Quote:
Originally posted by Eirene_DGP
Ok, I might have misinterpreted the article, but didn't he give up his so-called slap on the wrist to risk losing it all with the court martial? It seems to me that he would have been better off with the punishment that he was given in comparison to a court martial. From what I have seen on the news, he seemed very disturbed by the military's suggested "punishment" and for that reason he chose the court martial....maybe I'm wrong. 
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Okay here's a little primer on military law:
The first punishment (which the other pilot accepted), basically ended his career and he will no doubt be barred from combat missions in the future.
Schmidt (arrogant little prick that he is) has public stated that he has done no wrong and is being used as a scape goat by the high-ups. He has therefore vowed that he will fight this, so that he can fly again. He has risked greater punishment (although reduced from manslaughter) for a greater reward. If the court finds in his favour, he gets off scot-free: no ban from flying, no reprimand on his record, no fine, no prison time, and no further chance for punishment.
As for the incident; the article put out by the Air Force Press has left out a number of facts.
1. The Canadians were in a recognized training zone next to the main base. This zone has been used by all members of the coalition and is a recognized "caution" zone for pilots.
2. The Canadians filled all the required paperwork and notified the command of its intent to train that night. In sort they followed procedure.
3. The ground fire consisted of small-arms fire with some support weapons (.50 cal) firing on a set practice range. It has been conjectured the "fire" seen by the pilots were tracer rounds ricocheting off of rocks on the ground.
4. The F-16s were in at no time in danger of being hit by the rounds as they were flying above 10000 feet. So even if the fire was directed at them, there was no chance of them being hit.
5. Schmidt claims that they were under fire from "light-artillery", a very dubious claim, as artillery isn't a threat to aircraft either. Nor were there any weapons mathcing his discription.
6. Both the AWAC and his wingman advised Schmidt to hold fire and identify his target. He then aprox. 1 sec later "rolled-in", or attacked the Canadians.
7. Schmidt has never apologized to the families of the soldiers killer, nor to his comrades. He has stated that he was doing his job and that these things happen. His wingman Umbach has apologized for a "grievous and unforgivable mistake" and accept his punishment.
8. Despite what the article said Canadians have suffer casualties in war after WWII. In fact the same unit recieved a Presidental Citation (the only non-US unit ever) for its actions in Korea.
Now what the Canadian goverment asked is that the men be tried for involuntary manslaughter, and that they never fly combat missions again. All in all a resonable request.... now the families have only requested that they be informed and that the men be banned from flying.