3rd inf division to assist with "homeland" security

[Trucker]

*I* got it.

[Rich46yo]

In my opinion the chances of a military takeover in this country, based on Politics or any other reason, is lower then any other country on earth. It just couldn't happen in America. I know that may disappoint some of you conspiracy junkies but Ive been on both sides of the fence and its as close to impossible as you can get. First off 99% of the soldiers would tell their General to bugger off and then they would side with the citizenry. But it would never even come to that.

The only possibility of any of this happening is if in event of a terrible domestic emergency and then, and only then, would the military be empowered lawfully. I'm talking like in case of a nuclear attack or something like that. It could never be done unlawfully.

I was both in the military and stationed in a country where the military overthrew the civilian Govt. and took power. Its actually laughable to think such an even can happen here in America. Our soldiers, sailors, airmen, coast guard, and marines, simply wouldn't obey such orders and the conspirators would be arrested on the spot.

[Nwbie]

In my opinion the chances of a military takeover in this country, based on Politics or any other reason, is lower then any other country on earth. It just couldn't happen in America. I know that may disappoint some of you conspiracy junkies but Ive been on both sides of the fence and its as close to impossible as you can get. First off 99% of the soldiers would tell their General to bugger off and then they would side with the citizenry. But it would never even come to that.

The only possibility of any of this happening is if in event of a terrible domestic emergency and then, and only then, would the military be empowered lawfully. I'm talking like in case of a nuclear attack or something like that. It could never be done unlawfully.

I was both in the military and stationed in a country where the military overthrew the civilian Govt. and took power. Its actually laughable to think such an even can happen here in America. Our soldiers, sailors, airmen, coast guard, and marines, simply wouldn't obey such orders and the conspirators would be arrested on the spot.

Mt brother retired from the Army about 8 years ago, he told me 1/2 the enlisted were gang bangers or wanna be - gangbangers. Was that just the frustrations of a lifer sergeant or is it fairly true?

[USRanger]

No where near half, not even close, but yes, there is a problem.  The military is comprised of every cross section of people that America has to offer, including bad eggs that keep some of their bad habits.  The vast majority are honorable people doing some of the hardest jobs this country has.

[Patches1]

If my memory serves me correctly, weren't U.S. Marines used to guard mail trains against robbers in the US in the 1930's...and weren't Federal Troops used in Washington, D.C., under the command of then Colonel Douglas A. MacArthur, used to dislodge protesting US WWI Veterans encamped in Washington, D.C. ? My memory may not reflect this accurately, however, I do know for a fact that the Oath I took upon enlisting in the Armed Forces of the United States (and I did so twice) included the following words..." to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign, and domestic...".

[WWhiskey]

may get crazy but i bet there will be alot of conflicts of enterest, who are they supposed to defend? or are they just there to prevent civil unrest?
sad when they side with local law, over the people, unless it is an actual problem other than with the election! time will tell!! cant be good tho!!!!

[Rich46yo]

Mt brother retired from the Army about 8 years ago, he told me 1/2 the enlisted were gang bangers or wanna be - gangbangers. Was that just the frustrations of a lifer sergeant or is it fairly true?

Dont know, wasn't in the army. In USAF we didn't have any, at least in my day. My gut tells me %50 is way, way high. Just cause the kid is a minority that listens to rap doesn't make him a gangsta. But...I deal with real gangstas.

For years I worked an airport detail on my days off and daily came into contact with many, many young Americans with bags packed, en route to basic training. I was almost always impressed with the quality of the young troops were getting. Unless the military has changed that much since my day, and I doubt it, justice can be pretty swift on screwballs. There aint no Johnny Cochran riding in on his white horse. I'd be willing to bet anything USAF still doesn't have any gang problem of any kind, and the army/marines are nowhere like your brother says. But the military, like a Police Dept., is a reflection of the society it comes from. We have gangbangers on Police Dept.s, Mobsters...ect too.

But once youv been in the US military you do learn what a joke it is that a coup could happen here. Even during the terrible days of the Cold War and World Wars it never came close to happening. The foundations of Democracy are to strong here.

[humble]

If your referring to what I posted your missing the point entirely. This is not a question of a possible mutiny by the military as much as an observation that if civil disorder erupts that the armed forces owe actual allegiance to the constitution above the elected government.

[sldered]

I spent 5 years in the Army and I am currently in the guard.  American soldiers would never "attack" their home turf. Thats like calling an artillery strike in your hometown.   If something like a civil war did ever break out the Army would crumble. The Soldiers would escape back to there states to defend their neighbors.  

[Nwbie]

If your referring to what I posted your missing the point entirely. This is not a question of a possible mutiny by the military as much as an observation that if civil disorder erupts that the armed forces owe actual allegiance to the constitution above the elected government.

I guess I am confused as to your point then. Doesn't the constitution say that the commander in chief is the president?
If you aren't suggesting a military takeover possibility, what is your concern?

[FiLtH]

   Gentlemen...three days ago, an astronomer in the Canary Islands detected what appeared to be a large asteroid on a collision course with Earth.

[Nwbie]

   Gentlemen...three days ago, an astronomer in the Canary Islands detected what appeared to be a large asteroid on a collision course with Earth.

Seems like there is one coming - this blog talks about the heated air and the storms it could cause
http://blog.professorastronomy.com/

[humble]

I guess I am confused as to your point then. Doesn't the constitution say that the commander in chief is the president?
If you aren't suggesting a military takeover possibility, what is your concern?

My original post speaks to the actual thoughts, training, interest and reading material of serving officers and enlisted personnel in the USMC. The average PFC is better versed in the constitution, current affairs and world politics then 80% of current US college graduates (and most members of congress). A typical Marine NCO has more authority on the battlefield then most field grade officers in other services.

I actually have no "concern" at all, I'm simply providing information that the topic of deployment within the United States on a war footing is/has been widely discussed within the Corps even at the boot camp level. At a broader level the interplay of the standing military in times of domestic unrest with civilian authority is a constant area of study at the think tank level.

As a single point of reflection, both the President and the armed forces are sworn to uphold and defend the constitution above all else. The Presidents authority as commander in chief flows from this oath. On multiple occasion the CJCS has publicly spoken against the policies of the President and the Nation. What do you think a constitutional crisis is? or what it entails? My comment is an observation that in times of civil stability and peace the Judicial Branch is the final arbitrator of constitutional correctness. In a time of political unrest and constitutional crisis we may just find that the actual determination of what is constitutional "correctness" may in fact turn out to be the CJCS.

[Fugita]

  Here's todays conspiricy

October 14, 2008. (Hey that's next week), Operation Vigilant Shield will commence. Pretty big stuff people. This event coincides with something on a much grander scale. I won't tell you what it is, but here's a hint from an old episode of Outer Limits. "IT'S A COOKBOOK!"

Google this: October 14, UFO

It's a Freakin' Riot

[DREDIOCK]

. First off 99% of the soldiers would tell their General to bugger off and then they would side with the citizenry. But it would never even come to that.

Thats what Im saying.
Maybe they will decide to defend the constitution,side with the citizenry and turn their guns on Washington to restore the Constitution.


Ehh I can dream