Should the Defense community be concerned about the seeming buildup of "military" arms and equpment in civilian organizations?

2014-05-28T12:05:44-04:00

The spread of SWAT type organizations has been going on since the late 70's in all levels of law enforcement. In recent years we've seen procurement of ammunition, weapons, MRAPs, body armor... by federal agencies with little or no law enforcement role. Is this a matter that should concern the military? Is this not a means of avoiding the restrictions of Posse Comitatus, with civilians growing their own "military"? Or perhaps, this is a strictly civilian matter and the military should stay well out? As a final possibility, maybe its all just conspiracy theory hype and nothing for anyone to be concerned about?

Response by Cpl Christopher Allen-Shinn made Jun 21 at 2014 8:01 PM

2014-06-21T20:01:09-04:00

Yes; I recently read an article about the acquisition of surplus DOD equipment by LEOs, including rural sheriffs, that was pretty shocking. One sheriff said that he loved the program because it's cheap & America is a war zone. Another said the his county's new MRAP is a great SWAT vehicle, especially for intimidation purposes. I'm worried about the increasing militarization of law enforcement, equipment and tactics by criminal organizations, and firearms acquired by ordinary citizens. This does not bide well for the USA, in my opinion.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Mar 4 at 2015 1:39 PM

2015-03-04T13:39:15-05:00

The Militarization of America's police turns the Third Amendment on its head.

To me, the issue is more about mentality than materiel, although materiel can and does contribute to the mentality.

Now, the only problem that I have with police having machine guns, is that it is so difficult for civilians to legally acquire them, and in fact it is impossible for civilians to legally acquire new machine guns.