The Dangers of being too Risk Averse.

[Courtney Mil]

Came across this. Yes, I know it's the Mail, but still food for thought.

Troops died because of UK general, says U.S. chief: Former General claims 'young riflemen paid the price' for Sir Nick Carter's 'risk-averse' mentality


US General Daniel Bolger says 'Troops died because of UK' | Daily Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2837198/Troops-died-UK-general-says-chief-Former-General-claims-young-riflemen-paid-price-Sir-Nick-Carter-s-risk-averse-mentality.html)

[MSOCS]

So what did the author do when he was in a position to influence anything?

He's all too keen to point the finger from the safety of retirement but where was his voice when in a position to be listened to. Writing a book and venting spleen publicly from the comfort of an armchair, years afterwards, shows little moral courage in my opinion.

Perhaps Gen Carter was none-too-kind to him in his FITREP and this is his way of getting even.

Harsh to lay the blood of those who died at his feet without tangible proof. Remember all of our VSOs take responsibility of sending our troops into harm's way.

[Party Animal]

Looking at the photograph of the author (Bolger), I would not want him to babysit my kids - that's for sure!

[tucumseh]

So what did the author do when he was in a position to influence anything?

He's all too keen to point the finger from the safety of retirement but where was his voice when in a position to be listened to. Writing a book and venting spleen publicly from the comfort of an armchair, years afterwards, shows little moral courage in my opinion.

The same can be said of the UK's military leaders. In spades. Not one of them spoke out when, for example, politicians lied over Snatch, claiming it was fit for purpose. Yet anyone remotely connected with green programmes knew it had been condemned as unfit in a more benign environment, a replacement endorsed; and then not delivered. Not to mention all the aviation related deaths discussed here which, almost without exception, are the manifestation of known risks and hazards which senior staffs ignored. All you can say is the US seems to be the same. Senior staffs scared to speak out for fear of censure.

[Pontius Navigator]

Looking at the photograph of the author (Bolger), I would not want him to babysit my kids - that's for sure!

That is one scarey picture; scares me and it is not dark.

[MSOCS]

tucumseh,

Agree.

[Simplythebeast]

I was fascinated by all those Medals on Bolger's chest so I checked them out....

Defence Superior Service medal
Legion of Merit (x4)
Bronze Star Medal with Valour
Bronze Star (x3)
Meritorious Service Medal (x4)
Army Commendation Medal (x3)
Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification badge
Army Staff Identification badge
Combat Action badge
Air Assault badge
Parachutist badge

I would be interested to know in what circumstances he received the bronze star for valour?

[Heathrow Harry]

MNSTC-I (CMATT) Adviser to the Iraqi Army (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraqi_Army)

Awarded a Bronze Star for Valor

he was in the Army so it was probably due to being in the combat zone but can't find any details

[Simplythebeast]

Patraeus got one when he was there because a mortar detonated nearby. On that showning every soldier out there should at least have a medal for valour.

[Robert Cooper]

The Bronze Star for Valor is only awarded for acts of heroism while in direct armed conflict with the enemy.

Bob C

[Simplythebeast]

Report in an American newspaper re Patraeus..

The most that has been publicly documented about Petraeus in real, actual combat is a mortar shell that landed near him in Iraq in 2003.
Colonel DouglasMacGregor said of Patraeus, "(He's) never pulled a trigger and killed the enemy in combat and has never been in direct fire combat."

[Boudreaux Bob]

American Troops died because of American Generals too.

Tis the same in every War....sadly.

[Robert Cooper]

STB

Sad but true. Folks in high positions will always find a way around the requirements to get what they want, or find someone who can gin up a citation.

Bob C :sad:

[GreenKnight121]

Lyndon Johnson.

[bunta130]

I worked with Gen Bolger in Iraq. He was a top bloke, committed to his troops, not averse to going out in the field with his men, and 'comfortable and competent under fire by all accounts'.

He was very highly regarded by all who worked with and for him.....

I make no comment on his Afghan exploits, nor his opinions......

His physical appearance is utterly irrelevant.........

[Pontius Navigator]

STB, happens and hopefully happens more often, ie Generals without combat experience.