Agreed. Why should sailors even carry guns? Shooting back might be mistaken for shooting first... don't want to start any wars or hurt the feelings of militants.... Yesterday, the former First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Alan West, said British rules of engagement were "very much de-escalatory, because we don't want wars starting ... Rather than roaring into action and sinking everything in sight we try to step back and that, of course, is why our chaps were, in effect, able to be captured and taken away."I have never seen any statement by a responsible ex-official of any country as irresponsible at this one. The only point of having a military in a war zone is to impose your will on the enemy and any potential enemy. The primary duty of any military force is self-defence. Only when you defend yourselves can assistance be rendered by Allied forces.
I bet the troops thought about shooting back but then realized if they made it back alive, they'd have to deal with endless paperwork and lawyers.
They chose the Iranians.
