There are 3 pages here full of opinion, very few of which hit right at the heart of the matter; namely, what can we do to ensure that in modern-day conflicts we avoid, to the absolute very best of our ability, fratricide. No body wants to kill our own, you could call it murder! Did the pilots of the two A-10s want to go out that day and do this? No, they didn't.....whatever is said, they didn't. Their reaction on finding out they had just been part of a blue-on-blue, regardless of the words or manner they used, proves this. The pilot(s) in question were exceptionally remorseful.
What we need to ensure is that we learn from all of this horrible event. Investment in robust technologies, available to ALL in the battlespace (aircraft, ships, soliders etc) that show up-to-date information on the situation is vital to prevent this in future. Yes it exists, but generally it is only afforded to US units (ironically in this case). CAS, by its very definition, happens 'Close' to our own ground forces and requires a certain discipline on everyone's part; from the transcript there is confusion, not least caused by the guy on the ground. Nobody has really mentioned his part in all this though as the pilot is the last link in the chain of events; take away any of these people involved and the outcome may have been different - who do you apportion blame to? I think the correct question is 'WHAT' do you apportion blame to! Blue-on-blue usually results from a situation of confusion and pressure, both of which were present here. A time-critical situation requiring split-second decision making, albeit leaving enough time to accurately bring weapons to bear can, does, and always will result in errors from time to time.
Military history is littered with mistakes, but overwhelmed with great triumphs and decisive victories. They all come at a cost and my condolences still remain with the families all over the world who have lost their own. If there have been untruths spoken of to the family of the L/Cpl then that is unexcusable and is a bare-faced lie - THAT is the real issue here!
BD