Posted on May 28, 2014
If ordered by POTUS, would you fire on American citizens?
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With the recent standoff in Nevada where the Bureau of Land Management used an armed response force to collect an outstanding land usage tax, is it a leap to say that American Troops will one day be called upon to enforce the will of the Federal Government against the American People?
What are your thoughts on using the US Military as a police force against the American People?
What are your thoughts on using the US Military as a police force against the American People?
Constitution
Law Enforcement
Office of the President (POTUS)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 66
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As Active Duty military there is a law against that that came out of Reconstruction called the Posse Comitatus Act which prohibits Federal Troops from enforcing state laws. Therefore a soldier can legally disobey an order to fire on American Citizens if acting in that capacity. The reason you are seeing increased activity from Federal agencies is probably because of this law and is a way to circumvent it.
The interesting scenario is going to be when the Federal government tries what they did in Nevada in some place like Texas and Texas calls out the National Guard in response.
The interesting scenario is going to be when the Federal government tries what they did in Nevada in some place like Texas and Texas calls out the National Guard in response.
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Cpl Mark McMiller
The true story of WACO, the FBI raid of the Branch Davidians in WACO, Texas. Delta Force there "pulling triggers." Hillary Clinton. Texas Rangers and the FBI.
MSG Jay Jackson It's pretty common knowledge Delta was there. If you google Delta Force at Waco a lot of stuff comes up. Our government completely whitewashed the entire debacle. Here's a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wB45jhbQVeo
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MSG Jay Jackson
Ok good video. So did Clinton violate the law by using federal troops in a civil law enforcement operation?
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SGT James Elphick
MSG Jay Jackson - Not likely, Delta Force is often tasked to civilian entities and fall under their authority, thereby by-passing the law.
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We take a oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. IMHO I do not believe I would follow such an order. Nor would I follow the officer who gave the command.
If someone was shooting at my soldiers, attacking my convoy….that is self-defense and another animal entirely.
But to deploy against American citizens exercising their rights. Oh hell No! I would not shoot at hippies and I loath them. The surest way to start a civil war in this country would be to have military forces used as political pawns by some politician in Washington DC in a domestic matter.
We defend our citizens and our Republic, we do not oppress it.
If someone was shooting at my soldiers, attacking my convoy….that is self-defense and another animal entirely.
But to deploy against American citizens exercising their rights. Oh hell No! I would not shoot at hippies and I loath them. The surest way to start a civil war in this country would be to have military forces used as political pawns by some politician in Washington DC in a domestic matter.
We defend our citizens and our Republic, we do not oppress it.
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Wow, awesome question! I have a real life scenario from experience I'd like to share. I was in Texas Army National Guard when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, we were deployed at oh dark 15 the very next morning, and issued our M-16/M-4 rifles with no magazines or ammunition, and that is what we carried throughout the 48 days we "served" there. I was under fire on 3 occasions while driving 5-tons through 5 foot deep water by what was likely "drug lab guardians" or just who the heck decided too, unknown, but how frakked up was that? I would have to say we in uniform should have our ammo and general orders, let us as professionally trained Soldiers deem what is appropriate, and BACK US UP!!!! I was pissed that I couldn't defend myself in New Orleans....
Sorry for the rant, but felt like I had a really good reason to chime in on this one :) It really sucks being a medic sometimes....:( Doc Hill
Sorry for the rant, but felt like I had a really good reason to chime in on this one :) It really sucks being a medic sometimes....:( Doc Hill
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LTC Paul Labrador
SGT Hill, love that fact that you were running around with automatic weapons with no ammo to prevent those weapons from being taken away from you. Kinda remeinds me of Hurricane Andrew when teh 82nd was called out to help with the aftermath. They were running around South Florida with weapons and no ammo. Luckily the FLANG who were also there were issued full basic load.
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SGT Shon D. Hill
Yes Sir, it was quite the surreal experience, like kids playing "cops and robbers", but under f'd up rules, LOL! Thanks for your input. Doc Hill
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Cpl Dennis F.
LTC Paul Labrador Yep, and some of them were relieved of their weapons by gangs that did have ammo. I was in there the next day as a civilian with a NG convoy (Don't ask!) No one was getting in there , not even Red Cross, but M & P. It was the wild west down there for a few days. Only place I ever had flashbacks. I have some recordings of radio traffic that you would not believe.
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SSG Philip Evans
Similar situation when the California Guard was called up during the LA Riots. I understand why the military cannot be used to fight against civilians, but there should be rules also in place for defending your life or those around you when under attack, even if it's by civilians!
In some of these modern situations taking place over land rights and State Rights, many people feel they are part of the "General Militia". Some are very fervent concerning freedoms, as well as both individual and State rights. Remember, there are many that consider themselves to be part of the "militia" that are also members of "State Reserve Forces" as well as the National Guard. You may decide to fire on an armed citizen and find yourself being "blown away" by your buddy next to you that also feels the same way as to "rights".
If the military is ordered to fire at civilians, it's a "no win" situation for both sides!
In some of these modern situations taking place over land rights and State Rights, many people feel they are part of the "General Militia". Some are very fervent concerning freedoms, as well as both individual and State rights. Remember, there are many that consider themselves to be part of the "militia" that are also members of "State Reserve Forces" as well as the National Guard. You may decide to fire on an armed citizen and find yourself being "blown away" by your buddy next to you that also feels the same way as to "rights".
If the military is ordered to fire at civilians, it's a "no win" situation for both sides!
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