5 Marines killed and a Black Hawk is down

[DesertRat]

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Five U.S. Marines were killed by small arms fire and roadside bombs this weekend, the military said today. And today a Black Hawk helicopter crashed, killing all 12 believed to be aboard. :cry:

http://www.startribune.com/722/story/170328.html

[zanne]

1. Are they blaming the weather yet?

Or was it a "mechanical failure"?

[gratuitous]

2. I'll go with pilot error for $500, Alex

Okay, that was unfeeling. But considering the overuse men, machines and materiel are being subjected to in Iraq, it could be an overworked helicopter, a battle-fatigued pilot, or even a wily enemy that has learned how to take down Black Hawks. But schedule 12 more military funerals, cue up another round of "they died as heroes, protecting America's freedom" and lower the recruiting standards another notch. And be sure to wave more flags, flags, flags.

[Moderator]

3. Duplicates

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2028652

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2028625