Posted on Apr 8, 2015
Fatal Green on Blue Attack Reported in Jalalabad, Afghanistan (8 APR 15).
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Breaking News....CNN just reported a fatal "green on blue" (Afghan soldier killing American service member) in Afghanistan. My heart goes out to the family and our military family.
When the bullets start flying, the danger area is NOT where the known location of the enemy is, but where the next place the enemy will pop up. My first PSG (Platoon Sergeant) learned his trade craft from his Vietnam veteran PSG. He always told me about target fixation and leaving my 6 open for attack. He warned me about these "friendly allies" and how the enemy wants you to lose confidence in your allies, but these incidents are driving me insane.
Veterans, what was your take on working alongside these indigenous allies during your time in combat? Active members, think before you speak......
http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/08/world/afghanistan-us/index.html
When the bullets start flying, the danger area is NOT where the known location of the enemy is, but where the next place the enemy will pop up. My first PSG (Platoon Sergeant) learned his trade craft from his Vietnam veteran PSG. He always told me about target fixation and leaving my 6 open for attack. He warned me about these "friendly allies" and how the enemy wants you to lose confidence in your allies, but these incidents are driving me insane.
Veterans, what was your take on working alongside these indigenous allies during your time in combat? Active members, think before you speak......
http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/08/world/afghanistan-us/index.html
Posted in these groups: 
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) - Afghanistan
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) - Afghanistan
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 24
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I hate to hear this. But as long as we are there we are going to deal with this. Most Middle Eastern countries don't have the ability to vet their soldiers very well or they can assume a fake identity. Either way it is bad for anyone dealing with them. They know that we are partners and we will be together. It is something that I even worry about.
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CPT (Join to see)
SFC Mark Merino to be honest I don't think they would have survived in combat. If they were watching everything it would have been a different story.
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LTC (Join to see)
CPT (Join to see) , now I am feeling bad because I have to point out you are not correct on this point (twice in one day) Two points -- 1) Afghanistan is not the Middle East but they do have problems with their screening process; it's not that they don't, it has more to do with poor record keeping and corruption 2) As for "Most Middle Eastern countries..." that's simply not even close to true. There might be some corruption, but nowhere near the scale of Afghanistan. I have worked or served with most all of them; when was the last incident outside of Afghanistan or Iraq? FYI, I am currently an advisor to the armed forces of one of these middle eastern countries. I am about 99% certain that their screening process if rigid in terms of preventing infiltrators. Countries in this part of the world are so worried about insurgents to their power, that they leave little to risk.
As for the Green on Blue, it is arguably the enemy's greatest tactic in Afghanistan. My unit had one on one of our outposts in 2013. It really tests the partnership and will give one a quick insight to the real commitment of those Afghans that are really committed to being soldiers.
The three KIAs that day were never forgotten, but in the end, our relationship with the Afghans remained strong and the mission was not lost in our area. Maybe we should not overemphasize how our soldiers were killed , as any loss of life at the hands of the enemy is tragic all the same.
As for the Green on Blue, it is arguably the enemy's greatest tactic in Afghanistan. My unit had one on one of our outposts in 2013. It really tests the partnership and will give one a quick insight to the real commitment of those Afghans that are really committed to being soldiers.
The three KIAs that day were never forgotten, but in the end, our relationship with the Afghans remained strong and the mission was not lost in our area. Maybe we should not overemphasize how our soldiers were killed , as any loss of life at the hands of the enemy is tragic all the same.
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CPT (Join to see)
I think the media is ok is some places but on an active battle field they an be a disaster.
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CPT (Join to see)
LTC (Join to see) I will then correct myself to the GWOT then. I too am in the the middle east assisting in training an Army. I do think that they can find those that are an issue but at worst case I have seen some that are sympathetic. Some counties like Kuwait may not be the Norm but Iraq and Afghan have failed with their process. It is just a tactic that is extremely difficult to catch. We have had our own soldiers deal with this. Like the Guardsman that tried to join ISIS.
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People continue to feel that Afghanistan is not as dangerous as it used to be. While the numbers may show that, people need to understand it is still FAR from safe. I am not sure what the vetting process is for their military service (or their police force for that matter), but, like here in the USA, some people that join, do so with other then honorable intentions. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of those involved.
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CPO Greg Frazho
As I tell people, when you're in a combat zone, you're in a combat zone. There are no 'safe' areas. There are only locations that are more fortified and more centrally located than others. You aren't 'safe' until you return home, after the deployment's over.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
Loyalties remain divided, clearly for many reasons. Fear of reprisal to the family unit or the village you come from will continue to plague the incoming 'FNG', they need to be informed of this, and perhaps taking on a new identity like when you join the FFL is the answer. I hate to see incidences of fratricide for any reason...especially on purpose.
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