....let alone the true facts?
but we're open to Suggestions:
a. Crews weren't up-to-date on their cat checks
b. Weapons tight clearances hadn't been lifted by the Dutch ambassador to Afghanistan
c. Dutch Commander was on leave in Lahore and couldn't be contacted on his cell-phone.
d. Crews had forgotten to remove the armament safety pins.
e. Crews were FIGMO and had promised each other not to allow each other to get the other into trouble (sorta like "Dutch Treat")
f. Squadron SOP's dictated that crews remain at medium altitudes for best fuel consumption, best line of sight comms, optimalized battlefield overview and least shrapnel damage.
g. ISAF ROE's were still being translated from Dutch to English.
h. There was some doubt that the insurgents firing upon the Aussies were Taliban and not just local angry peasant farmers.
i. Aircraft were just out of manufacturer's warranty and overdue their 20,000 mile servicings.
j. Weapons were highly classified and Dutch officers were anxious not to allow them to fall into the hands of a sophisticated enemy.
k. Embedded Dutch journos had warned the pilots of adverse publicity about atrocities, should they be involved in any senseless killing of nationals.
l. Crews included Afghans under instruction and they refused to fire upon their fellow countrymen.
m. There were rumours of IED's, MANPADS, RPG's and other nasties possibly being in the area.
Dutch to review SAS claims
October 22, 2010 - 8:19PM
Breaking Internet News
AAP
The Dutch defence force will review claims that its personnel refused to help Australian special forces soldiers ambushed by the Taliban in Afghanistan, Defence Minister Stephen Smith says.
The claims were made in a new book by ex-SAS soldier Rob Maylor, extracts of which were published by News Ltd on Friday.
The book refers to an incident on September 2, 2008, in which an Australian special forces unit came under heavy fire from Taliban insurgents.
Mr Maylor claims two Dutch Apache helicopters refused to descend and help by returning fire.
Mr Smith on Friday said the Australian Defence Force (ADF) had contacted its Dutch equivalent, which indicated its intention to review the claims.
He confirmed two Dutch attack helicopters were present during the incident but said Australian troops had fire support from US and UK helicopters as well as US F-18 jets.
"The ADF has contacted their Dutch counterparts who have indicated their intention to review the claims," Mr Smith said in a statement on Friday.
"The incident, as it has been reported, goes to the detail of operational procedures and rules of engagement.
"As is the case in such matters, I take the professional operational advice of the CDF (Chief of the Defence Force).
"It remains my view that the Dutch have made a very important contribution in Oruzgan," Mr Smith said.
"Australia greatly appreciates the efforts of the Dutch forces in Oruzgan and the close relationship that we developed with them."
Mr Smith said ensuring sufficient helicopter support for troops was crucial and that Prime Minister Julia Gillard had raised the issue with senior military commanders during her recent visit to Afghanistan.
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UNC
Down in the delta and Chook'd out (it's always so lonely seeing your helo disappear , dangling in the distance - and you're still there on the ground, wondering about the next likely development - as the sun disappears below the horizon).