Historically, what has been a major cause of casualties in combat?

A major cause of casualties in combat is indeed accidents. In military operations, the chaos and unpredictability of the battlefield can lead to numerous unintentional incidents, such as vehicle crashes, mishandling of equipment, or friendly fire situations. These accidents can result from environmental factors, equipment failures, or human error, and they often occur during both combat and non-combat operations.

While enemy fire is an obvious threat that directly affects combat casualties, it is important to recognize that many injuries and fatalities can arise from less direct causes, such as accidents. Additionally, lack of supplies can lead to operational failures, and insufficient training can increase risks, but historically, the unintended consequences of mishaps in a combat environment have accounted for a significant percentage of casualties. Understanding the nature of these accidents emphasizes the need for rigorous safety protocols and training to minimize risks during operations.