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July 31, 2006

UN military observers killed. IIIbalizer

Some people (included a ret. Lt.-Colonel) suggest that abandoning post would mean losing a honor. Sure, abandoning position without an order means losing a honor. However, we are not talking about UN observers: Maj. von Kruedener lived and died with the honor. We are talking about their superiors who were supposed to give such an order: there is no honor in putting needlessly your subordinates in the harm way.

Needlessly is a key word here: the commanding officer often sends his troops into dangerous combat, sometimes to a certain death. It could be for a greater good. However there was absolutely no need to keep unarmed UN observers in that position. Doing so their commanders behaved as many Soviet generals and marshals sending their troops in the suicidal frontal attack knowing that outflanking enemy would achieve the goal faster and with far less casualties albeit more keen to gain reputations of the ruthless and tough commanders.

Posted by Victor at July 31, 2006 07:27 AM