Fratricide in Battle: (Un)Friendly Fire

Description

Fratricide, or 'Friendly Fire', is a persistent and unwelcome feature in war. Can it be avoided? How can it be properly understood? Beginning with a historical analysis, Fratricide in Battle examines all aspects of the problem, covering both human and technical factors, before looking at a range of measures currently in use to tackle the issue. Charles Kirke brings together an international group of experts in the field, from both military and academic backgrounds, to provide a thorough examination of this crucial subject. Taken together, their contributions offer a comprehensive understanding of fratricide in its historical context and suggest important lessons for future generations.

Charles Kirke is Lecturer in Military Anthropology and Human Factors at Cranfield University, UK. He is author of Red Coat, Green Machine (Bloomsbury, 2009).

This collection provides an effective account of the issue, notably in its historical context and as an aspect of risk management. Moreover, there are acute comments about the tactical dimensions involved and the processes of decision-making ... This is an important collection about a dimension of conflict that is generally ignored in the literature but that increasingly receives public attention. -- Jeremy Black, University of Exeter, UK * European History Quarterly *