How are we to defend against Paris style attacks from happening?

2015-11-13T20:56:46-05:00

What can we do to stop similar attacks that have happened in Paris. Hitting soft targets, simultaneously with little warning.

Response by MSG Tim Gray made Nov 13 at 2015 8:58 PM

2015-11-13T20:58:53-05:00

Don't worry sheep dogs are packing heavy weaponry!

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Nov 13 at 2015 9:12 PM

2015-11-13T21:12:09-05:00

We could try arming the armed forces.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/arm-the-armed-forces

Arm the Armed Forces! | RallyPoint

The outcome of the discussion "Concealed carry for CAC holders?" by [~222148:SGT Bernard Boyer III]. Below follows my skeleton letter to congress, based on the edits RP members have suggested to the 10 points. Anyone and everyone is welcome to edit and personalize the letter for their own use in writing to their congressional representatives. We sent a mass email on 3 January, the swearing in of the new congress, now it's a free for all. You...

Response by LTC John Shaw made Nov 13 at 2015 9:27 PM

2015-11-13T21:27:38-05:00

Sgt Nick Marshall I don't believe the Obama Administration is willing to acknowledge the significance of the threat. I am concerned that we will have similar attacks in the US and still no recognition of the issue, extremist who use the concept of militant Islam to create a State, will occur. Perhaps he is over confident in the preparation of the military and law enforcement. I don't think this Administration, the mainstream of the Democratic and establishment wing of the GOP party want to recognize the actual threat.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2015 9:46 PM

2015-11-13T21:46:38-05:00

Ensuring that no more feckless pacifists are elected would be a great start.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Nov 13 at 2015 9:47 PM

2015-11-13T21:47:34-05:00

Look out for each other, to hell with gun control, have plenty of ammo. Expect the unexpected, do not trust a the quran, love thy neighbor, and defend at all costs need be. What can we do, ...do not let ant refugees come into America. Look at what is going on in Europe.

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Nov 14 at 2015 2:14 AM

2015-11-14T02:14:02-05:00

Sgt Nick Marshall 3 Simple words......Close The Borders !!

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Nov 14 at 2015 3:34 AM

2015-11-14T03:34:13-05:00

Sgt Nick Marshall we maintain vigilance, we insure physical security and we don't hamper intelligence agencies from doing their job, better to be safe than sorry.

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Nov 14 at 2015 4:58 AM

2015-11-14T04:58:53-05:00

The best and only really defense is for people at the scene to take immediate action against the attackers - armed or unarmed, that is how they will be defeated the fastest and with the least amount of bloodshed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2015 6:21 AM

2015-11-14T06:21:50-05:00

You can never completely defend from terrorists attacks. Trust me, I'm sure the Paris attacks could've been much worse. But there are certain security measures in place that prevented the attacks from being any larger. They didn't even make it into the soccer stadium, where I'm sure they were hoping to attack.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Nov 14 at 2015 8:35 AM

2015-11-14T08:35:12-05:00

There are many layers to this but it starts at the top. We must call them what they are and make serious efforts to kill them where they breed and not allow them to spread. We have essentially refused to do so for many years now.

We allow radicals to easily move around the planet by not more forcefully refusing entry to them. We are not contemplating allowing thousands to enter with little or no documentation. Europe is already flush with these sorts. You don't need massive numbers, only committed groups willing to die for the cause. I think we all know there are plenty of those in the radical islamist ranks.

The reason Paris and other European cities are and will continue to be targets is they are easy to hit. Many already have been and it will continue until they find the backbone to dispense with the PC approach and start going after anyone with links or even mouthing support and sending them back from whence they came or to prison. The attackers know the populace in unarmed and unable to defend itself. They will have hours to unleash their murderous spree before being cornered and killed.

The advantage we have here is many armed people will make it more likely they are less successful. They will however pick their targets wisely. They will hit cities with stringent gun control and unarmed citizens that will not be able to repel an attack. I and many others here have been saying it for a while. This is coming to our shores, the terrorists are here and they will strike. Our open borders, PC approach to radicals, unwillingness to keep them on the defensive where they breed and a lack of resolve from the white house to eliminate the threat have made the now inevitable possible.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2015 10:29 AM

2015-11-14T10:29:14-05:00

This is obviously a controversial proposition, but add more guns to the equation. Give the citizens the right and legal ability to fight back. As a society endorse and encourage open/conceal carry, and end "gun free" zones. Police can only do so much, and there is no solution to terrorism, which leaves only this.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Nov 14 at 2015 12:27 PM

2015-11-14T12:27:58-05:00

Sgt Nick Marshall - Sergeant; We cannot STOP similar attacks but only REDUCE the number and severity.

Reduction can be achieved through:
[1] more through vetting at borders;
[2] more inter-agency cooperation;
[3] "disruption" operations;
[4] well trained and alert security personnel at "mass events";
[5] planned response routines;
[6] having sufficient trained response personnel available;
[7] refusing to "glorify" the perpetrators;
[8] after action disinformation;
[9] treating the perpetrators in exactly the same manner as "non-terrorists"
and
[10] keeping your fingers crossed.

I'm not exactly ravingly enthusiastic about any "solution" which involves half drunk people in a darkened room shooting at "the bad guys" (no matter how much fun it sounds like).

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 14 at 2015 2:42 PM

2015-11-14T14:42:13-05:00

You have to eliminate the social, religious and economic factors that create them in the first place. Terrorism is a symptom, not the underlying condition...

Response by SPC David S. made Nov 14 at 2015 6:34 PM

2015-11-14T18:34:54-05:00

The honest truth is we can't - porous boarders, small compartmentalized units and low tech communications make this hard to detect.

Response by PV2 Scott Goodpasture made Nov 14 at 2015 7:11 PM

2015-11-14T19:11:37-05:00

We can start passing out ammunition to our patriotic brothers and sisters so they can defend their families instead of trying to disarm them

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Nov 14 at 2015 8:46 PM

2015-11-14T20:46:19-05:00

A president who can't bring himself to say Islamic terrorist. For one Saudi Arabia won't take the refugees. and the majority aren't refugees. They are single men adults. And Obama wants more. He is doing nothing for the Christain refugees.
I would say remain vigilant and keep a watch in your suroundings.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 14 at 2015 9:36 PM

2015-11-14T21:36:05-05:00

Monitor electronic media, infiltrate. Not much it seems.

Response by TSgt John Temblador, PI, CIPA made Nov 14 at 2015 10:00 PM

2015-11-14T22:00:55-05:00

NYPD Cops Went Undercover as ‘Muslims’ http://libertyfirstnews.com/nypd-cops-went-undercover-as-muslims-heres-what-they-found/

NYPD Cops Went Undercover as ‘Muslims’ & Here’s What They Found…

Response by CPT Bruce Rodgers made Nov 14 at 2015 10:03 PM

2015-11-14T22:03:10-05:00

Pick up a weapon and follow me

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Nov 14 at 2015 10:14 PM

2015-11-14T22:14:37-05:00

Look up Dr. Edwin Vieira. We need to revitalize the institution of the Constitutional Militia. I'm talking about an official State institution comprising every able bodied adult from the age of 16 to 60, armed, organized, and trained to effectively handle threats to 'homeland security'.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Nov 14 at 2015 10:55 PM

2015-11-14T22:55:59-05:00

We really can't protect against this stuff I'm an absolute sense. We can do our best.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2015 11:54 PM

2015-11-14T23:54:34-05:00

I posted a similar response elsewhere. We as Americans in our politics and policies are very predictable. I think it's time to change our thought process and become so unpredictable the bad guys are scared to even face us anywhere in the world.

Response by PO1 Mark Filter made Nov 15 at 2015 1:10 AM

2015-11-15T01:10:59-05:00

It is a numbers game. No one wants to see another Paris here in the United States. In any population, there will always be a number of deviants, those who think and resonate with Salafi Jihadism - in its many flavors. Even if we take a conservative "guestimate" that within the United States right now there might be ONE percent of the current population (319 million), that makes the potential for 3.19 million individuals within the U.S. who just praised what happened in France and desire it to occur here in the U.S.

So, the fight for counterterrorism is multifaceted.

(1) We must control the quality and quantity of individuals immigrating into the United States who would be traveling from locations of a statistically high probability of being associated with Jihadist terrorism.

(2) We must give law enforcement the means of protecting the nation while not eroding the Constitution that we all swore to protect and defend. A case must be made before the American public that resources are scarce for law enforcement agencies and police departments MUST profile individuals, vet those individuals, and then continue to focus on statistically high probable subjects (i.e. those who are most likely the bad guys and not the 90-year old grandma trying to get on her flight to see the great grandchildren for Christmas).

(3) Allow anyone trained to carry a firearm, use that firearm, and who is not restricted from owning a firearm to carry openly or concealed no matter where they are within the U.S. The insurance companies and lawyers would certainly see $$ as a result, which might be a good thing for a slumped economy. Men would be men and dinosaurs would roam the earth once again.

(4) Counter the Jihadists in their own homeland without news cameras being around. Let the U.S. military do what we do best, quietly, and without anyone seeing the graphic and terrible realities of war. Do what needs to be done; did someone say "shock and awe"? Well, it works.

SEMPER PARATUS!

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Nov 15 at 2015 3:39 AM

2015-11-15T03:39:09-05:00

Unfortunately free and open society we are not able to do that. If we live in an Orwellian society maybe possible but I doubt services of this nation would want such policies.

Response by Maj Jeff Dodd made Nov 15 at 2015 7:27 AM

2015-11-15T07:27:07-05:00

I'm not sure defending against a coordinated near simultaneous attack at 6 different locations is possible. With better SIGINT and HUMINT we can, at best, foil an attack as has happened several times already. Unfortunately, we are getting very good at responding to active shooters in the US, but that response won't do much good against an improvised explosive device attack at a large public gathering or event. Really, the only way to slow the rate of killing when dealing with determined suicidal attackers is to do what A1C (now SSgt.) Spencer Stone and his boys did on that train or what the passengers did on United flight 93. Bum rush the attackers and fight for your lives. Sadly, I don't think most people have that kind of courage.

Response by SSG Paul Ellis made Nov 15 at 2015 6:28 PM

2015-11-15T18:28:51-05:00

One thing that would have helped is the techniques the NSA used before that traitor Edward Snowden published Top Secret documents regarding the program. Now our enemies - and frenemies - know those information gathering methods and are avoiding them.

I understand the idea of privacy, but would you rather have the NSA spying on electronic messages, phone calls, etc... and be able to intercept planning for attacks like this or would you prefer to have total privacy but be rolling the dice as to there being a like attack in the US?

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Nov 15 at 2015 8:22 PM

2015-11-15T20:22:33-05:00

We say we're prepared, but truthfully, we won't know until it happens...

Response by MSgt Daniel Attilio made Nov 15 at 2015 9:08 PM

2015-11-15T21:08:45-05:00

I would say remain vigilant - which is a ridiculous concept outside our circles. Sit at a bus stop, mall or any other area and watch all the people walking around with 100% of their attention on their little idiot screens (cell phones). Regardless the potential solution raised there will be counter efforts to circumvent "todays impenetrable."
Plus they're intent is to bend the will of the people, to change our behaviors not overtly confront forces head on. That completely eliminates their intent to instill fear through an anytime anywhere approach. You want soft targets? Follow a school bus to an empty area an slaughter all occupants - in multiple states simultaneously. Can you imagine the panic that would ensue. Would parents become hesitant of entrusting their kids on buses? How would you prevent that? Place an armed guard on every school bus? Or trail it with a guard van? There are plenty of soft targets whose destruction would cause a change in behavior, at least in the short term.
This is a conflict of ideologies that cannot be won merely through the use of force.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Nov 16 at 2015 7:53 AM

2015-11-16T07:53:32-05:00

In answer to the question, the BEST defense against such attacks is an armed citizenry. A proliferation of armed citizens could have much more rapidly put an end to an action such as this, likely with far fewer civilian casualties. Understanding that AT LEAST one of the Paris attackers held a Syrian Refugee passport, I would add that we do not defend against such actions when we let these "refugees" into our country en-masse when there is NO WAY to vett them. Since these refugees are coming from Syria, and since our government has been incessantly calling for, and working for the deposition of Assad, (instead of actively working against ISIS), we are NOT going to get any help from Assad. Any talk of vetting on the receiving end is folly, wishful thinking fodder for the masses, or self-deception. There is NO WAY to vett such people, and we would be foolhardy to accept them into our communities en-masse without being able to do so. Regards

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2015 9:16 AM

2015-11-16T09:16:06-05:00

Exercise your 2nd amendment right. If you live in states that make it hard to do so - then you have a tough decision to make. I don't think I could live in a state that infringes on my right to CCW...and If I had to live in a state like that, I suppose i'd be an outlaw.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Nov 16 at 2015 9:24 AM

2015-11-16T09:24:04-05:00

Some attacks can never be prevented unless we completely change to a different government system, and even then.

There are many preventative countermeasures that can lessen the number of attacks and the severity, but it's not possible to defend against everything.

Response by SGT Josheua Cooke made Nov 16 at 2015 9:56 AM

2015-11-16T09:56:09-05:00

In order to prevent travesties like this, from foreign or domestic terrorists, is to discourage "gun safe zones". I can not figure out why anyone feels that arming citizens will be less effective than painting a target on a gun free zone. Our mentality needs to become more like that of Israel's, because this style of terror, as well as mass shootings will only get worse.

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Nov 16 at 2015 10:44 AM

2015-11-16T10:44:34-05:00

A vigilant attitude and citizens who are armed. Paris doesn't have armed citizens. If they did, maybe a few with weapons could have made a difference. Instead, they were totally helpless.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2015 12:15 PM

2015-11-16T12:15:36-05:00

Allow the citizens to be armed. Promote responsible gun ownership, and good foundation for conceal carry training to general public. Also do what big government do best, defend the border.

Even with all the above ... we still only manage to reduce the "death" ...

I guess we must go in and kill them all at their place too ....

Response by SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres made Nov 16 at 2015 12:30 PM

2015-11-16T12:30:56-05:00

We need to train our youth on how to fight and defend themselves, starting from an early age. If people possessed the necessary skills to defend themselves, we might not have so many people getting held hostage (this should be a standard for our Nations) and even bullied while in school.

We need to just keep our religions to ourselves, and not be so naive as to think that one is superior to other varieties. We need to come together as a world and completely rewrite standards that all people need to follow. Each Nation will execute a plan to put those globally agreed upon values into action. I'm sorry but Islam is either incredibly evil on its own (which Muslims claim it isn't and that it's peaceful), or is able to mistranslated through its vague wording. We need to just have respect for all people. And people need to not fall pray for religions or ideals that bind them and seclude them, those that lead them into one type of thinking.

Response by Cpl Shane Cunningham made Nov 16 at 2015 12:33 PM

2015-11-16T12:33:38-05:00

It's only a matter of time before it starts here.

Response by MAJ Donald Belles made Nov 16 at 2015 3:05 PM

2015-11-16T15:05:22-05:00

allowing concealed carry into places like concerts would help deter attacks and making concealed carry an opinion for all vets certainly help stop jihadists in their tracks from looking for hostages.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Nov 16 at 2015 3:45 PM

2015-11-16T15:45:19-05:00

I've given this a great deal of thought, since its obvious that, at some point, it WILL come here. To that end, I leave the defending of such things to the response teams, and I have taught my adult kids, and their friends three things. 1> Try to stay out of large Unarmed crowds, which in Houston, are not very common. I'd rather be around a lot of lawful gun carrying adults than in a crowd with people who were totally unarmed and helpless.
2> Look for exits in every large gathering or room you enter that you are not familiar with, and consider how best to get to those exits.
3> Get a Concealed Handgun License and carry a gun.

We know they are coming, we just don't know where or when, so staying away from large crowds and defenseless areas seems like my best options at this point. At this age, I can no longer take down a bad guy with muscles, being armed keeps me from being a soft target myself.

Response by SGT Bryan O'Reilly made Nov 16 at 2015 7:06 PM

2015-11-16T19:06:59-05:00

I like what Capt. Porter said. but I am also aware that our civ pop has been so insulated from this and are thoroughly unprepared. I would like to see all cvivs who are armed pass a small arms training cert class and coordinate with a sr retired military liaise in their respective communities.. to coordinate and drill a response plan. Achmed has his own intel and the better prepared our civilian pop. is the less likely they are to die when the attack comes, which i have no doubt will happen because we are not prepared and are so politically polarized that we identify first as party affiliates and second as American. It is a sad state of affairs IMO.
Thanks for serving, devil dog!
Yer pal,
Sean

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Nov 16 at 2015 8:25 PM

2015-11-16T20:25:41-05:00

Arm everyone who demonstrates the physical and mental ability to defend the country. In other words, quit villan-izing gun ownership.

Response by Sgt Spencer Sikder made Nov 17 at 2015 1:58 PM

2015-11-17T13:58:08-05:00

We learned some time ago that we can't prevent similar attacks. The Colorado movie theater shooting is a prime example.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 17 at 2015 2:29 PM

2015-11-17T14:29:03-05:00

You can't. Terrorism is very much like insurgencies. They don't have the numbers for full pitched battles, so they use surprise and security to pick targets.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Nov 17 at 2015 3:24 PM

2015-11-17T15:24:12-05:00

I think that the whole country just needs to really be serious about security and not just thinking that it cannot happen to us. Look at 9/11, no one thought it could happen to us.
People get complacent and they get frustrated by all the extra security around and once they don't see anything bad happening they start to complain about all the unnecessary precautions being taken.
We need to keep a higher level of security because the terrorists are wiling to die to get their statement out there and blowing up civilians is the best way for them.
Keep the vigilance up don't let our guard down.

Response by SFC Eric Williams made Nov 17 at 2015 5:03 PM

2015-11-17T17:03:56-05:00

Unfortunately the only real defense is is just that defence. It's Time to start hitting the range and qualify monthly with licensed concealed weapons.

I took my 24 year old daughter today. She'll be trained up and licensed in about 6weeks. We can only be ready if someone starts shooting.

Response by PV2 Scott Goodpasture made Nov 17 at 2015 5:07 PM

2015-11-17T17:07:39-05:00

Response by SFC Jason Babb made Nov 17 at 2015 11:11 PM

2015-11-17T23:11:45-05:00

It's not about who is in office. And I'd like to think it's not about constant vigilance on the home front. I don't want to live in an America where I have to skulk around at the low ready in preparation for a possible terrorist. That being said, I don't know. It's a mutual contribution between homeland security, military intelligence and local law enforcement (along with other three-letter agencies). But really, how to you stop a dedicated enemy who is living amongst us who wants to perpetrate something like Paris? How much freedom do you want to give up to ensure your safety?

Response by Joey Ortega made Nov 17 at 2015 11:16 PM

2015-11-17T23:16:17-05:00

Stop being soft targets, accept national security is everyone's duty and stop working under the assumption that vigilance and information sharing are the jobs of a few agencies.