Accused troops ‘can’t win’

THE ROYAL Marines at the centre of murder allegations dating from last year must be supported, The Courier has been told.

Last night ex-military figures associated with Angus-based 45 Commando declared their backing for seven marines, whom the Ministry of Defence announced were arrested in connection with an alleged incident in Afghanistan last year.

One former serving marine said it is the British public’s duty to stand behind their service men and women — “or get in front of them.”

The MoD has not stated which units the detained marines are from, but it is known servicemen from RM Condor in Arbroath joined comrades from Plymouth’s 42 and 40 Commando during a six-month tour in Helmand province.

Stuart Lavery, former marine and chairman of the 45 Commando Veterans’ Association, said: “It’s ridiculous the dangers that our troops have to face, only to have to face constant scrutiny.

“They can’t win, doing the things that will save lives while worrying about the rules of engagement.

“It’s the duty of every member of the British public to get behind our armed forces, or get in front of them.

“Soldiers are fighting for the lives of others, and their own, not sitting down to think during a battle. “In a firefight it is kill or be killed.” Royal Military Police arrested the marines, believed to be members of the joint 3 Commando Brigade, in connection with an incident in Helmand.

The incident was described as “an engagement with an insurgent”, with no civilians involved, and an investigation was launched by the Service Justice System.

Another local veteran said soldiers can only “hope to God” they make the right decisions on the front line.

“It’s very hard to call a split-second decision,” said the former serviceman, who asked not to be named.

“In Northern Ireland, for example, troops were issued with a little yellow card with the rules of engagement printed on them.

“On the front line you are put into this situation, and you hope to God you make the right decision. We have to fight by the rules — they don’t — and it’s impossible to tell the good from the bad until they are holding a gun at you.”

An MoD spokesman said: “These arrests demonstrate the department and the armed forces’ determination to ensure UK personnel act in accordance with their rules of engagement and our standards.

“It would be inappropriate to make any further comment while the investigation is under way.”

A member of the Plymouth-based M Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines, during operations in Helmand.