Read the comments at the bottom.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/2008062...80629051/1009/NEWS07

16 hurt when live bullets are used in French military demonstration
ASSOCIATED PRESS • June 29, 2008

PARIS — A military shooting demonstration in southeast France today left 16 people wounded, including children, when real bullets were used instead of blank ones, officials said.

Four of the wounded were in serious condition, including a 3-year-old child, Bernard Lemaire, chief of the regional administration in Aude, said on France-3 television. Fifteen of the injured were civilians.


A Defense Ministry official said the incident occurred during a demonstration of hostage-freeing techniques at the Laperrine military barracks. The official said investigators will look into why real bullets were used.


No information was immediately available about what kind of weapon was used.


The soldier who fired the shots has been detained, Lemaire said. He said the injuries were likely an accident but that it could have been a “criminal act.”


In a statement, President Nicolas Sarkozy expressed his “horror” at the incident at the base, which houses the 3rd marine infantry parachute regiment.


The injured were taken to nearby hospitals, with the most seriously wounded taken to Toulouse.

I didn't think the French military was EVER issued live ammo. - Jim

the only war they ever won was the
French Revolution and only because they where fighting against the French!!

"They fight with their feet and fornicate with their face"
Gen. George Patton

MOONDAWG

"FOR SALE CHEAP- French Army Rifle - never fired; dropped once."

Here's some fun
1. Go to Google
2. type in "French Military Victories"
3. Hit "I'm Feeling Lucky" button
4. Enjoy the show.

quote:

Originally posted by gunny:
the only war they ever won was the
French Revolution and only because they where fighting against the French!!

Well, being not a big fan of the French military history I wonder who is responsible for the following:
1.Victory at Marengo 1801
2.Battle and victory of Austerlitz 1805
3. Battles of Jena&Auerstadt and defeat of the Prussian army in 1806
4. Battle of Deutsch-Eilau 1807
5.Battle of Wagram 1809
6.Occupation of Spain up till 1814
7. Battle of Solferino 1859
8. Battle of the Marne 1914
9. Defence of Verdun 1916
not mentioning such figures as Sebastien Prestre de Vauban, La Fayette, Napoleon Bonaparte(I know -born on Corsica, but still French army commander), Ney, Berthier or Foch?
cheers
z

We didn’t turn down their help during the War of Independence.

Just so we don't forget, especially given that this Friday is the 4th...

The French were a very important ally for us and a key component in the British surrender at Yorktown.

A Happy 4th & Regards To All From Colorado,


Tony

quote:

Originally posted by dennis40x:
We didn’t turn down their help during the War of Independence.

The only reason the French helped us during our Revolution was because of their hate for the English and what better way to whip the English when you can get someone else that can actually do it, to do it for you.

Smitty

quote:

The only reason the French helped us during our Revolution was because of their hate for the English and what better way to whip the English when you can get someone else that can actually do it, to do it for you.

Smitty

No French Fleet no Yorktown!

Just FYI...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Yorktown_(1781)


Tony

The French just passed a law that it is illegal to burn a white flag...

quote:

Originally posted by sipowicz:
The French just passed a law that it is illegal to burn a white flag...

Do my tighty whities count? How about a little bleach then.

quote:

Originally posted by gunzebra:

quote:

Originally posted by gunny:
the only war they ever won was the
French Revolution and only because they where fighting against the French!!

Well, being not a big fan of the French military history I wonder who is responsible for the following:
1.Victory at Marengo 1801
2.Battle and victory of Austerlitz 1805
3. Battles of Jena&Auerstadt and defeat of the Prussian army in 1806
4. Battle of Deutsch-Eilau 1807
5.Battle of Wagram 1809
6.Occupation of Spain up till 1814
7. Battle of Solferino 1859
8. Battle of the Marne 1914
9. Defence of Verdun 1916
not mentioning such figures as Sebastien Prestre de Vauban, La Fayette, Napoleon Bonaparte(I know -born on Corsica, but still French army commander), Ney, Berthier or Foch?
cheers
z

Which just proves the old saying about winning the battle and loosing the war

You really need to separate the ability and/or courage of the French soldier from the quality of his leadership, or lack thereof.