Should the US military be used to enforce law and order and quell the protests against President Trump?

2017-01-25T16:10:12-05:00

Edit: I posted this as a little experiment. There was a similar discussion asking whether American soldiers would fire on American citizens due to the riots that were taking place. I had responded that the Posse Comitatus prohibited that, much like many of you did. However, I was unconvinced that most of the respondents "No's" had to do with an obligation to their fellow citizens and more to do with their dislike of the Obama administration. I hypothesized that it was the latter and posted this question to test that theory. Turns out you all pleasantly surprised me and proved me wrong. Thank you for that. I'm sure this post will continue to generate discussion though.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 4:11 PM

2017-01-25T16:11:32-05:00

National Guard should if necessary but not federal troops.

Response by SGT James Hinch made Jan 25 at 2017 4:17 PM

2017-01-25T16:17:19-05:00

Posse Comitatus says no. Anyone remember the small town of Sampson, AL that had a mass shooting and MPs from Fort Rucker went down to assist the local law enforcement in directing traffic around the road blocks? I do, because I was one of those MPs. As a result of that, our Provost Marshall (LTC) was relieved of duty, and charged. All because he answered a mass call for help from local law enforcement.

Response by SPC George Rudenko made Jan 25 at 2017 4:18 PM

2017-01-25T16:18:47-05:00

Posse comitatus prohibits use of military as LEO unless in emergencies or martial law. That said, is our military equipped and trained to handle a largest scale riot?

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Jan 25 at 2017 4:23 PM

2017-01-25T16:23:01-05:00

national guard...absolutely. Federal troops...heck no. I don't want us to turn into a police state.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 4:25 PM

2017-01-25T16:25:41-05:00

After you violate the first amendment, you should never complain about anything someone wants to do to the second amendment

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Jan 25 at 2017 4:27 PM

2017-01-25T16:27:19-05:00

We have done it many times with Guard and Reserves. Usually associated with some specific incident or occurrence though. Using them for just normal law and order as suggested by president would be a precedent.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 4:29 PM

2017-01-25T16:29:49-05:00

I believe our law enforcement communities are trained and equipped to deal with these incidents much better than our federal troops.

Response by SGT William Howell made Jan 25 at 2017 4:39 PM

2017-01-25T16:39:21-05:00

Absolutely not. Not only will he never do that, but if he did it is an unlawful order.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posse_Comitatus_Act

Posse Comitatus Act - Wikipedia

The Posse Comitatus Act is a United States federal law (18 U.S.C.§1385, original at 20Stat.152) signed on June 18, 1878 by President Rutherford B. Hayes. The purpose of the act – in concert with the Insurrection Act of 1807 – is to limit the powers of the federal government in using federal military personnel to enforce domestic policies within the United States. It was passed as an amendment to an army appropriation bill following the end of...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 4:47 PM

2017-01-25T16:47:04-05:00

No, that's why we have law enforcement, plus is illegal

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jan 25 at 2017 4:56 PM

2017-01-25T16:56:23-05:00

Such a lovely chorus. May I sing along?
Ahem...Ahem...
"Posse Comitatus"

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 4:57 PM

2017-01-25T16:57:36-05:00

The National Guard will be used if needed to maintain law and order.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 5:10 PM

2017-01-25T17:10:03-05:00

that is not the job of active military, but the national guard can be called in by their state govenor

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 5:13 PM

2017-01-25T17:13:26-05:00

How did "send in the feds" get translated to military? Or was this a hypothetical?
The president has FBI, DEA and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assets at his disposal that are already lightly involved in the Chicago area. "Send in the feds" likely only meant ramp up the efforts of federal law enforcement agencies; although I think the problem is much larger than crime.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Jan 25 at 2017 5:34 PM

2017-01-25T17:34:05-05:00

There are four exceptions to the Posse Comitatus Act that have been passed by Congress. Three of them are located in 10 USC Chapter 15, a.k.a. the Insurrection Act of 1807. The one to watch is probably section 333:

"Authorizes use of the militia and Armed Forces when domestic violence or conspiracy hinders execution of State or Federal law, and a State cannot or will not protect the constitutional rights of the citizens. Implements Article II, section 3, and the 14th Amendment of the Constitution."

Full link: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/32/215.4

32 CFR 215.4 - Legal considerations.

(a) Under the Constitution and laws of the United States, the protection of life and property and the maintenance of public order are primarily the responsibilities of State and local governments, which have the necessary authority to enforce the laws. The Federal Government may assume this responsibility and this authority only in certain limited instances.

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Jan 25 at 2017 6:04 PM

2017-01-25T18:04:21-05:00

There are ways to get around Posse Comitatus, see the Little Rock Nine and the 101st Airborne. But the National Guard would be used to quell "protestors" (rioters) and restore order, if it came to that.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Jan 25 at 2017 6:08 PM

2017-01-25T18:08:21-05:00

What protests against President Trump? Haven't seen any recently. Old George Soros only opens his wallet on weekends.

Response by COL John McClellan made Jan 25 at 2017 7:26 PM

2017-01-25T19:26:29-05:00

No. BTW, there were some people in DC on inaug day who specifically set out to cause damage, and they were dealt with. But on SAT, during the so-called "women's marches" in dozens of US cities, millions of protesters, all peaceful, and no arrests were reported.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 8:00 PM

2017-01-25T20:00:17-05:00

No. Use cops. If that doesn't work use national guard

Response by SP5 Robert Ruck made Jan 25 at 2017 8:38 PM

2017-01-25T20:38:00-05:00

Absolutely not. Never military against our citizens. To me this is a scary thought.

Response by MSgt Neil Greenfield made Jan 25 at 2017 8:48 PM

2017-01-25T20:48:03-05:00

It will never happen, at least in the way you're asking the question. President Eisenhower ordered the 101st Airborne into Alabama, I believe, to enforce desegregation law by protecting and escorting 4 (or was it 6?) Black students into an all-white high school. Governor Wallace had actually used his National Guard to prevent them from them from entering.
So, let's look at a worst case scenario of what could happen. Think of it as a risk assessment of sorts. And this is purely fictional (IMHO).
In no particular order:
One, it's illegal to use the US military in law enforcement, as others have pointed out.
Two, if it did happen, I'd say we now have a dictatorship and we are no longer the USA.
Three, any officer or enlisted personnel would be subject to court martial if they complied with that order.
Four, that could be the kindling for the start of a "2nd American Civil War".
Five, what's to prevent the current POTUS (whoever it is) from declaring martial law and all elections are now postponed indefinitely?
Seven, each state's governor activates their National Guard as they are the CInC for their respective National Guard units. They order their units to defend the citizens of their states against the oppressive military.
Etc., etc.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 8:49 PM

2017-01-25T20:49:12-05:00

No, No, No, No, Absolutely No, and again No a thousand times over. Besides the Posse Comitatus Act preventing that, that is the same action that every dictator takes to justify keeping the peace and it is the first step towards a dictatorship and a 240 year steps backwards to being under the thumb of King George or in this case King Donald.

Today it is a protest you have stopped, tomorrow we loose our freedoms such as the 1st amendment, and the next day we put yellow stars on undesirables (Nazi Germany in case the reference is missed).

Response by GySgt Melissa Gravila made Jan 25 at 2017 9:51 PM

2017-01-25T21:51:04-05:00

I don't think so- peaceful assembly is legal, riot control is for the LEOs to deal with, that's their jurisdiction. Give the law enforcement officers the necessary tools to do their job safely- without military interference.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Jan 25 at 2017 10:15 PM

2017-01-25T22:15:23-05:00

No. As others have said, that's how dictatorships begin.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 10:33 PM

2017-01-25T22:33:02-05:00

Correct me if I'm wrong but I was under the impression that only the National Guard could be called to do something like this, if AD or the Reserves did it they would be in violation of Federal Law.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Jan 25 at 2017 10:40 PM

2017-01-25T22:40:28-05:00

As a rule no. IIRC States may use NG to assist with disasters or rioting. I think the biggest problem of late has been that LEOs and local government has been afraid to use adaquete measures to prevent riots and looting, mostly because they feared repercussions from the US Attorney General.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Jan 25 at 2017 10:55 PM

2017-01-25T22:55:32-05:00

No ! Under no circumstances go down that road.

Response by Cpl Zach Wellborn made Jan 25 at 2017 10:59 PM

2017-01-25T22:59:42-05:00

Are you talking about martial law? Doing something like that or even the idea of that combined with the bullshit media would become chaos. The only effective thing to do is enforce the law. When protesters become criminals, arrest them. When people block the highway, call the families to identify their dumbass for playing in the street.

There's a difference between protesting and causing problems.

Response by Sgt Sherry Taylor-Bruce made Jan 26 at 2017 12:57 AM

2017-01-26T00:57:46-05:00

Governor's call in the National Guard in natural disasters to guard against looting and riots, I think this situation warents National Guard activation.

Response by SGM Billy Herrington made Jan 26 at 2017 1:04 AM

2017-01-26T01:04:09-05:00

Should they, no. Can they, yes.

Think insurrection act. With approval from congress the president can use title 10 troops for law enforcement. It's not the often followed path and would be disastrous.

Title 32 national guard can enforce civil law under the consent of the governor of the state.

The previous discussion is central to the response during hurricane Katrina. Gov Blanco didn't want to give up her national guard to a centralized command thereby taking away her title 32 law enforcement. After a few hundred New Orleans police officers walked away she realized she needed to establish civil control. When she sent her request to the fed government all she said was, send me everything you got. Not quite what was needed. Hence the further delay. Bush could have used the insurrection act to take control but how would that of looked? We can what if it to death but it was a republican president that would have taken power from a female democrat governor.

It was a damned if you do and damned if you don't for both sides. Ultimately the people suffered.

Response by SFC George Smith made Jan 26 at 2017 2:09 AM

2017-01-26T02:09:41-05:00

The US Military can Not be Used For what you are implying... due to Posse Comitatus Act

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posse_Comitatus_Act

Posse Comitatus Act - Wikipedia

Response by SSG Will Phillips made Jan 26 at 2017 2:34 AM

2017-01-26T02:34:05-05:00

NO!

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jan 26 at 2017 3:08 AM

2017-01-26T03:08:30-05:00

Nope! Godwin's Law be Damned! How Many of the 14 Defining Characteristics of Fascism does Trump have to Embrace before we call him a Nazi?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2017 8:11 AM

2017-01-26T08:11:00-05:00

May I ask the basis for your question? I know I am coming to the party very late, but I am curious.

Response by 1SG Billye Jackson made Jan 26 at 2017 9:08 AM

2017-01-26T09:08:13-05:00

In the 60, AD Units were all trained in Riot Control, I remember it well. we were called on several times to go in and stop them and were very effective, with the exception…[See More]

Edit

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2017 9:23 AM

2017-01-26T09:23:02-05:00

Nope. That job is for the local law enforcement. Let them do their job.

Response by SFC Thomas Batie made Jan 26 at 2017 9:30 AM

2017-01-26T09:30:41-05:00

No ! Let him take care of his on ass

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Jan 26 at 2017 9:33 AM

2017-01-26T09:33:24-05:00

No military needs to step in the protests that cost money and we could use money
In other programs it help flint Michigan with there lead in their water.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2017 9:37 AM

2017-01-26T09:37:24-05:00

So many folks are stating that the Posse Comitatus forbids the President from using the military in such a manner. I believe the Act only applies to the Army and the Air Force. Could Marines be sent in?
The Posse Comitatus also states that whoever willfiully uses, except in cases and under circumstances expressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress......
So, is stating that the use of Soldiers is completely illegal correct?

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Jan 26 at 2017 10:08 AM

2017-01-26T10:08:48-05:00

NO! We need to keep the military out of it. Police Dept. National if bad enough but no military.

Response by PFC Joseph Eggy made Jan 26 at 2017 1:59 PM

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It would work on paper, till people get killed. If Rump decides to go that route, it will be very bad for him in the end.

Response by LCpl Joseph Ukasik made Jan 26 at 2017 2:44 PM

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I really Doubt that the Marines that are in the inner circle to speak would allow that

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Jan 26 at 2017 2:46 PM

2017-01-26T14:46:58-05:00

No.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Jan 26 at 2017 3:32 PM

2017-01-26T15:32:56-05:00

From what I know the NG is for the states to handle their own problems like that. However, this is causing mass effects in smaller areas. ANY attempt or idea to overthrow the government IS a felony and should be punished; aka Judge Dredd style.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Jan 26 at 2017 4:42 PM

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Why would anyone want to use the military against protesters? It would be overkill and they simply are not needed.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2017 7:16 PM

2017-01-26T19:16:42-05:00

We have freedom of speech and 1st Amendment rights to allow the civilian population to express the opinions toward the POTUS. If the protesting turns into rioting or hate speech is fuels people to do terrorist acts law enforcement should take action. If law enforcement get overwhelmed the National Guard should be sent in as need to augment law enforcement. I don't think there should not be active duty forces involved.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jan 27 at 2017 12:24 AM

2017-01-27T00:24:23-05:00

No....

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jan 27 at 2017 12:47 AM

2017-01-27T00:47:31-05:00

That is a violation of Posse Commentates unless it is specifically in the District of Columbia, which is under Federal Jurisdiction.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2017 9:09 AM

2017-01-27T09:09:51-05:00

No, and I am generally under the impression that would be illegal (Posse Comitatus)

Response by SFC Wade W. made Jan 27 at 2017 12:55 PM

2017-01-27T12:55:22-05:00

No. Not the active duty military. The NG, yes. That is well within their wheel house.

Response by SGT James Elphick made Jan 27 at 2017 4:58 PM

2017-01-27T16:58:18-05:00

If anyone is interested check out my edit to the original question. Thanks

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2017 7:53 PM

2017-01-27T19:53:39-05:00

Active? No, because it's against the law. Lawyers here may know if they can be used under declaration of martial law or some other clause if so authorized. National Guard? yes, if needed to restore order. They've been doing it for years. I remember the shootings at Kent State as a youngster. As far as Americans shooting Americans, that depends on the level of unrest and if authorized per ROE's. It would be a tough call for anyone serving but they are required to follow lawful orders, so if ordered by competent military authority and the situation warranted they will have to follow orders. Hopefully they will utilize RCA's and less lethal measures before resorting to deadly force, but the situation will dictate. Lets hope it doesn't come to that.

Active duty have been used in the past. http://fmso.leavenworth.army.mil/documents/rio.htm

Foreign Military Studies Office Publications - Combat in Cities: The LA Riots and Operation Rio

The U.S. military experience during the 1992 Los Angeles Riots and the 1995 experience of the Brazilian Armed Forces in countering criminals in Rio de Janeiro offer insights for civilian and military leaders. These kinds of domestic support operations have made the military-law enforcement nexus an important dimension of today's national security environment. They underscore the importance of up-to-date procedures for interagency coordination,...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2017 3:34 PM

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Look what happened in North Dakota! That was National Guard out there at that pipeline with the native Elders supposedly being water protectors which is a bunch of garbage. it was National Guard soldiers out there with their mrap vehicles shooting water cannon at protesters when it was 25 degrees Fahrenheit outside. No Posse Comitatus there. These were National Guard on title 32 that the local Governor had called up to help contain the protest. I am actually supporter of the natives but I think the natives have been hijacked by Greenpeace and other environmental is who no matter what even if they redirect the pipeline around native lands around the river they do whatever they need to do to make it right it will still be against it because of the fifth column in filtration by anti oil Lobby that I believe is funded by Russia and the Middle East oil oligarchy to prevent the US from Gaining energy Independence under any circumstances. that's another story What the National Guard was being used the National Guard is using flash bang grenades against protesters and the blue one Lee's arm almost completely off. Now I know why off duty Reserve soldiers and former soldiers came to protect the protesters from the National Guard. Posse Comitatus Act was not an effect but the governors can use their National Guards in the way they feel like it for right or wrong

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2017 6:10 PM

2017-01-28T18:10:51-05:00

If it ever gets to the pointwhere Congress suspends posse comitatus, we are in serious trouble.
It can happen, but God help us if it does.

Response by CSM Andrew Perrault made Jan 29 at 2017 6:39 AM

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This is a STATE issue

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2017 12:12 PM

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There is no reason to respond to peaceful protests with military force, even if some civil disobedience is involved. It is the job of law enforcement to protect the rights of everyone involved to the best of their ability... that includes the peoples right to protest.

Response by LCpl Steve Smith made Jan 31 at 2017 6:17 AM

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My answer is no that is what the National Guard is for BUT it has been done in the early 90's with the L.A. Riots. They Deployed 5th Marine Regiment to help support Law Enforcement and the National Guard I was with 3/5 at the time my Battalion did not go to L.A. because we were scheduled to fly out to Okinawa to do our 6 months pump there but the rest of 5th Marines (our sister Battalions) and Regimental HQ. were sent to L.A. I watched all on T.V. sitting on March AFB waiting for the plane's flight attendants to fly in from another state because Local ones scheduled were stuck LAX lol cRaZy shit back then too.

Response by SSgt Kevin Hopkins made Jan 31 at 2017 8:02 AM

2017-01-31T08:02:15-05:00

Absolutely not. Any president that uses the military to stop protestss nothing more than a dictator and any military that would fire on its citizens should be be prosecuted

Response by GySgt William C. White made Jan 31 at 2017 9:32 AM

2017-01-31T09:32:20-05:00

No way they should not be used in protest. Protest are an important part of our society. It is a part of our freedom and being able to share our views even against the president. I think some people forget the president in reality works for us.

Response by Cpl John Mathews made Jan 31 at 2017 12:56 PM

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No, it would be illegal. Posse Comitatus. Governors, however can call out the National Guard. If the protesters broke through into airport secure/clean areas, the Guard might be the only option.

Response by SSG Ken Gilder made Feb 14 at 2017 11:39 AM

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Local law enforcement has the responsibility to ensure the safety of both protesters and counter-protesters. If they cannot or will not do it, the jurisdictional head (mayor; chairman of the county commission) can, and should, call on adjacent and state law enforcement agencies to augment, or even replace the locals.

If that's still not enough, you call in the National Guard, which is, in effect, the state militia, unless ordered to active duty by the Pentagon.

Finally, as a last resort, you ask for a declaration of martial law, and federal troops.

Now, there are those that will claim that the Posse Comitatus Act precludes federal troops from enforcing the law. Not necessarily true. The precedent was set in the 50's, when Eisenhower sent in active army units to enforce integration at Little Rock's Central High School.

Response by PFC Aaron Cox made Feb 14 at 2017 5:15 PM

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Posse Comitatus prevents Active and reserves from being used in law enforcement situations. There has been attempts to override this using NDAA. However most military will refuse to act as law enforcement because it can be precieved as a violation of our oaths and set us on a dangerous road. The use of military not being allowed to be used as law enforcement goes back to the revolutionary war. If things keep going the way they are we could be fighting another war on US soil. The bigger question is what role would the active and reserve military plan in this scenario, and would this be a violation of Posse Comitatus?

Response by SMSgt Roger Horton made Feb 15 at 2017 3:26 PM

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Not Active duty military but The Air and Army National can.

Response by PO1 Bill O made Feb 15 at 2017 5:24 PM

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Kent State! What a mess that turned out to be huh!

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Feb 28 at 2017 10:21 PM

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Sp4 Byron Skinner. Sgt. James Hinch pretty much says it all. A lot of things would have to happen first before Federal TRoops could be called out for a local Civil Disobedience. First off the National Guard would have to be called out but as in the case of Los Angeles 1997 they couldn't get on site fast enough and there was gunfire and return gunfire happening and the Governor had to ask the Federal Government and near by Marines from Camp Pendleton came and with in hours the situations was cooled down. One Marine was asked by a rioter if he was/could arrest his and the Marine said no, he was not a sworn police officer but he could shoot the rioter. That seen to be understood and the riot in Koreatown receded. Could soldiers shoot an American civilian engaged in an act of Civil Disobedience if she/he meet the criteria of the ROE and was armed. Simple a soldier is expected to do his/her duty. Military Lives Matter Too.

Response by SCPO Lonny Randolph made Feb 28 at 2017 11:41 PM

2017-02-28T23:41:17-05:00

We have various Police Forces to deal with unrest and riots. For incidents that require more force, the Governors of each State have the authority to request the aid of the National Guard, barring that the active duty forces can only respond when so ordered by the Commander in Chief. Regardless how one feels about the CIC, there are many very good reasons to keep the regular armed forces out of the business of law enforcement.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2017 5:59 PM

2017-03-07T17:59:16-05:00

I think it depends on how bad the protests get. Of course, use of live rounds can't be done, so non-lethals would have to be the way to go.

Response by PO1 Jeff Doan made Mar 9 at 2017 9:25 AM

2017-03-09T09:25:25-05:00

Whether a riot is against President Trump, Mickey Mouse or some imagined race issue, the regular military has no business being involved in a domestic riot. The National Guard, however, is under the command of the state government until federalized. If the Governor deems it necessary, he/she should deploy National Guard troops to maintain the peace. Ferguson MO is a prime example of an out of control riot where the National Guard should have been deployed. With this use of National Guard troops in mind, NG should not be regularly deployed to in support of an international peace keeping missions abroad.

Response by SPC Woody Bullard made Mar 13 at 2017 5:16 PM

2017-03-13T17:16:41-04:00

No to U.S. military use for law enforcement and to quell protest against President Trump.
Riots are a criminal act and not a legal form of protest. Civilian law enforcement officers
should be used to stop riots and make arrest. State national guard use if necessary to assist
law enforcement officers. Having said that I can think of two incidents where U.S. Army soldiers
were used against civilians. July 1932 in Washington D.C. when President Herbert Hoover ordered
the army to remove 17,000 World War I veterans and their supporters from their protest site.
July 1967 in Detroit, Michigan when President Lyndon Johnson ordered paratroopers from the
82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions to Detroit to assist civilian law enforcement and the state
national guard during the riots in Detroit. When rioters use firearms in attempt to kill police
officers, national guard or as noted above U.S. Army soldiers there is a response of deadly force.

Response by Sgt Mike B made Mar 25 at 2017 3:41 PM

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Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Apr 1 at 2017 10:09 PM

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In violation of the Constitution

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Apr 2 at 2017 2:14 PM

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KENT STATE

Response by SGT Chuck Taylor made Apr 15 at 2017 11:55 AM

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I think that is a very fine line.but each and every one of us took an oath.to defend this nation against all enemies foreign and domestic. Guess the question you have to answer is it for political bs or for defense of our constitution.

Response by SFC Wayne Bragg made Apr 18 at 2017 7:34 PM

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NO BUt Hell NO !

Response by MSG Mamerto Perez made Apr 20 at 2017 4:54 PM

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To quell the disturbances for Trump. HelllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllNOoooooooooooooo

Response by FN Charlie Spivey made Apr 21 at 2017 10:06 AM

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After WWI, and the depression set in, the Veterans decided to demand the Bonuses that were to be paid in the 40s. They set up camp on the mall and was known as the Bonus Army. The President ordered Federal Troops in to break it up, but no shots were fired that I am aware of. There some that took issue with the fact that the troops had turned on their own. Usually for Law enforcement purposes, that falls to the National Guard. In the case of Berkley, the local police are not going to do anything if the speaker is a Conservative. That is selective law enforcement and of course Gov. Moonbeam isn't going to act and bring in the National Guard. I am of a mind that in the case of California, maybe they should declare Martial law and bring in whatever is needed, until such time as when California can responsibly govern itself. As for the Obama Administration and using Federal Troops to bolster that, I see a major conundrum. You had troops that had to deal with his limp wristed rules of engagement and not all that happy with him and loath to act in support of him, while at the same time. realizing they had an obligation under the Contract they signed. People are allowed to protest, but when it gets violent and destructive, then it needs to be put down. If Local Law enforcment is Unable or unwilling to do it, then somebody needs to be brought. You can't allow anarchy to rule.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2017 2:28 PM

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Should the military be used against you to quell your rights to speak out and voice your opinion in a lawful way?

Response by MGySgt William Colby made Apr 22 at 2017 3:53 PM

2017-04-22T15:53:46-04:00

Of course not. What's the next dumb ass question?

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2017 11:10 AM

2017-04-25T11:10:33-04:00

This is the very reason we have the Guard in each state, guard member are sworn in to protect and defend the state and follow the orders of the Governor. We serve under Title 32 of the US Code. If there is a need for the guard to support the AD or reserves, we are put on Title 10 orders and fall under the leadership of the Active Duty command chain. For guard member in the Air National Guard serving in title 10 - they were under Andrews AF Base for ADCON - so when we had a member come home that got in trouble for Drugs - he was Court Marshaled and the guy next to him at the unit - who also get in trouble for Drugs as given an administrative discharge.

Response by SGT Randall Smith made Apr 25 at 2017 3:28 PM

2017-04-25T15:28:24-04:00

I don't believe the military should be used against citizens. I remember Kent State and armed, poorly trained troops shot into the crowd. The military is to defend the constitution and the people of the United States. Look at the countries that the military has either taken over or the president uses them as his personal police force. And, do I want to have to shoot a soldier following his orders even if illegal.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2017 1:35 PM

2017-04-27T13:35:35-04:00

The other consideration that has to happen if it is a wide spread situation - covering more than one state - is the governor of the state in which the event is happening has to request the assistance of the governor of another state - ex - LA during the hurricane requested assistance from OH guard) to do this there has to be a memo of understanding between the two states - each state guard is only authorized to act in their own state unless - approval is given.

Response by COL Bill Gross made Sep 30 at 2021 12:07 PM

2021-09-30T12:07:46-04:00

I refer all to the Insurrection Act as amended. Only if the protestors reach a level of disorder approximating the riots in LA after the Rodney King Verdict and were beyond the ability of local and state governments to deal with. Oh, and at the request of the governor of states involved.

Response by PO1 John Johnson made Apr 17 at 2022 5:11 PM

2022-04-17T17:11:09-04:00

I'd much prefer the US Military sits this next one out.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2022 9:17 PM

2022-04-17T21:17:08-04:00

HELL NO!