Are U.S. citizens our enemy?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 08:12:54 -0400

http://www.stripes.com/news/us/army-to-recruiters-treat-armed-citizens-as-security-threat-1.359134

Our military is the ONLY government organization that the American people still hold in high-regard. Is this an example of the military being tone-deaf and turning against the American People.

I feel it could easily turn out that way. These citizens/veterans are trying to defend those who are not ALLOWED to defend themselves.

Army to recruiters: Treat armed citizens as security threat

The Army has warned its recruiters to treat the gun-toting civilians gathering at centers across the country in the wake of the Chattanooga, Tenn., shooting as a security threat.

Response by TSgt David L. made Jul 24 at 2015 8:15 AM

TSgt David L. — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 08:15:32 -0400

Some citizens are most definitely enemies of the state. They have shown that time and again and did so as lately as Chattanooga. Any doubts? I have NONE!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 8:22 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 08:22:28 -0400

Of course we have citizens as enemies, just because they are citizens does not mean that they care about the us or it's people

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 8:25 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 08:25:24 -0400

LTC Private RallyPoint Member I agree with you on this. I think that for so many citizens the only real thing that they have faith in, is those who are willing to serve our nation in the military. Maybe not the Military itself.. but the troops. When the government officials, who are supposed to be serving for the people, by the people- and NOT doing either of those. They want to have faith in one thing about this nation- this government.

As for Service Members. There are always going to be those who still hate us. The extremist who want their 5 minutes of fame for whatever political/religious/social point they want to make, and will target SM for that reason. Stay on guard. But I don't think we should treat them as a security threat, they are NOT the enemy, stay vigilant YES, but Jesus lets not turn our backs on people who want to reunite OUR Nation who is currently pulling apart. Why not let honest citizens stand guard as a militia. Not to mention.. the majority of these "enemy citizens" who are a security threat who are standing guard.... many of them are just like us... Veterans. Brothers and Sisters. I really FREAKING hope, I PRAY TO GOD, that none of us would be able to turn on our own.

Response by SGT David T. made Jul 24 at 2015 8:34 AM

SGT David T. — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 08:34:48 -0400

I can understand the need for vigilance, but a blanket statement that U.S. citizens are the enemy is a very dangerous line of thinking. We have to remember that fear of the government is running wild right now and statements of that kind make those who are afraid very nervous. I think that the wording needs to be adjusted because I do not think that the implication was intended.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 8:44 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 08:44:34 -0400

While I don't think they are a real threat but they do pose a risk. We are tried how to use weapons. You could just go to a range and see how some wanna-be shooters are. I wouldn't feel comfortable with having them armed around me.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jul 24 at 2015 8:59 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 08:59:15 -0400

It is an example of the military leadership being tone deaf likely due to career and rank protection. My guess is this is coming all the way down from DoD into the military and no one pushing back. Trying to hit the 35 years and cruise into retirement.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 9:06 AM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 09:06:39 -0400

If a u.s. citizen attacks america, terrorist, attacks military, kills people, yes. If they're an enemy to the united status theyre and enemy to us.

Response by 2ndLt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 9:52 AM

2ndLt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 09:52:32 -0400

I think the issue is saying theyre a threat, when its more so a concern.

I love these people because I know they have nothing but good intentions in their hear and that they would never intentionally do any harm to US or their fellow citizens unless the situation called for it. However that being said just because these are good intentioned people, does not exclude them from making mistakes nor does it mitigate the chance that they may jump the gun (no pun intended) at what they perceive as a threat.

It's somewhat akin to seeing a toddler playing with a knife, is that toddler a threat to you? No. Is it concerning when you see them running around with the knife. Yes.

Granted one can make the argument that some of these people are trained and are veterans of the military as CPT Private RallyPoint Member stated, we don't really have a system emplace to vet these individuals to ensure that the person standing in front of our facilities is trained, competent, and mature.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Jul 24 at 2015 10:19 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 10:19:27 -0400

LTC Private RallyPoint Member - While there are certainly citizens of our country who could justifiably be classified as "enemies", I think that term does not described the overwhelming majority and only describes a very few. The problem with the current Administration and its sheeple supporters is that they are quick to label anybody who does not agree with their ant-American, racist, immoral agenda as enemies.

The problem I see with armed citizens guarding recruiting stations, etc., besides the obvious safety issues with accidental discharges, etc., is that one does not know who they really are. What would keep an ISIS sympathizer to pose as a "security sentry" at a facility and, therefore, have close-in access that he otherwise may not have. Not all ISIS sympathizers and other home-grown terrorists look like the idiot who shot up the facilities in Chattanooga. All I am saying is that having all the unidentified armed folks around our facilities should be a cause for concern and should cause our military personnel to be extra vigilant, as well as armed themselves.

Response by SCPO Larry Knight Sr. made Jul 24 at 2015 12:26 PM

SCPO Larry Knight Sr. — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 12:26:49 -0400

Hell No, These folks are portraying their honor and commitment to the very troop's who don't sleep at night and stand vigilant watch while these people can sleep safely in the comfort of their homes! These resident's are fed up with the political correctness that has come over this country and all the rhetoric our politicians are trying to force feed us ! I for one stand at the ready as well to not only defend our troop's on American soil as well as these patriots, who are willing to lay down their lives for those serving in various billets in CONUS !
I'm a former immigrant from Germany, who became naturalized as a US citizen in 1973 so that I could acquire my Top secret clearance. The only people I view as threats to our military and law enforcement personnel, are those who have switched from their current agenda to radicalism associated with ISIS/Taliban or any other group hell bent on killing western citizens ! So if the shoe fits , keep in mind we will find you and we will kill you to preserve the freedoms of this great nation of ours .
I'm a firm believer of our 2nd amendment rights and a card carrying member of the "NRA" for life, and will not hesitate to raise arms against all enemies both foreign and domestic to the last drop !

Response by SPC Jesse Montemayor made Jul 24 at 2015 12:57 PM

SPC Jesse Montemayor — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 12:57:08 -0400

I think these Recruiters/ Soldiers should be able to defend themselves. The Military trained these men that should allow them to be trusted to carry so that they can defend themselves and others! God Bless the Soldiers who passed and all that defend our freedom.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jul 25 at 2015 1:33 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 13:33:45 -0400

Obviously, US citizens are not the enemy. However, with friends like these, who needs enemies. They are armed and well-intentioned, but poorly trained and organized to serve as an effective defense. Thank them for the thought and send them home. Better yet, volunteer to meet with them in off duty hours and help them organize and train to better defend themselves. No, I would not make it a formal program. We don't need any more formal programs...

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jul 26 at 2015 9:54 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 21:54:47 -0400

These militia members in some cases are anti-government radicals. These are the same kind of people who drew down on federal officers at the Bundy Ranch. Many of these groups are classed as hate groups. By the SPLC. One militia member discharged his weapon in a mall parking lot in front of a recruiting station. We don't need loose cannons with itchy trigger fingers guarding military facilities.

Response by SPC David S. made Jul 28 at 2015 1:52 AM

SPC David S. — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 01:52:27 -0400

I like the idea that people see a wrong and are trying to fix it however in looking at a number of the photos of these patriots I can't help but to question their abilities. Like I said in other post more than likely the back doors are propped open for a quick smoke - and I bet you won't find any glory hounds back there.