US Army snipers from the "painted demons" platoon of the 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division allegedly took part in "a classified program of 'baiting' their targets" to lure insurgents within their sniper scopes.
"Basically, we would put an item [like a spool of wire or ammunition] out there and watch it," said Captain Matthew P Didier, the leader of the elite sniper platoon in a sworn statement. "If someone found the item, picked it up and attempted to leave with the item, we would engage the individual as I saw this as a sign they would use the item against US forces."
Full Metal Jacket, 1987:
A Marine Corps helicopter flies across the Vietnamese countryside while a machine-gunner in its open door sprays bullets at everyone he sees below.
Door Gunner: Anyone that runs is a VC. Anyone that stands still is a well-disciplined VC! . . .
Joker: How can you shoot women or children?
Door Gunner: Easy -- ya just don't lead 'em so much! Ain't war hell?
