Aussie Killed In Iraq

[old faithful]

Just heard that an Aussie was killed in Iraq, tragic accidental discharge of his own weopon. U D,s have been a constant problem with the styer since its induction. I remember a similer case in East timor. I remember the first Kapyong day parade with the F88, numerous UD,s. This is a problem with the Arctic trigger guard. A design that allows the weopon to be fired whilst wearing mittons! Also the safty catch is a push through design that can accidently be pushed during fire and movement without the operaters knowledge. A mate of mine,Adrian was killed by a UD from the styer when doing a live fire,grenadeing a bunker ex. It is time that the arctic trigger guard was modified to one that the finger can rest "outside". There were no where near as many UD,s with slr/m16 or any of the machine guns with traditional trigger guards. At least 3 men have died because of this,and it pisses me off. I have never worn mittens in 8 years of grunting,something needs to be done now!

http://www.defencetalk.com/news/publish/article_005700.php

[old faithful]

styer was not involved....leaves the queston open, as to how a very expearienced soldier "accidently" shoots himself in the head with aside arm....whilst cleaning it...ah sounds like there might be a bit more to this...tragic just the same :(

[Aussie Digger]

He was a sniper, from 3RAR Sniper Cell. Certainly seems to me that there there may be a bit more to it. Who cleans a weapon with the barrel pointed at their head?

Even if he was doing a "pull through" and checking the barrel afterwards (up to the light) it would still be removed from the weapon, meaning the weapon has to be cleared first.

Sounds to me like, Defence isn't releasing the whole story about this incident, probably due to family concerns...

[Magoo]

He was a sniper, from 3RAR Sniper Cell. Certainly seems to me that there there may be a bit more to it. Who cleans a weapon with the barrel pointed at their head?

Even if he was doing a "pull through" and checking the barrel afterwards (up to the light) it would still be removed from the weapon, meaning the weapon has to be cleared first.

Sounds to me like, Defence isn't releasing the whole story about this incident, probably due to family concerns...

Perhaps we should just leave it at that then, also due to family concerns. RIP mate.:cry2

Magoo

[old faithful]

there have now been three seperate stories released to the media regarding the circumstances of this "accident". The Australian public have every right to be sceptical about every media release concerning active service deployments. Accurate and responsible media reports are critical to keeping the public ,s approval or indifferant opinions towards Australian involvement in these conflicts. the last thing we need is negative mass media exposure. I,ve never met Pte Kovco, but he was my family too,my condolences go out to his wife and immediate family. And i now hope theat the media will "LEAVE IT ALONE!". Mr Magoo, sorry if this post offends you. Duty first Jake.:mad:

[gf0012-aust]

Some of the press was disgraceful on this, but at least they've left her alone until the coronial enquiry is completed.

There was some bloody awful stuff in the Adelaide Sunday Mail last week.

[old faithful]

unfortunatley,it seems that Australian news papers are following the style of English tabloids. They seem to make the news ,not report it! having said that ADF spin doctors must take some of the blame. Instead of reasing blatent B/S to the public, they could have let it go until after the inquirey. I hope some lessons were learnt from this.

[Awang se]

He was a sniper, from 3RAR Sniper Cell. Certainly seems to me that there there may be a bit more to it. Who cleans a weapon with the barrel pointed at their head?

Even if he was doing a "pull through" and checking the barrel afterwards (up to the light) it would still be removed from the weapon, meaning the weapon has to be cleared first.

Sounds to me like, Defence isn't releasing the whole story about this incident, probably due to family concerns...

I've guess as much when i first heard the news. My condolences to the family members

[old faithful]

Latest media reports have released info that Jake had a dream that he died from a bullet wound to his head from his own gun a month before the incedent.....this info was apparently released from the inquirey.It just gets wierder....:confused: