Death of nine US service members in training accident blamed on burnout

Extraordinary demands on troops from Covid and militarization at the southern border were cited in mistakes that led to the disaster

An investigation by the US marine corps found that pandemic burnout and intensive troop commitments played a central role in the drowning of nine US service members last July during a pre-deployment training session off the California coast.

The report, released Wednesday, investigated the formation of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and scrutinized the various demands placed on commanders, staff, and troops before the sinking of a 26-ton amphibious assault vehicle.