Should a military detachment protect our Olympic Athletes?

SSG Robert Burns — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 16:58:59 -0500

I'm sure everyone has heard about the terroristic threats for the upcoming Winter Games in Russia. When there is such an immanent threat such as these, should we send our athletes over with the protection of our military? Much like our dignitaries?

They are representative of our Country and in the event of their harm or capture we would be reacting anyway with possible military force. Why not an ounce of precaution?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2014 4:59 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 16:59:52 -0500

In my opinion, yes. I don't' see why would we should not use our national military to defend our national treasures!

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made Jan 21 at 2014 5:39 PM

TSgt Scott Hurley — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 17:39:17 -0500

Like what has been said in the news recently. There are already a couple of Navy ships in the Black Sea, with Air, and missile support if asked.

If Russia says that they will take care of it. Then I believe them. That is because of the History of Russia not backing down to anyone. Its that Cossack mentality that makes it so. Now if the terrorists follow thru. That is a different story.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2014 6:21 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 18:21:20 -0500

SSG Burns,

Should the US protect our athletes? Absolutely.

Should the military protect our athletes? I do not think so.

There are many ways to protect people, and I believe the lack of incidents at the Olympic Games shows that our nation and the host nations have done a fairly good job of protecting the competitors.

I believe that having military force with our athletes would be a mistake and could potentially bring about more issues. If we did bring military forces to protect our troops, other countries would likely do the same and by the end of it your will have hundreds of countries militarized (many of whom do not agree with each other) in a small area. I believe that is a recipe for disaster.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2014 8:26 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 20:26:35 -0500

I believe there is already a governmental entity (the US Diplomatic Security Service) that is charged with this. They receive much training similar to the military and much more relevant to the urban environment they face.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2014 8:36 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 20:36:20 -0500

Here is a news story about some of the options the military has available in the region. It seems to be planning for more of an evacuation mission, but given our relationship with Russia I couldn't imagine us being allowed to put boots on the ground.

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2014/01/us-military-makes-contingency-plans-for-sochi-olympics/

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2014 8:39 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 20:39:50 -0500

This isn't going to happen.  But I'll play along since it's a good exercise in deployment considerations.  You have good intent, but it's not well thought out.  What's your plan when the Russians say, "Pound sand, you have no legal grounds to send troops here."  They'd have every right to do that.  Furthermore, they'd be right since such a suggestion I believe is unprecedented.  In a sovereign country whose government we recognize, we'd still have to get their permission to send soldiers, especially if they're armed.  And there's no SOFA I'm aware of.  So that'll get sticky if a US soldier shoots someone.<br>

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2014 10:06 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 22:06:31 -0500

A lot of good responses below.  BLUF: Not our job, not our jurisdiction, potential diplomatic nightmare.<br>

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2014 11:46 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 23:46:36 -0500

I believe we should but I do believe Russia can handle it but it would be nice to see some international cooperation.

Response by CPT Mike M. made Jan 22 at 2014 7:52 AM

CPT Mike M. — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 07:52:01 -0500

There's a history of things going off at Olympics be it attacks, hostage situations, people from other countries defecting, etc. I think it'd be a good mission for even just a Company sized element to escort our athletes.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Jan 22 at 2014 10:26 AM

CMC Robert Young — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 10:26:02 -0500

The short answer is Yes, but the actual response given the political implications is sure to be very much more complicated and messy than that.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 11:08 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 11:08:25 -0500

Yes

Response by CPO Jon Campbell made Jan 22 at 2014 10:07 PM

CPO Jon Campbell — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 22:07:10 -0500

When I was stationed in Georgia, 190 miles from Sochi, it was too dangerous to drive up there. The whole region has been volatile for the last 23 years. It is hard to believe Russia has got a handle on it all now. 

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Jan 22 at 2014 10:52 PM

1SG Frank Boynton — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 22:52:04 -0500

Absolutely not. We should not be politicizing sports to the point of providing military response. If in fact the threats are real than we shouldn't be sending our team into harms way. Most of them have no military or self defense training. If the host nation can not provide the necessary protection then we shouldn't allow olympics in those countries. Think of it this way, do you want foreign military forces on US soil? I sure as hell don't. When I see blue helmets walking the streets of America, it's time to load up the magazines and go back to war. If you think it's ok for foreign military to be here, then you need to refresh yourself on the Constitution of the US and your oath of enlistment/office.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 11:06 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 23:06:39 -0500

This is all the responsibility of the Host country.  The Olympic Comitee takes security in to consideration when deciding who will host the games.   The State Dept in conjunction with embassy coordinate for security for our dignitaries.  This is way to political to call in a machete when a scalpel is needed.  The Russians are pretty brutal, so they will and can do things we wouldn't be able to. Worked with them before, they like to shoot first and forget about questions! LOL. There would also need to be a SOFA negotiated to protect our Service men and women.  <div><br></div><div>We used our military in Salt Lake, but that was different.  Federal Soldiers (on title 10 orders also call active duty) are prohibited from enforcing laws by the Posse Comitatus Act.  Now, National guard can be activated by the state under title 32 orders.  Then they work for the Govenor and can enforce.  Here is a new one I learned.  Title 14.  That is for the Coast Guard.  This is what gives them the authority to enforce maritime laws. That's why there is a Coastie on most Naval vessels, especially in the Carabean. Because AD Sailors are also bound by posse Comitatus.   This change from my understanding came when the Coast Guard left the DOT and became part of the DoD.</div><div><br></div><div>I don't know why I know this.  I have provided EOD support to local law enforcement with UXO and IED response. But never in a ship! LOL</div>

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 9:31 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 21:31:20 -0500

I don't think the government should be involved with the olympics at all.  The Olympics is a private company.

Response by SPC David Brown Sr made Jan 24 at 2014 2:07 AM

SPC David Brown Sr — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 02:07:17 -0500

<p>No...we were...are not security guards - or even the Secret Service.  WE are the US military...we are present to protect freedom - not provide security for special events.  Do not mistake me...I love the Olympics - all of them.  But if our leaders feel that a place is too violent...then we should pull out as a country.  If the host country cannot secure our athletes...then we don't need to be there.  </p><p><br></p><p>In closing...I believe the Russian Government will do what is necessary to make sure that all are safe, and that their country "shines".  I really believe the Russians don't want that type of black eye on their country.</p>