How do you feel about servicemembers being full-patched members of motorcycle clubs?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 15:39:53 -0400

A lot of members of the military love motorcycles. Moreso than in most other circles. And that's a great thing. But how do you feel about servicemembers being full-patched members of motorcycle clubs? Not looking to start an argument, I'm just curious about your opinion on it, RallyPoint.

Side note: I do NOT endorse servicemembers being outlaws, regardless of the club they belong to.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2019 4:33 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 16:33:44 -0400

Full patched service members on Guam are just fine, it's being a team member of that Motorcycle club, and what they do. Most do charity work, escorts and just out having fun riding their bikes. We don't have Outlaw bikers on the island, if we do, I never saw or met with them, most bikers on island are veterans or service members, and the Young and Restless.

Response by SSG Tom Pike made Apr 7 at 2019 5:34 PM

SSG Tom Pike — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 17:34:28 -0400

Depends upon what club they are a member of.

Response by TSgt David L. made Apr 7 at 2019 6:02 PM

TSgt David L. — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 18:02:16 -0400

It sounds like you use the word "Club" like others use "Gang". There are many clubs, groups and associations (As the Combat Vets Motorcycle Association [CVMA] that I belong to) and there are 1% Clubs. Don't confuse the two "Clubs" as most are not 3 piece or "outlaws".

Tons of Vet/Military clubs, groups and associations out there and there is NO reason that folks can't belong to one.
Do you ride? If so, who do you run with?
EOD Dave
CVMA 32-3/46-1

Response by Maj John Bell made Apr 7 at 2019 6:41 PM

Maj John Bell — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 18:41:14 -0400

I have had for interactions with self-professed 1%'rs en masse. All were on camping trips in remote campsites where my family and the bikers were the only people in the camp site. When they figured out I wasn't looking for trouble, all was fine. They kept the "wild party activities" to a dull roar, and only after my kids were down for the night. A fair portion of them were former Marines and we got along fine and shared a beer or two. When one of the former Army bikers started telling Marine jokes. They appreciated that I gave as good as I got.

There may be 1%'rs who are trouble from the start. But I've never met one.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Apr 7 at 2019 7:27 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 19:27:34 -0400

No different then being a full patched member of a knitting club.
If either club are participating in illegal activities or activities that run afoul of UCMJ it would be wrong to be part of either group, if they are not doing illegal things then it is not an issue.

Response by LT Michael Watson made Apr 7 at 2019 10:15 PM

LT Michael Watson — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 22:15:02 -0400

I understand the draw, but as a service member, an oath was sworn that may come in conflict t with that of the club. The 1%’er life is not congruent with the obligations and duty of the service. Once out and your commitment is complete, you are free to go your own way, until then, you are the property of the US Government.

Response by SSG Byron Howard Sr made Apr 8 at 2019 12:28 PM

SSG Byron Howard Sr — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 12:28:32 -0400

You can't condemn one club without condemning all of them. If a military member joins a club you can't say anything about it but, if the person gets into trouble or fails a urinalysis test its UCMJ time.

Response by SSG Byron Howard Sr made Apr 8 at 2019 12:33 PM

SSG Byron Howard Sr — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 12:33:34 -0400

There was a club at Osan AFB in Korea when I was there and other bases have groups, Clubs, or people that ride together without any problems.

Response by PO1 John Johnson made Apr 8 at 2019 2:30 PM

PO1 John Johnson — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 14:30:29 -0400

If they are a member of a Motorcycle "gang or club" that is on Law Enforcement's radar for criminal activity, that's on them; if not - what's the problem?