Amicicide is a term coined by U.S. Army LCol Charles Shrader for a reference book he wrote chronicling incidents in which U.S. forces killed their own or allies. Shrader’s book is one of the documents that Canadian military officers at CFB Kingston consulted as they prepared a document published last October which is aimed at helping Canadian soldiers from becoming victims in “friendly fire” incidents or firing on their own or allies.
The document is part of a periodical series called Dispatches: Lessons Learned for Soldiers. The October, 2005 issue is simply titled Fratricide.
Whatever you call it — fratricide, amicicide, ‘blue on blue’ or ‘friendly fire’ — it’s back in the news today.
So, for the record, here’s what the Canadian Forces researchers who wrote up Fratricide say in Chapter 11 of that document:
PART 11—WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY UNIT COMES UNDER FRIENDLY FIRE?
A useful SOP [Standard Operating Procedure] for reaction to friendly fire:
- React to the Contact. As per your unit SOPs, respond to the contact. Transmit that contact report up to your higher HQ. It may be the first clue in identifying that you are being engaged by friendly forces.
- Identify the Source of Fire. Although some unit SOPs may require the immediate return of fire, you must endeavour to confirm that you are really engaging the enemy.
- Cease Fire and Report. If you realize you have fired upon friendly forces, cease fire immediately and report the incident. Reporting is critical to ensure no further fratricide incidents take place, particularly within the (by now) confused environment.
- Provide a Visual Signal. When engaged by friendly forces, a visual signal should be given as an identification aid. Visual signals must be identified within Orders and would include both a day and a night signal.
- Take Protective Measures. If under fire, take protective measures. Moving men and/or vehicles under cover allows for protection and provides an area to conduct any necessary tactical combat casualty care.
- DO NOT RETURN FIRE. Although the temptation is to fire upon someone firing on you, doing so only reinforces in the other person's mind that you must be the enemy. Your actions would, in effect, confirm their expectations.