downloaded nothing would be known. He may have thought this was a mercy killing, youthinasia, or revenge for friends fallen and injured due to intensity before this happened. We have had situations like this in Northern Ireland, guidelines and rules of engagement are given but can be misinterpreted. We are sent to these bad lands by the Governments we vote in they share the responsibility as do the British Public.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"What he did was wrong hence why he's in prison simple

Sorry Bob but that's ridiculous, and fortunately not how the vast majority of our brave Army and Navy boys operate."

I'm Ex Royal Navy 20 years served I know exactly how our brave Royal Marines and Royal Navy boys work! Having worked with plenty of Royal Marines over the years! I also know quite a few who served with Sgt Blackman on that tour!

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *anes HubbyCouple over a year ago

Babbacombe Torquay

"What he did was wrong hence why he's in prison simple

Sorry Bob but that's ridiculous, and fortunately not how the vast majority of our brave Army and Navy boys operate.

Then Bob you will know damn well that not all of his comrades present on the day chose to give evidence in his defence, I have Two nephews currently serving....one with 40 and one with 42, and you are very wrong if you think he has complete backing from the corps....because many feel they have been shamed.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"What he did was wrong hence why he's in prison simple

Sorry Bob but that's ridiculous, and fortunately not how the vast majority of our brave Army and Navy boys operate.

I won't get into a slanging match with you, but he has a lot of support with in the Corp, do you know how this came to light and I don't mean it being leaked to the press. Let's put it this way if it wasn't for someone else's wrong doing this would have been brushed under the carpet by his seniors. As well you know! I won't say why or how this came to light in a open forum.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *at69driveMan over a year ago

Hertford

"Sgt Blackman has won the right to an appeal hearing.

Really hope he wins. His conviction was extremely unfair."
It is about time too. No one should be in prison for fighting for your country .

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *atcouple OP Couple over a year ago

Suffolk - East Anglia

Well said

Sounds like you know your stuff and the realities of this world.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *etter the devil you knowWoman over a year ago

Lyndhurst

"Sgt Blackman has won the right to an appeal hearing.

Really hope he wins. His conviction was extremely unfair. It is about time too. No one should be in prison for fighting for your country ."

I have been following this story and think he should never have been sent to prison, he has been in there too long and should be released now.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

He knew he was on camera and murdered someone. It wasnt a kill in combat nor was he in danger at that particular time. Im sure this happens all the time. The video unfortunately leaked and If you do the crime, you do the time. Sorry ladies and gents but he should be locked up for a good amount of time. Not life, but nothing too lenient. At least 5-10 or so.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

He broke the Geneva convention, he knoiw it, and said so at the time, but I can't help but think, if he and his squad had stopped to try to save the life of the insurgent, could that have given insurgent forces time to regroup, had they called in a medical helicopter to take the injured man to treatment, could it have been shot down, could the guy have survived his injuries?

There are a loot of valuables to process in a short period of time in a situation where you have just been shot at, and your life has been in danger, adrenaline, fatigue, fear and shock, it can be a bit much to process, and we are hung up on legal President, people who sit in air conditioned offices, decide the fate of a man under the kind of pressure, that most of us can't comprehend.

There is no doubt he did wrong, but to send him to prison, for longer than child abusers, and rapists, makes no sense to me.

Ask any one who has served in the armed forces, a disshonerary discharge, is no small deal.

So when you decide that its fitting to throw the book at Sgt Blackman, while you sip your coffee this morning after sleeping softly in your bed, just consider that you sleep soundly in a safe country, full of freedoms and comfort, because men like Sgt Blackman go and do a job that most won't or can't do, so have a little leniency when you think of his case, because he's just a good man, who did a bad thing, in a situation that civilians couldn't possibly understand

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

By executing a non combatant (as defined by the Geneva convention; anyone who is no longer able to actively take part in combat). Sgt Blackman brought shame on his regiment and his country. He did it knowingly and willingly and boasted about it. He sunk to the same level as those he went to fight. Whether the militant he killed would have survived is inconsequential, Sgt Blackman took a life, outside of his country's rules of engagement and outside the principles of a convention that his country had signed up to. He killed a man (fighting for what he believed in; rightly or wrongly) in an act of revenge, there was no tactical reason to take that life and no immediate threat posed by that life.

Sgt Blackman committed a war crime; the same crimes are committed every day by insurgents and militants, the difference being that those that represent this country when overseas are supposed to uphold the values that the Geneva convention extols, that this country holds dear; if we are to send people overseas to fight the "good fight" then the good fight they must fight.

Pauly90 - Kabul, 2006-2008.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *harpDressed ManMan over a year ago

Here occasionally, but mostly somewhere else

It seems to me that those defending this individual are, in broad terms, coming up with two arguments.

1. The other side do it too, so it's justified

2. He's not the only one doing it, he's just the only one who has been caught.

Personally, I don't think either of those constitute grounds for appeal, but maybe his lawyer has some actual facts to work with.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

There is no doubt he did wrong, but to send him to prison, for longer than child abusers, and rapists, makes no sense to me.

Ask any one who has served in the armed forces, a disshonerary discharge, is no small deal.

I have to disagree. The rules of engagement, law of armed conflict and the Geneva convention are drilled into all serving personnel even during basic training. This is then reinforced time after time with briefings/training/drills until it is second nature. Serving personnel are MORE accountable because of this. We don't get to choose when we play by the rules. This is not Hollywood. We can't just shoot the bad guy because it's the "right" thing to do. There is a duty of care to preserve life where possible, regardless of whose it is. Taking a life is only ever a last resort. Read that last sentence out loud over and over until you are sick of hearing it. Then get someone else to say it to you. That's how important it is. So when a SNCO (who has been promoted and has obviously shown great skill and judgement to do so) brags about breaking the cornerstone law of why he does his job then I have no sympathy. It was far more than an 'error of judgement'

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

It's the murky side of warfare, when you train hundreds of thousands of men to do a job which is effectively to kill people it becomes a job!.... You don't get to switch people on and off like a light switch,

Killing people doesn't sit well with anybody's moral compass but that's what we do, when you switch off that moral compass to kill I'm afraid in lots of cases it doesn't switch back on that easy?.

It's entirely possible i could be him through different circumstances..... Is it wrong what he did, most definitely, are there mitigating circumstances,i would say so, that's why I advocated a lenient sentence

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *atcouple OP Couple over a year ago

Suffolk - East Anglia

"He broke the Geneva convention, he knoiw it, and said so at the time, but I can't help but think, if he and his squad had stopped to try to save the life of the insurgent, could that have given insurgent forces time to regroup, had they called in a medical helicopter to take the injured man to treatment, could it have been shot down, could the guy have survived his injuries?

There is no doubt he did wrong, but to send him to prison, for longer than child abusers, and rapists, makes no sense to me.

Ask any one who has served in the armed forces, a disshonerary discharge, is no small deal.

exactly

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *harpDressed ManMan over a year ago

Here occasionally, but mostly somewhere else

"So when you decide that its fitting to throw the book at Sgt Blackman, while you sip your coffee this morning after sleeping softly in your bed, just consider that you sleep soundly in a safe country, full of freedoms and comfort, because men like Sgt Blackman go and do a job that most won't or can't do, so have a little leniency when you think of his case, because he's just a good man, who did a bad thing, in a situation that civilians couldn't possibly understand

exactly

Brain surgeons do stuff I couldn't possible understand.

Social Workers are regularly faced with impossible situations.

Firemen put their lives on the line to help others.

Are they also allowed to forego years of training and the law, if their emotions get the better of them?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

There is no doubt he did wrong, but to send him to prison, for longer than child abusers, and rapists, makes no sense to me.

Ask any one who has served in the armed forces, a disshonerary discharge, is no small deal.

Yes by the letter of the Geneva convention he was wrong !

But let's put it into place ?

The talaban are not a formed army or where a uniform ? Most get paid to do the job ? ( mercenaries-not covered by Geneva convention)

Land mines cannot be used ? An ied is a land mine !!

So before we heap loads on ?

Yes he made a mistake? Getting filmed!

But there are lots who would say the fighter got his just deserts ?

Would he have not shot our soldier ? and given first aid instead ? then dealt with them in a humane manner ??????

I leave that last question to everyone?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

By his own admission he broke the convention and knew he would be punished. If you can't do the time.....

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ittleAcornMan over a year ago

visiting the beach

It would appear that the fact he was a British soldier under stress should excuse his behaviour.

I would disagree, British soldiers are trained for stress, they are taught about the Geneva Convention, they are from a country where the rule of law holds sway.

No excuse. I'm an ex-squaddie, I have no sympathy for his behaviour, though obviously some with the situation.

I am quite shocked when I see some of my friends on FB etc. trying to defend his actions.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ougar_n_TILFCouple over a year ago

Burton on Trent

Not following the story all that much, but anything that the Daily Mail and Daily Express are all for, I'm automatically against as it's usually wrong. R.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"We are sent to these bad lands by the Governments we vote in they share the responsibility as do the British Public. "

And how is the British Public responsible?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *LCCCouple over a year ago

Cambridge

I hope that the new Court Martial is much fairer on him than the last.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *irtyGirlWoman over a year ago

Edinburgh

There is no doubt he did wrong, but to send him to prison, for longer than child abusers, and rapists, makes no sense to me.

Ask any one who has served in the armed forces, a disshonerary discharge, is no small deal.

Yes by the letter of the Geneva convention he was wrong !

But let's put it into place ?

The talaban are not a formed army or where a uniform ? Most get paid to do the job ? ( mercenaries-not covered by Geneva convention)

Land mines cannot be used ? An ied is a land mine !!

So before we heap loads on ?

Yes he made a mistake? Getting filmed!

But there are lots who would say the fighter got his just deserts ?

Would he have not shot our soldier ? and given first aid instead ? then dealt with them in a humane manner ??????

I leave that last question to everyone?

That does not make it okay to take another life. It wasn't even in self defence. His only mistake was getting caught on film?! Wowsers!

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *LCCCouple over a year ago

Cambridge

That does not make it okay to take another life. It wasn't even in self defence. His only mistake was getting caught on film?! Wowsers! "

As a Royal Marine, his job was to close with, and kill the enemy.

The person he killed was mortally wounded by British military action which no one has a problem with. Sgt Blackman could have left this gentleman to die slowly, but instead ended his suffering.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

The Geneva convention hasn't been sent down from God on tablets. We made it up. We should only abide by those laws if our opponents do.

Fuck him. How many legs were blown off because of this piece of shit terrorist?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Until any of you have been in a war zone, not one of you can judge this man!

Sitting in your cosy homes spouting off about something you know nothing about!

Rights or wrongs don't come into it, the insurgent was dying.

Given the chance he would quite happily have pulled a pin on a grenade while he was being treated, because these guys think nothing of dying!

If they can take you with them they will.

War does terrible things to people that only those that have been can comprehend!

There are a lot of ticking time bombs out there who will hit the PTSD wall in years to come,

I'd be interested in how some of you would cope in his/their situation after months of watching, seeing your mates shot, blown up, dismembered, disfigured!

Ending it there, and yes i have been and yes i have seen it, so yes i can say it!

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ommenhimCouple over a year ago

wigan

exactly

Brain surgeons do stuff I couldn't possible understand.

Social Workers are regularly faced with impossible situations.

Firemen put their lives on the line to help others.

Are they also allowed to forego years of training and the law, if their emotions get the better of them?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ommenhimCouple over a year ago

wigan

"The Geneva convention hasn't been sent down from God on tablets. We made it up. We should only abide by those laws if our opponents do.

Fuck him. How many legs were blown off because of this piece of shit terrorist?

Nothing was ever sent down from god on tablets (of stone).

We made that religion bit up too!

When our opponents also sign up to the Geneva convention then we will expect a standard of behaviour, so will they! The sargeant did not operate within the law, we were paying him to be there and to uphold his duties... he's a criminal and, more importantly, his crime was recorded he should face the consequences of his criminal act!

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

What he done was obviously illegal, but I can understand why he did it.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Until any of you have been in a war zone, not one of you can judge this man!"

Which is why we have the Geneva convention. So that we can judge the man.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

There is no doubt he did wrong, but to send him to prison, for longer than child abusers, and rapists, makes no sense to me.

Ask any one who has served in the armed forces, a disshonerary discharge, is no small deal.

Yes by the letter of the Geneva convention he was wrong !

But let's put it into place ?

The talaban are not a formed army or where a uniform ? Most get paid to do the job ? ( mercenaries-not covered by Geneva convention)

Land mines cannot be used ? An ied is a land mine !!

So before we heap loads on ?

Yes he made a mistake? Getting filmed!

But there are lots who would say the fighter got his just deserts ?

Would he have not shot our soldier ? and given first aid instead ? then dealt with them in a humane manner ??????

I leave that last question to everyone?

That does not make it okay to take another life. It wasn't even in self defence. His only mistake was getting caught on film?! Wowsers! "

Think it's been said a few times but he would have killed the Sgt if the boot was on the other foot !

Get out of your glass houses and chuck some stones !

Then let's see what comes your way ??

People give their lives to help locals who can't fight back and in the end hopefully protect us nice and warm at home

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

There is no doubt he did wrong, but to send him to prison, for longer than child abusers, and rapists, makes no sense to me.

Ask any one who has served in the armed forces, a disshonerary discharge, is no small deal.

Yes by the letter of the Geneva convention he was wrong !

But let's put it into place ?

The talaban are not a formed army or where a uniform ? Most get paid to do the job ? ( mercenaries-not covered by Geneva convention)

Land mines cannot be used ? An ied is a land mine !!

So before we heap loads on ?

Yes he made a mistake? Getting filmed!

But there are lots who would say the fighter got his just deserts ?

Would he have not shot our soldier ? and given first aid instead ? then dealt with them in a humane manner ??????

I leave that last question to everyone?

"
bring ex forces myself I can say that

(1) your right to self defence overrides all those convention rules

(2) you are allowed to fire first if you think your life is in imminent danger

(3) the convention rules is what separates the British soldiers from the taliban how far should the soilders to win should they scrap the convention and start beheading talibans on the Internet? Then that makes then no different from the taliban or isis or any terror group

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Until any of you have been in a war zone, not one of you can judge this man!

Which is why we have the Geneva convention. So that we can judge the man."

That's all ok IF we are all players no off the same song sheet !!

We are not !! Not allowed collateral damage ? So we have to do it softly softly and take casualties? Is it worth it ???

Don't see the Russians doing it in Syria ??

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *iamondjoeMan over a year ago

Glastonbury

"Until any of you have been in a war zone, not one of you can judge this man!

Which is why we have the Geneva convention. So that we can judge the man.

That's all ok IF we are all players no off the same song sheet !!

We are not !! Not allowed collateral damage ? So we have to do it softly softly and take casualties? Is it worth it ???

Don't see the Russians doing it in Syria ?? "

The western-back Coalition at war in Iraq and Syria, has caused 'collateral damage'.

There is no 'softly-softly' in war, no matter how much arms-manufacturers try to pretend how clean and humane it is these days.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *iamondjoeMan over a year ago

Glastonbury

Wow. I think it fair to say that most people on this thread are NOT in favour of the Geneva Convention.

Straw poll.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ommenhimCouple over a year ago

wigan

There is no doubt he did wrong, but to send him to prison, for longer than child abusers, and rapists, makes no sense to me.

Ask any one who has served in the armed forces, a disshonerary discharge, is no small deal.

Yes by the letter of the Geneva convention he was wrong !

But let's put it into place ?

The talaban are not a formed army or where a uniform ? Most get paid to do the job ? ( mercenaries-not covered by Geneva convention)

Land mines cannot be used ? An ied is a land mine !!

So before we heap loads on ?

Yes he made a mistake? Getting filmed!

But there are lots who would say the fighter got his just deserts ?

Would he have not shot our soldier ? and given first aid instead ? then dealt with them in a humane manner ??????

I leave that last question to everyone?

That does not make it okay to take another life. It wasn't even in self defence. His only mistake was getting caught on film?! Wowsers!

Think it's been said a few times but he would have killed the Sgt if the boot was on the other foot !

Get out of your glass houses and chuck some stones !

Then let's see what comes your way ??

People give their lives to help locals who can't fight back and in the end hopefully protect us nice and warm at home

His boot wasn't paid for by the British army, nor was his presence there!

I choose not to throw stones... therefore I generally don't have to see what comes my way.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ommenhimCouple over a year ago

wigan

"Wow. I think it fair to say that most people on this thread are NOT in favour of the Geneva Convention.

Straw poll.

I have no view, though I fully believe that a soldier should perform his duty to whatever standard is expected!

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

There is no doubt he did wrong, but to send him to prison, for longer than child abusers, and rapists, makes no sense to me.

Ask any one who has served in the armed forces, a disshonerary discharge, is no small deal.

Yes by the letter of the Geneva convention he was wrong !

But let's put it into place ?

The talaban are not a formed army or where a uniform ? Most get paid to do the job ? ( mercenaries-not covered by Geneva convention)

Land mines cannot be used ? An ied is a land mine !!

So before we heap loads on ?

Yes he made a mistake? Getting filmed!

But there are lots who would say the fighter got his just deserts ?

Would he have not shot our soldier ? and given first aid instead ? then dealt with them in a humane manner ??????

I leave that last question to everyone?

bring ex forces myself I can say that

(1) your right to self defence overrides all those convention rules

(2) you are allowed to fire first if you think your life is in imminent danger

Scrap ? No but use it for what it was made for ?

But the conflicts we are entering aren't being fought against a formed force ?

Yes what he did was wrong but having never been at the end of a weapon that close to an enemy I won't pass judgement! Even though it was wrong if it had been filmed would anything have been done ??

We are fighting a conflict that cannot end in total victory as they will always retreat and come back even under a different banner ?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ust_for_laughsCouple over a year ago

Hinckley

"Wow. I think it fair to say that most people on this thread are NOT in favour of the Geneva Convention.

Straw poll.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ust_for_laughsCouple over a year ago

Hinckley

[Removed by poster at 07/12/16 16:45:26]

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ust_for_laughsCouple over a year ago

Hinckley

Wasn't his conviction reduced from murder to manslaughter on appeal?

Given that he trounced all over the Geneva Convention, he'll do well to get manslaughter quashed.

And what 'they would have done, if the not had been on the other foot' isn't the issue, so it's a rather large moot point. Aren't we supposed to be 'better' than them?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ust_for_laughsCouple over a year ago

Hinckley

And I'm no lawyer but surely he can now only appeal the sentence length, not the conviction?

My one module of law in the first semester of uni, may be wrong there.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

There is no doubt he did wrong, but to send him to prison, for longer than child abusers, and rapists, makes no sense to me.

Ask any one who has served in the armed forces, a disshonerary discharge, is no small deal.

Yes by the letter of the Geneva convention he was wrong !

But let's put it into place ?

The talaban are not a formed army or where a uniform ? Most get paid to do the job ? ( mercenaries-not covered by Geneva convention)

Land mines cannot be used ? An ied is a land mine !!

So before we heap loads on ?

Yes he made a mistake? Getting filmed!

But there are lots who would say the fighter got his just deserts ?

Would he have not shot our soldier ? and given first aid instead ? then dealt with them in a humane manner ??????

I leave that last question to everyone?

bring ex forces myself I can say that

(1) your right to self defence overrides all those convention rules

(2) you are allowed to fire first if you think your life is in imminent danger

Scrap ? No but use it for what it was made for ?

But the conflicts we are entering aren't being fought against a formed force ?

Yes what he did was wrong but having never been at the end of a weapon that close to an enemy I won't pass judgement! Even though it was wrong if it had been filmed would anything have been done ??

We are fighting a conflict that cannot end in total victory as they will always retreat and come back even under a different banner ? "
everytime I was duty and I held a weapon and amunition the convention rules which applies to me was read to me they were also in my pocket on little cards no doubt the Sgt knew the rules of engagement he broke them irrespective of the enemy he should of done his job correctly maybe he made a mistake...but a mistake with a weapon in your hand usually results in death ..he has to pay for his actions

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Until any of you have been in a war zone, not one of you can judge this man!

Which is why we have the Geneva convention. So that we can judge the man.

That's all ok IF we are all players no off the same song sheet !!

We are not !! Not allowed collateral damage ? So we have to do it softly softly and take casualties? Is it worth it ???

Don't see the Russians doing it in Syria ?? "

The Russians were beaten in Afghanistan too, they have no ground troops on the ground in Syria allegedly!

Special forces maybe, but they don't let the media anywhere near to find out.

Basically the Russians keep tight lipped and everything in house!

I'm not condoning anyone's actions, people do things out of character when enduring the horrors of conflict and that should be acknowledged, Sgt Blackman and many like him need help, not prison!

Quite a contentious subject that will upset people from all walks of life, but whether you agree or not, these guys deserve better.

He was a political media scapegoat, the Geneva convention has its place in times of conflict, but it can sometimes be taken to the extremes when clouded by the fog of war, polotics and a good story!

Let's face it, some people get away with the ugliest crimes theses days, but sgt Blackman was an easy catch, release him and treat him that's all i'll say on the matter.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Some of the comments here and judgements make my blood boil , the exact reason we have people spouting hate speech out in the open whilst they dine on my fucking tax money, same reason squatters and Tennant's who refuse to pay have 'rights', how's about a law that says if you're in my property and not paying and refuse to move then I have the right to drag you out by the scruff of the neck and claim my house back...and IF someone is trying to kill you! You take whatever route and use whatever methods to stop them, all this we'll be as bad as them shite, maybe that's not such a bad thing. Maybe we should dance around their bodies or parade them out for live executions....

he did his fucking job...focus on bettering this country and let him do what he does well, something MANY people couldn't...and fortunately don't have to!!

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

There is no doubt he did wrong, but to send him to prison, for longer than child abusers, and rapists, makes no sense to me.

Ask any one who has served in the armed forces, a disshonerary discharge, is no small deal.

Yes by the letter of the Geneva convention he was wrong !

But let's put it into place ?

The talaban are not a formed army or where a uniform ? Most get paid to do the job ? ( mercenaries-not covered by Geneva convention)

Land mines cannot be used ? An ied is a land mine !!

So before we heap loads on ?

Yes he made a mistake? Getting filmed!

But there are lots who would say the fighter got his just deserts ?

Would he have not shot our soldier ? and given first aid instead ? then dealt with them in a humane manner ??????

I leave that last question to everyone?

bring ex forces myself I can say that

(1) your right to self defence overrides all those convention rules

(2) you are allowed to fire first if you think your life is in imminent danger

Scrap ? No but use it for what it was made for ?

But the conflicts we are entering aren't being fought against a formed force ?

Yes what he did was wrong but having never been at the end of a weapon that close to an enemy I won't pass judgement! Even though it was wrong if it had been filmed would anything have been done ??

We are fighting a conflict that cannot end in total victory as they will always retreat and come back even under a different banner ? everytime I was duty and I held a weapon and amunition the convention rules which applies to me was read to me they were also in my pocket on little cards no doubt the Sgt knew the rules of engagement he broke them irrespective of the enemy he should of done his job correctly maybe he made a mistake...but a mistake with a weapon in your hand usually results in death ..he has to pay for his actions "

Me too and would have obeyed them to the letter !!

But I only ever fought a known enemy and in a time where I wasn't being filmed ?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *imiUKMan over a year ago

Hereford

"Some of the comments here and judgements make my blood boil , the exact reason we have people spouting hate speech out in the open whilst they dine on my fucking tax money, same reason squatters and Tennant's who refuse to pay have 'rights', how's about a law that says if you're in my property and not paying and refuse to move then I have the right to drag you out by the scruff of the neck and claim my house back...and IF someone is trying to kill you! You take whatever route and use whatever methods to stop them, all this we'll be as bad as them shite, maybe that's not such a bad thing. Maybe we should dance around their bodies or parade them out for live executions....

he did his fucking job...focus on bettering this country and let him do what he does well, something MANY people couldn't...and fortunately don't have to!!"

I do love this part....

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

he did his fucking job...focus on bettering this country and let him do what he does well, something MANY people couldn't...and fortunately don't have to!!

I do love this part...."

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *imiUKMan over a year ago

Hereford

he did his fucking job...focus on bettering this country and let him do what he does well, something MANY people couldn't...and fortunately don't have to!!

I do love this part....

"Iceberg ahead!"

"This ship is unsinkable, do not alter your course...."

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *iamondjoeMan over a year ago

Glastonbury

W.O.W.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

See the 'couch surfers' are back on board...another biscuit whilst you get back in the judgmental thrones

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Let's put it this way...if we ever get invaded I hope to Christ Blackman's in my corner as oppose to some on here...

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *imiUKMan over a year ago

Hereford

Is now an appropriate time to mention Fabicide and/or forum insurance?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ust_for_laughsCouple over a year ago

Hinckley

I asked two questions and doubted what his appeal could achieve (in law)...that's not judgmental, anything but, in fact.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ommenhimCouple over a year ago

wigan

he did his fucking job...focus on bettering this country and let him do what he does well, something MANY people couldn't...and fortunately don't have to!!"

His fucking job was to obey the Geneva convention.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

There is no doubt he did wrong, but to send him to prison, for longer than child abusers, and rapists, makes no sense to me.

Ask any one who has served in the armed forces, a disshonerary discharge, is no small deal.

Yes by the letter of the Geneva convention he was wrong !

But let's put it into place ?

The talaban are not a formed army or where a uniform ? Most get paid to do the job ? ( mercenaries-not covered by Geneva convention)

Land mines cannot be used ? An ied is a land mine !!

So before we heap loads on ?

Yes he made a mistake? Getting filmed!

But there are lots who would say the fighter got his just deserts ?

Would he have not shot our soldier ? and given first aid instead ? then dealt with them in a humane manner ??????

I leave that last question to everyone?

bring ex forces myself I can say that

(1) your right to self defence overrides all those convention rules

(2) you are allowed to fire first if you think your life is in imminent danger

Scrap ? No but use it for what it was made for ?

But the conflicts we are entering aren't being fought against a formed force ?

Yes what he did was wrong but having never been at the end of a weapon that close to an enemy I won't pass judgement! Even though it was wrong if it had been filmed would anything have been done ??

Me too and would have obeyed them to the letter !!

But I only ever fought a known enemy and in a time where I wasn't being filmed ? "

My first line was that there was no doubt he did wrong, I'm just saying that there are certain. Sections of the fab community that want. To hang draw and quarter the bloke, I'm just saying understand before judging, I noticed that a few ex military are among those condemning him, I'm surprised by that, nit I a judgmental way, just surprised.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

There is no doubt he did wrong, but to send him to prison, for longer than child abusers, and rapists, makes no sense to me.

Ask any one who has served in the armed forces, a disshonerary discharge, is no small deal.

Yes by the letter of the Geneva convention he was wrong !

But let's put it into place ?

The talaban are not a formed army or where a uniform ? Most get paid to do the job ? ( mercenaries-not covered by Geneva convention)

Land mines cannot be used ? An ied is a land mine !!

So before we heap loads on ?

Yes he made a mistake? Getting filmed!

But there are lots who would say the fighter got his just deserts ?

Would he have not shot our soldier ? and given first aid instead ? then dealt with them in a humane manner ??????

I leave that last question to everyone?

bring ex forces myself I can say that

(1) your right to self defence overrides all those convention rules

(2) you are allowed to fire first if you think your life is in imminent danger

Scrap ? No but use it for what it was made for ?

But the conflicts we are entering aren't being fought against a formed force ?

Yes what he did was wrong but having never been at the end of a weapon that close to an enemy I won't pass judgement! Even though it was wrong if it had been filmed would anything have been done ??

Me too and would have obeyed them to the letter !!

But I only ever fought a known enemy and in a time where I wasn't being filmed ?

He has over stepped the mark it's a big part of not just operational but all training that the Geneva convention is adhered too like it or not !

So some can see that he has tarnished the reputations of the guys that have served there doing their jobs in the highest standards of professionalism !

One rotten egg etc ?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Until any of you have been in a war zone, not one of you can judge this man!

Sitting in your cosy homes spouting off about something you know nothing about!

Rights or wrongs don't come into it, the insurgent was dying.

Given the chance he would quite happily have pulled a pin on a grenade while he was being treated, because these guys think nothing of dying!

If they can take you with them they will.

War does terrible things to people that only those that have been can comprehend!

There are a lot of ticking time bombs out there who will hit the PTSD wall in years to come,

I'd be interested in how some of you would cope in his/their situation after months of watching, seeing your mates shot, blown up, dismembered, disfigured!

Ending it there, and yes i have been and yes i have seen it, so yes i can say it!"

well said if only half the people on here were proud enough to serve their country, like the rest of us have. They may have something to spout of about. It's easy to say he broke this he broke that. Would love to see these people do a week on tour let alone 6 months. I will sleep well tonight knowing that I have served queen and country well and was prepared to lay my life on the line. Like Sgt Blackman so the not so brave can sleep safely and spout of behind the safety of the internet.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Is now an appropriate time to mention Fabicide and/or forum insurance?"

What are you on about!????

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ouple in LancashireCouple over a year ago

in Lancashire

"Until any of you have been in a war zone, not one of you can judge this man!

Sitting in your cosy homes spouting off about something you know nothing about!

Rights or wrongs don't come into it, the insurgent was dying.

Given the chance he would quite happily have pulled a pin on a grenade while he was being treated, because these guys think nothing of dying!

If they can take you with them they will.

War does terrible things to people that only those that have been can comprehend!

There are a lot of ticking time bombs out there who will hit the PTSD wall in years to come,

I'd be interested in how some of you would cope in his/their situation after months of watching, seeing your mates shot, blown up, dismembered, disfigured!

Ending it there, and yes i have been and yes i have seen it, so yes i can say it!

so according to that logic, and apologies if i'm reading it wrong but in its simple format its 'shut the fuck up unless you've been there and don't agree with me'?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I often find myself disagreeing with certain people on almost everything and occasionally threads like this I find myself agreeing with the very people I rarely if ever agree with.

Which is surprising me as I'm the least military person you could meet

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Please explain why you think he shouldn't be imprisoned?

He is a soldier he was at war he killed the ememy.. an ememy that was hit by an apache and would die anyway.. have you ever been to war. Do you know what its like. Minutes before he shot the taliban his friemds were killed and their body parts hung from trees while they cheered. Do you ever stop to think of the effects this will have. No because you sit in your arm chair thinking you know best. If say the germans kick of again its people like you that will expect MEN like marine A to protect you.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Sgt Blackman has won the right to an appeal hearing.

Really hope he wins. His conviction was extremely unfair.

From the little I've just found on Google it looks as though he shot

someone whilst calling him a cunt. I'd say that's against the law... why is his conviction unfair?

"
he shot an enemy combatant while at war. If you dont know what your talking about i recomend you keep quite.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Please explain why you think he shouldn't be imprisoned?

Maybe he should have administered first aid and then if he was ever captured they would have been lenient with him??

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Can't be one rule for us and one for them. If it had been a British soldier dispatched in this way there would rightfully be uproar about it.... He knew the rules... "
US.... so you have been to war them have you. You know what its like do you. You people disgust me..

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"It's not a story that I've really followed,

Again....just leave that line there shall we...

We could, but as you seem to have an opinion, you could inform us that there is more to the story than I've just summised, but you didn't.

Is that because there isn't?"

So have you ever been in a war zone. Do you know what its like to see a good friend blown to bits and then have someome hang bits of him from trees while cheering. The ememy combatant had already been hit by an apache so no first aid would fix him. They fire 30mm rounds thats very big

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Until any of you have been in a war zone, not one of you can judge this man!

Sitting in your cosy homes spouting off about something you know nothing about!

Rights or wrongs don't come into it, the insurgent was dying.

Given the chance he would quite happily have pulled a pin on a grenade while he was being treated, because these guys think nothing of dying!

If they can take you with them they will.

War does terrible things to people that only those that have been can comprehend!

There are a lot of ticking time bombs out there who will hit the PTSD wall in years to come,

I'd be interested in how some of you would cope in his/their situation after months of watching, seeing your mates shot, blown up, dismembered, disfigured!

Ending it there, and yes i have been and yes i have seen it, so yes i can say it!

Sorry to question your patriotism.

Did you serve your Queen and Country or just warmongering politicians?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *imiUKMan over a year ago

Hereford

"Can't be one rule for us and one for them. If it had been a British soldier dispatched in this way there would rightfully be uproar about it.... He knew the rules... US.... so you have been to war them have you. You know what its like do you. You people disgust me.. "

There are more than a few people who have posted on this thread who have been to war and think that he should have been prosecuted....

Thoughts?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Please explain why you think he shouldn't be imprisoned?

Maybe he should have administered first aid and then if he was ever captured they would have been lenient with him??

I don't need to walk a mile in anyone's shoes to know the difference between right and wrong.

Maybe you should hotfoot it over there and tell the sweet Taliban about that 'right and wrong' I'm sure after you spoke to then they'll see the error of their ways and stop being such meanies..

Why would I want to do that?

COLD BLOOD. Do you know what happend minutes before he did what he did. I can assure you his blood wast cold

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"He was filmed by his own body cam and heard to say shuffle off this mortal coil you c**t that's an execution and deserves to be treated as such. "
no it wasnt his helmet cam. It was that of a TA twat

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *harpDressed ManMan over a year ago

Here occasionally, but mostly somewhere else

"He was filmed by his own body cam and heard to say shuffle off this mortal coil you c**t that's an execution and deserves to be treated as such. no it wasnt his helmet cam. It was that of a TA twat"

No solidarity with those serving alongside you then?

Classy.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I cant belive how many of you think its right he is in prison.. then Geneva convention applies to uniformed combatants. The last time i looked (up close and personal not from my chair or the tv) the taliban are not uniformed combatants. So it doest applie to them.

My 1st tour of which i did 5. They were firing at us and as we advanced they threw down thier weapons and said they were farmers. Another time we patroled past a very friendly "farmer" as the last man went oast he took up his weapon and had a pop.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"He was filmed by his own body cam and heard to say shuffle off this mortal coil you c**t that's an execution and deserves to be treated as such. no it wasnt his helmet cam. It was that of a TA twat

No not for dickheads like that no.

No solidarity with those serving alongside you then?

Classy."

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"He was filmed by his own body cam and heard to say shuffle off this mortal coil you c**t that's an execution and deserves to be treated as such. no it wasnt his helmet cam. It was that of a TA twat"

Ah. Never realised it was someone else's cam. In that case he's innocent. I think the Geneva Convention only says it's an execution if you use your gun and your cam.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"He was filmed by his own body cam and heard to say shuffle off this mortal coil you c**t that's an execution and deserves to be treated as such. no it wasnt his helmet cam. It was that of a TA twat

No solidarity with those serving alongside you then?

Classy."

This is a subject matter expert remember regular infanteer apparently

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I'm for blackmail being released it wasn't just Geneva we are talking about its law of armed conflict which covers everything!!

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I cant belive how many of you think its right he is in prison.. then Geneva convention applies to uniformed combatants. The last time i looked (up close and personal not from my chair or the tv) the taliban are not uniformed combatants. So it doest applie to them.

how exactly does the Geneva Convention not apply here? Blackman himself is heard saying 'ive just broken the Geneva Convention'...if it didn't apply i think some of the numerous legal experts involved would probably have noticed by now...might well have come up during the trial..

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Blackman. Fucking predictive

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *atcouple OP Couple over a year ago

Suffolk - East Anglia

"Please explain why you think he shouldn't be imprisoned?

Bloody well put pal. So many armchair critics here who comment in the safety of their own homes.

He did a job he was sent to do. He is a fine man who was under enormous stress in a battle situation.

So the arm chair critics here would have handled the situation without similar stress?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *etter the devil you knowWoman over a year ago

Lyndhurst

"Please explain why you think he shouldn't be imprisoned?

Bloody well put pal. So many armchair critics here who comment in the safety of their own homes.

He did a job he was sent to do. He is a fine man who was under enormous stress in a battle situation.

So the arm chair critics here would have handled the situation without similar stress? "

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

The convention applies to uniformed combatants. The taliban arnt. Its one of them rules they change to keep do gooding fuck tards happy. Like most of you i this thread.

I never said i was a subject matter expert i have however been to war 5 times so know exactly what it is like. If law was black and white then it would be wonderfull. If you walked in on a man raping your child presumably you would kill the bastard. Amd rightly so no one would be against you. Same applies to marine A. The man had just been killing his friends. He was seriously injured and would %100 die anyway. Its very easy to sit at home reading the internet (a right that men like marine A secured for you) to make uo your mind.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *atcouple OP Couple over a year ago

Suffolk - East Anglia

"The convention applies to uniformed combatants. The taliban arnt. Its one of them rules they change to keep do gooding fuck tards happy. Like most of you i this thread.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"The convention applies to uniformed combatants. The taliban arnt. Its one of them rules they change to keep do gooding fuck tards happy. Like most of you i this thread.

It was regards to the TA comment. And I'm all for him being acquitted because yes I don't know what it's like in that theatre as well as having the upmost respect for the job the front line troops do.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I expect this will fall into the 'thread closed, got too big' basket soon, but have we considered that the whole concept of rules for war do nothing but condone war itself. War is total, anyone on the point of losing/dying will take any action to prevent this happening, not say 'ok I'll die now because to save myself would break the rules'.Utterly bizarre.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

There's those that 'do' without thinking...without applying some rules a bunch of suits have applied, that act on gut instinct, that are 'killers' fighting 'killers' and not one us had a hand on that trigger or felt an ounce of the possible fear, hatred or pure anger he felt in the reality of that moment...

So not one us can hold our head up high and play judge and jury smuggly calling the man a 'bad egg' or any other insulting term..this isn't 'dads army' he was fighting this is people that most probably hate the majority of this site and your friends and family and whatsmore would quite merrily massacre you without batting a fucking eyelid.

Sometimes a situation can't be 'ticked off' from a rule book...

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *irtyGirlWoman over a year ago

Edinburgh

I'm well aware that this topic is close to many of your hearts and I understand that people have differing views. That's entirely acceptable. It's not acceptable to insult other people in the process of the discussion. Please keep it civil.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *harpDressed ManMan over a year ago

Here occasionally, but mostly somewhere else

If the Geneva Convention doesn't apply to the Taliban (and the first paragraph of Wikipedia strongly suggests that civilians are at least mentioned).....

...why was it re-drilled into our troops before they went?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"If the Geneva Convention doesn't apply to the Taliban (and the first paragraph of Wikipedia strongly suggests that civilians are at least mentioned).....

...why was it re-drilled into our troops before they went?"

It's more military law as in law of armed conflict which is what every serviceman has to abide by in the British forces but it happens he was looking after himself and colleagues in the end

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *inky-MinxWoman over a year ago

Grantham

I've not read it all and don't know the story.

I can understand acting out of character, against the rules etc. under extreme stress. And I can see that war counts as extreme stress.

But filming it?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I've not read it all and don't know the story.

I can understand acting out of character, against the rules etc. under extreme stress. And I can see that war counts as extreme stress.

But filming it?

Then a plea of voluntary manslaughter with diminished responsibility might have been the way to go. I would think it was highly likely he was suffering PTSD at the time of the act.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I've not read it all and don't know the story.

I can understand acting out of character, against the rules etc. under extreme stress. And I can see that war counts as extreme stress.

But filming it?

Then a plea of voluntary manslaughter with diminished responsibility might have been the way to go. I would think it was highly likely he was suffering PTSD at the time of the act."

Could of been any number of factors. Hard to judge by any means

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I've not read it all and don't know the story.

I can understand acting out of character, against the rules etc. under extreme stress. And I can see that war counts as extreme stress.

But filming it?

!!he didn't film it, why do people think he was making some kind of YouTube video..?? It was 'caught' on film , I also see a lot of people saying things like "don't know the story" etc...

It's seems people are reading a headline, a brief synopsis, keywords and then shouting guilty??

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *harpDressed ManMan over a year ago

Here occasionally, but mostly somewhere else

"It's seems people are reading a headline, a brief synopsis, keywords and then shouting guilty??"

You can stop hurling generalised criticism at those who happen to disagree with your point of view, assuming that they're less well-read on the subject than you are.

He's been tried in a court of law, and has unsuccessfully appealed his conviction. Nobody is "shouting guilty" because nobody needs to. He IS guilty - he's been through the UK (military) judicial system twice.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ommenhimCouple over a year ago

wigan

"I've not read it all and don't know the story.

I can understand acting out of character, against the rules etc. under extreme stress. And I can see that war counts as extreme stress.

But filming it?

!!he didn't film it, why do people think he was making some kind of YouTube video..?? It was 'caught' on film , I also see a lot of people saying things like "don't know the story" etc...

It's seems people are reading a headline, a brief synopsis, keywords and then shouting guilty??"

I've heard what was purported to be the audio from the incident....

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *inky-MinxWoman over a year ago

Grantham

"I've not read it all and don't know the story.

I can understand acting out of character, against the rules etc. under extreme stress. And I can see that war counts as extreme stress.

But filming it?

!!he didn't film it, why do people think he was making some kind of YouTube video..?? It was 'caught' on film , I also see a lot of people saying things like "don't know the story" etc...

It's seems people are reading a headline, a brief synopsis, keywords and then shouting guilty??"

I didn't shout guilty, I asked about the filming.

I have noted your posts though.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"It's seems people are reading a headline, a brief synopsis, keywords and then shouting guilty??

You can stop hurling generalised criticism at those who happen to disagree with your point of view, assuming that they're less well-read on the subject than you are.

Stop?? So let me get this straight you're accusing me of criticising those who disagree, yet you are telling me to stop my opinions and objectives.

I can see why the decision is nice and black and white for that limited mindset some have.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

All those shouting guilty and he's paid to do what he does and uphold the Geneva convention! I assume will be coming forward for voluntary service as such time the next world war breaks out. What's that the sound of silence I thought so!!

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *inky-MinxWoman over a year ago

Grantham

"All those shouting guilty and he's paid to do what he does and uphold the Geneva convention! I assume will be coming forward for voluntary service as such time the next world war breaks out. What's that the sound of silence I thought so!! "

We can only type on here not speak.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *harpDressed ManMan over a year ago

Here occasionally, but mostly somewhere else

"It's seems people are reading a headline, a brief synopsis, keywords and then shouting guilty??

You can stop hurling generalised criticism at those who happen to disagree with your point of view, assuming that they're less well-read on the subject than you are.

Stop?? So let me get this straight you're accusing me of criticising those who disagree, yet you are telling me to stop my opinions and objectives.

I can see why the decision is nice and black and white for that limited mindset some have."

I don't think you've got anybody else's view "straight" anywhere in the thread. I believe that you have been actually exaggerating people's points in order to make them easier to bash - who was it who said "let's ask them them not to be meanies"? - whoever it was, they were taking one side of the argument and re-presenting it as MORE "black and white" than it was!

"Limited mindset" is hilarious, but I'm not rising to it, btw

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *itzhallMan over a year ago

birchington

Ever had a fuck it moment in life where you know something is wrongbut yyou're at that point where you really don't care any more and fuck the consequences ? This may have been his mindset at that moment when he fired.... just a supposition

If i had been there and I am ex infantry...would I have acted in the same way? ... I don't know, I'd like to believe that with my training and upbringing I would have shown compassion of some sort.... but as i said.... I don't know.

If Sgt Blackman had malice aforethought then rightly he shouldn't be released but either way he will have to live with what he did for the rest of his life

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *inky-MinxWoman over a year ago

Grantham

"Ever had a fuck it moment in life where you know something is wrongbut yyou're at that point where you really don't care any more and fuck the consequences ? This may have been his mindset at that moment when he fired.... just a supposition

If Sgt Blackman had malice aforethought then rightly he shouldn't be released but either way he will have to live with what he did for the rest of his life"

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"It's seems people are reading a headline, a brief synopsis, keywords and then shouting guilty??

You can stop hurling generalised criticism at those who happen to disagree with your point of view, assuming that they're less well-read on the subject than you are.

I don't think the act is in question, it's more the circumstances and what it amounts to in law.

This caused the British military and establishment no end of trouble and foreign policy problems. I can't help thinking that, whilst guilty of the act, the man was made a scapegoat to deter others, much like deserters in WW1 were mostly shot after a short kangaroo court which has only been recently acknowledged.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"It's seems people are reading a headline, a brief synopsis, keywords and then shouting guilty??

You can stop hurling generalised criticism at those who happen to disagree with your point of view, assuming that they're less well-read on the subject than you are.

Stop?? So let me get this straight you're accusing me of criticising those who disagree, yet you are telling me to stop my opinions and objectives.

I can see why the decision is nice and black and white for that limited mindset some have.

"Limited mindset" is hilarious, but I'm not rising to it, btw"

Sorry I just refuse to come charging in on a white horse, I think you'll find most people on this for do a fine job of holding their own and don't really require someone to come in yelling 'stop'.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ommenhimCouple over a year ago

wigan

Because others did not choose a career in the forces you assume, if called upon, they wouldn't step forward?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *inky-MinxWoman over a year ago

Grantham

Because others did not choose a career in the forces you assume, if called upon, they wouldn't step forward?"

Yep, I mean everyone was in the Military before WWII. What luck

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Sgt Blackman has won the right to an appeal hearing.

Really hope he wins. His conviction was extremely unfair.

From the little I've just found on Google it looks as though he shot someone whilst calling him a cunt. I'd say that's against the law... why is his conviction unfair?

Whilst also turning off helmet cam and stating clearly (thus showing he knew exactly what he was doing) that he was "breaking the Geneva convention".

Given sentences handed out to others for, perhaps worse, crimes then the severity of his sentence may be subject to scrutiny.... but his guilt is surely beyond question

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Because others did not choose a career in the forces you assume, if called upon, they wouldn't step forward?

Yep, I mean everyone was in the Military before WWII. What luck

"
there was plenty who didn't step forward in WW1 and WW11 and there would be plenty who wouldn't step forward again now if needed too!

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ommenhimCouple over a year ago

wigan

Because others did not choose a career in the forces you assume, if called upon, they wouldn't step forward?

Yep, I mean everyone was in the Military before WWII. What luck

there was plenty who didn't step forward in WW1 and WW11 and there would be plenty who wouldn't step forward again now if needed too! "

And while the nonesense your spouting now is irrelevant.... to step forward or not would be their choice!

i think you're assuming that people who have not based their career in the military are somehow less valued, while those who signed up are superior?

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *anes HubbyCouple over a year ago

Babbacombe Torquay

"He was filmed by his own body cam and heard to say shuffle off this mortal coil you c**t that's an execution and deserves to be treated as such. no it wasnt his helmet cam. It was that of a TA twat"

A TA twat?, you do realise that many in the TA are in fact ex forces personnel who have retired from service, very often having served for many years?

As an ex soldier with 5 tours to his name I'm surprised you didn't know that....

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"He was filmed by his own body cam and heard to say shuffle off this mortal coil you c**t that's an execution and deserves to be treated as such. no it wasnt his helmet cam. It was that of a TA twat

A TA twat?, you do realise that many in the TA are in fact ex forces personnel who have retired from service, very often having served for many years?

As an ex soldier with 5 tours to his name I'm surprised you didn't know that...."

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ingdong11Man over a year ago

Eastleigh

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *anes HubbyCouple over a year ago

Babbacombe Torquay

"By executing a non combatant (as defined by the Geneva convention; anyone who is no longer able to actively take part in combat). Sgt Blackman brought shame on his regiment and his country. He did it knowingly and willingly and boasted about it. He sunk to the same level as those he went to fight. Whether the militant he killed would have survived is inconsequential, Sgt Blackman took a life, outside of his country's rules of engagement and outside the principles of a convention that his country had signed up to. He killed a man (fighting for what he believed in; rightly or wrongly) in an act of revenge, there was no tactical reason to take that life and no immediate threat posed by that life.

Pauly90 - Kabul, 2006-2008. "

Great post

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ingdong11Man over a year ago

Eastleigh

"The convention applies to uniformed combatants. The taliban arnt. Its one of them rules they change to keep do gooding fuck tards happy. Like most of you i this thread.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *iamondjoeMan over a year ago

Glastonbury

Pauly90 - Kabul, 2006-2008.

Great post

Actually, post of the week. I'd like to see some of the defenders of Blackman's actions take note of this.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *oncupiscentTonyMan over a year ago

Kent

I think he's a cunt (sent in freedom from my warm armchair in my warm house that apparently I wouldn't have if it wasn't for Blackman 'protecting' me)

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *lwaysup4it69Couple over a year ago

Kirkby in Ashfield

An eye for an eye a tooth for a tooth. Don't you think that a Taliban soldier would have done the same. I would hate to be in the environment our brave soldiers are, maybe what he done was wrong but what if we never had soldiers willing to fight for our freedom, what he'll would we be living now

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 08/12/16 01:22:20]

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *iamondjoeMan over a year ago

Glastonbury

"An eye for an eye a tooth for a tooth. Don't you think that a Taliban soldier would have done the same. I would hate to be in the environment our brave soldiers are, maybe what he done was wrong but what if we never had soldiers willing to fight for our freedom, what he'll would we be living now"

Don't just say your piece, read other's comments. You might learn something.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Of course A Taliban soldier would definitely have not done the same. I am sure the highly respected and disciplined Taliban armed forces soldier would have simply aimed to disarm - i.e. a shot in the leg, and immediately called in a Chinook air ambulance to airlift the injured soldier back to their field hospital. Whilst waiting for the Chinook to arrive, the Taliban soldier of course would have carried out first aid assistance to the best of his ability to save Sgt Blackman's life. Cloud Cuckoo Land is a great place ....

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *iamondjoeMan over a year ago

Glastonbury

"Of course A Taliban soldier would definitely have not done the same. I am sure the highly respected and disciplined Taliban armed forces soldier would have simply aimed to disarm - i.e. a shot in the leg, and immediately called in a Chinook air ambulance to airlift the injured soldier back to their field hospital. Whilst waiting for the Chinook to arrive, the Taliban soldier of course would have carried out first aid assistance to the best of his ability to save Sgt Blackman's life. Cloud Cuckoo Land is a great place ...."

Again, you would do better to read some of the previous comments than simply repeat nonsense.

imo

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

he did his fucking job...focus on bettering this country and let him do what he does well, something MANY people couldn't...and fortunately don't have to!!"

But by the time he pulled the trigger the talib fighter was no longer trying to kill him, and posed no threat, which negates the need for lethal force.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Common Article 3 functions like a mini-Convention within the larger [Geneva) Convention itself, and establishes fundamental rules from which no derogation is permitted, containing the essential rules of the Geneva Convention in a condensed format, and making them applicable to non-international conflicts.

It requires humane treatment for all persons in enemy hands, without any adverse distinction. It specifically prohibits murder, mutilation, torture, cruel, humiliating and degrading treatment, the taking of hostages and unfair trial.

Nuff said...

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

At the end of the day the guy is human he did a shit job that not everyone could do for a pretty long time. Under some horrendous conditions and seen some pretty shit awful things the likes of armchair warriors and politicians will never see. He's been made a scapegoat no doubt. But cut the guy some slack we all fuck and many people in over professional walks of life have fucked up resulting in the death of people. Someone posted earlier about brain surgeons, firefighters, social workers and police officers. How brave they all are. People like this have all screwed up at some stage and not done the right thing. The fireman at the scene of the crash or the house fire resulting in death through a wrong decision. The brain surgeon who's a little tires from the long hours and the cooperate do from the night before. The social worker who was responsible for the welfare of baby P the police officer who pulled the trigger on Mark Duggan. To name a few I certainly don't see the police officer being sent down for killing a unarmed man. No that was all swept under the carpet. Something that resulted in some of the worst riots this country has seen, with 36 deaths and millions of pounds of damage. Truth be known we all fuck up and sometimes they result in bad things happening. Still as long as that bad man Sgt Blackwell is in prison that's all that matters to some people. So let's hope all these people that a calling for Sgt Blackwell to be in prison, they now lobby for the police officer to be sent down as well for murder, cause surely that was a cold blooded murder too!!!

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

If someone had been shooting at me a few minuest before trying to kill me then I would have done exactly the same thing but without some twat filming it.

If left is was reversed they would have done far worse to him.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ercuryMan over a year ago

Grantham

"Common Article 3 functions like a mini-Convention within the larger [Geneva) Convention itself, and establishes fundamental rules from which no derogation is permitted, containing the essential rules of the Geneva Convention in a condensed format, and making them applicable to non-international conflicts.

Nuff said..."

An honourable notion. If, of course, both sides play by the same rules!

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *iss_tressWoman over a year ago

London

There are rules of engagement that have to be adhered to. Reading comments from those who have served these are drummed in at every opportunity.

I don't have the mental makeup or control to "play nice" so I wouldn't venture anywhere near the armed forces as a career choice.

If I'm attacked in my home I'm allowed to use "reasonable" force. If my attacker is fleeing I can't knife him in the back.

Would I have rushed to help someone trying to kill me? Would I fuck? Would I be stupid and arrogant to kill them and film it in a gungho way in front of witnesses? Would I fuck!

He knew and admitted it: can't see what's to argue.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *iss_tressWoman over a year ago

London

Nuff said...

An honourable notion. If, of course, both sides play by the same rules!"

That's the thing though: there are rules of engagement. It's not a fair playing field but we expect higher standards from politicians, servicemen etc.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *harpDressed ManMan over a year ago

Here occasionally, but mostly somewhere else

"An honourable notion. If, of course, both sides play by the same rules!"

Preliminary reading suggests that the conventions apply when EITHER side have ratified it.

In other words...

What the other side does, did, or would do is irrelevant. We have committed to humane treatment.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman over a year ago

evesham

"At the end of the day the guy is human he did a shit job that not everyone could do for a pretty long time. Under some horrendous conditions and seen some pretty shit awful things the likes of armchair warriors and politicians will never see. He's been made a scapegoat no doubt. But cut the guy some slack we all fuck and many people in over professional walks of life have fucked up resulting in the death of people. Someone posted earlier about brain surgeons, firefighters, social workers and police officers. How brave they all are. People like this have all screwed up at some stage and not done the right thing. The fireman at the scene of the crash or the house fire resulting in death through a wrong decision. The brain surgeon who's a little tires from the long hours and the cooperate do from the night before. The social worker who was responsible for the welfare of baby P the police officer who pulled the trigger on Mark Duggan. To name a few I certainly don't see the police officer being sent down for killing a unarmed man. No that was all swept under the carpet. Something that resulted in some of the worst riots this country has seen, with 36 deaths and millions of pounds of damage. Truth be known we all fuck up and sometimes they result in bad things happening. Still as long as that bad man Sgt Blackwell is in prison that's all that matters to some people. So let's hope all these people that a calling for Sgt Blackwell to be in prison, they now lobby for the police officer to be sent down as well for murder, cause surely that was a cold blooded murder too!!!"

All that you have quoted have been mistakes, errors in judgment, procedural issues etc. What Sgt Blackman did was none of these things. He was aware that what he was doing was against the Geneva convention. We know this because he said it as he did it. He was aware his comrade was wearing a BWC yet he still made those comments and did the deed.

I can't say for sure how I would react on the heat of battle because I have not, and probably will never, be in that situation however you have never been an armed police man involved in chasing down a suspect you believe to be armed so how come it is OK for you to call for the imprisonment of the police officer who shot mark duggan yet want this man pardoned?

In both cases investigations were completed and conclusions drawn. From those conclusions convictions were sought as prosecuting bodies felt appropriate.

Long gone are the days of 'sorry guv, fucked up there didn't I?!' excuses. Being a soldier, whilst an admiral job and one which I have no inclination to undertake, doesn't make you an instant hero untouchable by laws or and rules of engagement you sign up to undertake.

All this 'they wouldn't have played nice' bullshit is ridiculous as well. We have never and should never stoop to their levels. They plant iud's and use suicide bombers in their tactics.... Are you saying the British army should do the same, after all what's good for the goose and all that bullshit?

Perhaps there is an argument for diminished responsibility as there is no doubt that it was a stressful time for all those serving, perhaps a lesser conviction for manslaughter would be appropriate but you cannot argue that this man should be freed given the facts of the situation. He knowingly and openly broke the Geneva convention by which he chose to be bound when he enlisted in the army. It is not something they hide from you, you are taught about it at army school and everything.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

In both cases investigations were completed and conclusions drawn. From those conclusions convictions were sought as prosecuting bodies felt appropriate.

It's a mandatory lesson every year as I've said already its law of armed conflict and rules of engagement. Many serving or ex serving should know this.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Or if anyone is in any doubt look up JSP 383 openly available online for anyone to look at.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Lets

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Finish

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

This off

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

It goes without saying he's innocent and the members of the Court Martial should be in the dock!

Here's another little insight into life on the 'Afghan' frontline from a friend's son who fought with a Mercian regiment.

He frequently led patrols as 'point', used his LEFT hand to detect the presence of IEDs, a colleague's helmetcam footage shows a Taliban bullet whistling passed his nose and a local tribal leader offered him his son...as a sex-toy.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman over a year ago

evesham

[Removed by poster at 08/12/16 08:13:59]

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)

By *ittle_brat_evie!!Woman over a year ago

evesham

And Jimmy Saville did lots of work for charity.... Doesn't make him a nice bloke though does it or put him above the law.

Being dead put him above the law i guess so maybe we'll use Rolf Harris as an example.... Or the it's a knock out guy, or all the football coaches who everyone thought were great guys but turns out not so much.

Reply privately (closed, thread got too big)