Quote:
Originally posted by Tyrone Slothrop
The story says he was "hit by a bullet" -- not a type of ordinance that would be used to destroy an armored fighting vehicle. In addition, the story quotes a military spokesman as saying that helicopters took fire from insurgents and returned fire. Not being there, I'm a little reluctant to question the Army's tactics, but it seems unwise -- at best -- to shoot up the streets of Baghdad from the air in this way. If you're trying to win Arab hearts and minds, that is. It may be a rational decision from a tactical standpoint.
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I haven't read the piece, and don't know the point in dispute, but: First, the story could be wrong. It wouldn't be the first time. Second -- .50 caliber bullets are used to fight and destroy armored fighting vehicles. They are also with some frequency the ordnance fired from machine-guns mounted on helicopters as well fixed-wing aircraft (not so much anymore). Third, they might have been referring to a 20 mm round -- which I guess qualifies as a "bullet" -- and are certainly used against armor.
If you're fighting with people who are shooting at you, you have to shoot back to win.
S_A_M
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