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The U.S. decision to send failure-prone shells to help the Ukrainian military battle Russia has sparked controversy and concern among the families of fallen soldiers and veterans who have experienced the devastating consequences of these weapons firsthand.
One such family is that of Lance Cpl. Travis J. Bradach-Nall, who was killed while clearing an area of cluster weapons in Iraq in 2003. The same type of weapon that took his life is now being sent to Ukraine. The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers posed by these cheaply made grenades, which have a failure rate of 14 percent or more.
Cluster munitions scatter dozens or even hundreds of tiny grenades at a time, designed to destroy enemy tanks and soldiers deep behind enemy lines. However, their indiscriminate nature and high failure rate make them a significant threat to civilians, including children. Over 100 nations have banned their use, but the United States, Russia, and Ukraine have not.
The Biden administration’s decision to provide Ukraine with these artillery shells has reopened old wounds for families and veterans who have dealt with the aftermath of their use in combat. Lynn Bradach, the mother of Lance Cpl. Bradach-Nall, expressed her frustration and disbelief upon hearing the news, as she has spent years advocating for a global ban on cluster weapons.
Similarly, veterans like Mark P. Hertling and Seth W.B. Folsom, who have experienced the devastating effects of these weapons, have voiced their concerns. Hertling was wounded by friendly fire from cluster munitions during the Persian Gulf war, while Folsom witnessed the death of one of his Marines due to a dud cluster weapon in Iraq. Both veterans worry that the risks associated with these weapons are being overlooked in the rush to supply Ukraine with ammunition.
The debate surrounding the use of cluster munitions in Ukraine highlights the ethical and humanitarian concerns associated with these weapons. While some argue that their use is justified in the face of Russian aggression, others emphasize the need to prioritize the protection of civilians and the long-term consequences of using such hazardous weapons.
As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues, it remains to be seen how the use of these failure-prone shells will impact the situation on the ground and the lives of those involved.Advertisement
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The decision by the United States to send failure-prone shells to aid the Ukrainian military in their battle against Russia has sparked controversy and concern among the families of fallen soldiers and veterans who have experienced the devastating consequences of these weapons firsthand.
One such family is that of Lance Cpl. Travis J. Bradach-Nall, a Marine who was killed while clearing an area of cluster weapons in Iraq in 2003. The same type of weapon that took his life is now being sent to Ukraine.
Cluster munitions are known for their high failure rate and the danger they pose to both soldiers and civilians. These weapons scatter dozens or even hundreds of small grenades, which can easily be hidden and detonate if jostled. More than 100 nations have banned their use due to the harm they cause, particularly to children.
Despite this, the United States, Russia, and Ukraine have not banned their use. In July, the Biden administration decided to provide Ukraine with artillery shells of this type after receiving assurances from Ukrainian officials that they would use them responsibly and record their usage for future demining efforts.
However, this decision has reopened old wounds for families and veterans who have experienced the devastating consequences of cluster munitions. Lynn Bradach, the mother of Lance Cpl. Bradach-Nall, expressed her frustration and disbelief upon hearing the news, as she has spent years advocating for a global ban on these weapons.
Similarly, veterans like Mark P. Hertling and Seth W.B. Folsom, who have been wounded by cluster munitions in the past, have voiced their concerns about the risks associated with sending these weapons to Ukraine. They worry that in the rush to supply Ukraine with ammunition, the dangers of cluster munitions may be overlooked or downplayed.
Mr. Folsom, who takes responsibility for the death of Lance Cpl. Jesus Suarez del Solar, a Marine who was killed by a cluster munition in Iraq, emphasized the human element of the decision to send these weapons. He expressed his ambivalence towards the issue, acknowledging the need for Ukraine to defend its sovereign land but also recognizing the long-term risks these shells pose to soldiers and civilians.
The debate surrounding the use of cluster munitions in Ukraine highlights the ethical and practical considerations involved in supplying weapons to conflict zones. While the urgency to support Ukraine’s defense is understandable, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of those on the ground. The risks associated with cluster munitions cannot be ignored, and efforts should be made to find alternative solutions that minimize harm and protect innocent lives.
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How should the Biden administration balance the need to support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression with the potential risks associated with providing them with artillery shells that have a high failure rate, as experienced by families like Lance Cpl. Bradach-Nall’s
The face of Russian aggression, the Biden administration has decided to provide Ukraine with these artillery shells, reopening old wounds for families and veterans who have dealt with the aftermath of their use in combat.
The tragic story of Lance Cpl. Bradach-Nall serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of these cheaply made grenades. With a failure rate of 14 percent or more, they pose a significant threat to both soldiers and civilians. Yet, they continue to be used.
Families like Bradach-Nall’s and veterans like Mark P. Hertling and Seth W.B. Folsom, who have experienced the devastating effects of these weapons, are deeply concerned. They worry that the risks associated with these failure-prone shells are being overlooked in the rush to supply Ukraine with ammunition.
The debate around the use of cluster munitions in Ukraine raises important ethical and humanitarian concerns. While some argue for their use in the face of Russian aggression, others stress the need to prioritize the protection of civilians and consider the long-term consequences of using such hazardous weapons.
As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues, the impact of these shells on the situation on the ground and the lives of those involved remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the controversy and concern surrounding their use cannot be ignored.
This decision puts countless lives at risk, both for our soldiers and innocent civilians. It’s imperative that we prioritize safety and reassess the equipment being sent to Ukraine.
The safety of soldiers and civilians should always be the top priority, and sending failure-prone shells to Ukraine is a reckless and unacceptable decision.