US use of "soldiers of fortune"

[Kadagar_AV]

So do you consider Swedish soldiers that have to kill people in Afghanistan murderers as well? Or do the Swedes do no wrong?

Yes, the US has killed innocent civilians, the greater majority of them being accidental. Of course in war there are soldiers that illegally kill civilians, those incidents though when found out do prompt a court martial.

@Crossloper: There are people such as myself that support Russia in actions such as the recent war with Georgia so don't think that all Americans are double standard when it comes to Russia/USA.

If the Swedish combat doctrine teached to throw in a handgrenade before entering a house I would call them murderers yes. I have had some deep talks with American officers about this, but they would not budge. Swedish forces then refused to do mission alongside US troopers.

The Afghan forces traiend by the swedes uses flashgrenades. More risk for the soldier, but much less civilian casualties.

Don't get me wrong though, we have had swedes do some up things. And some have went to jail for it.

And that is my point, when swedish, or American forces breaks the laws of war, we are held responcible for it.

When Blackwater does it, there is no one to hold them responcible.

Take the incident with the torture and sexual harasment tapes from teh Iraqi prison. American army did it, and american army got nailed for it. They had to repent, and they did. just as it should be. See, I have much less problem with the american army than mercs. American army try to, along with the combat training, also teach some sence of moral perspective. Just look at the damn marine Corps, they are todays knights in shiny armour. They RARELY mess up. Them, you would rather see take a bullet to protect a civilian than shoot a civilian.

However, mercs have no code of honour, no LAWS to regulate them... Heck, contrary to normal troops they dont even have a cause they BELIEVE in, they are there to make cash. Yes, I see a problem with that. You do not?

EDIT: When I said "I" have had some deep talks, I actually meant on a personal level. The decision not to go on combat ops with Americans are, for obvious reasons, not for me to decide. I'm not exactly a general...