Originally Posted by
1Seat 1Engine
The JTAC/FAC is acting like he has hi-SA on the fighter's position, but there's no where on the tape where he confirms their position with them so I'd assume there's a lot that happens prior to what we see on the tape. The SA passed in the initial FAC to Ftr brief is critical to assessing blame (if any) and it's not included on the tape.
they had something going right with the JTAC/FAC prior to this attack.
Summary; you just can't tell who's to blame from what's on the tapes.
Agreed. There were errors on both sides, if you only use the tape as the entire piece of evidence. I had the luxury of 2 sensors, a Nav and Fire Control Officer in addition to my eyeballs - looking at our target - even then - there were almost friendly fire incidents in our community. One crew put a round into a tree above an APC with army guys in it who wanted to sit at the edge of the range and watch the firepower demo (no one was hurt as the round detonated in the trees)
Anyway....the FAC never confirmed their position but..the two pilots never specifically asked the FAC about the target. They just asked about friendlies in the area.
Tough call - folks say don't shoot if there is a shred of doubt..but you are in a war and NOT shooting could get someone killed. I am sure we will see more of this.