Posted on May 22, 2015
Why do many Outlaw biker gangs have former military members?
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After seeing the deaths of the biker shootout in Waco Texas I have noticed a lot of articles and media attention on how many of these bikers are former military. One was a Vietnam Veteran that received the Purple Heart. I was wondering what causes a Veteran to want to join up with actual "Outlaw" Biker gangs? Is it the thrill of adventure the calls them or what? Please answer in the comments.
https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/05/22/atf-report-warned-military-government-membership-outlaw-motorcycle-gangs/
https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/05/22/atf-report-warned-military-government-membership-outlaw-motorcycle-gangs/
Posted in these groups: 
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Motorcycles Social Organizations
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 79
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This goes back to fighter pilots returning from WWII. They survived , life and death every day. To get that adrenaline rush they experienced daily they formed biker clubs. To get that rush. And ptsd hadn't been given a name. But that does not answere the question why they became outlaws.
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SFC Christopher Perry
My answer to this is the VFW Motorcycle Club. Far less likely to get shot or go to jail with this group.
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SrA Jay Strauser
There are hazards to wearing that patch too. If you are riding in a state with that patch on and the Outlaw Club that runs that state is not ok with it they could decide to kill you for it. By the way they sometimes drive cars too so you would not even see it coming.
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Probably a lot of brother/sisterhood feelings -- those can be so powerful, as well they should be. It's part of what makes the military so special.
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SPC Tim Hamilton
Agreed brother/sister hood is a strong pull for alot I have that same feeling. It is hard to find the comradeship in a normal civilian life I struggle daily with this feeling.
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A lot of outlaw biker gangs trace their roots to military Veterans. The Hell's Angels (widely recognized as the "premier" biker gang that started it all) was formed by Vets needing the open road as their form of therapy. We band together, for our similarities and related values. Many started getting into illegal activities, such as drugs and organized crime, as a means to get the rush of war that they missed so much.
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I think you know the answer to this. One, the military is a cross section of the country. Did you know Elvis was in the military? Chuck Norris... Sinbad? Ok, if any of them can be in the military, is it possible a biker gang type guy coulda served? Sure, right? Even more plausible what about a guy that served and joined a biker club but didn't know it was an "outlaw" club until he got wrapped up in it. Com'n did you know the biggest domestic terrorist was military? So why do many outlaw biker gangs have former military members?... I don't know...
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SrA Jay Strauser
Your absolutely right. I bet many bought into the "we are not a gang" mentality. After being jumped in they may have had a clue. Then when all the drugs and illegal things happened you continue to lie to yourself about how you are not in a "gang". Then you go to
War again but this time not for your country but for your patch. Then you see innocent people beat up hurt and women raped. At some point you realize it is a gang and you get out as fast as you can. Stand up say you out, take the ass kicking and go home waiting for some "brothers" to show up to finish the job. Yeah they are not a "gang" BULLSHIT!!!! A duck can only be a duck. They probably didn't start out that way after WWII but that is what they have evolved into.
War again but this time not for your country but for your patch. Then you see innocent people beat up hurt and women raped. At some point you realize it is a gang and you get out as fast as you can. Stand up say you out, take the ass kicking and go home waiting for some "brothers" to show up to finish the job. Yeah they are not a "gang" BULLSHIT!!!! A duck can only be a duck. They probably didn't start out that way after WWII but that is what they have evolved into.
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Started from WW11 I believe when they had Harleys overseas....learned em up and down...came home and their passion grew. Thats where modified bikes began. They loved the thrill of fast open road. As for outlaw gangs...i know more Vets in motorcycle gangs that do charity runs and ride for kids. Alot are churchmembers and ride for God. I guess it still holds true about vers coming bome and getting bikes because im an OEF VETERAN AND I LOVE TO BE ON A BIKE.
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(U//LES) ATF Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMGs) and the Military 2010 Report | Public Intelligence
In January 2009, the ATF Office of Strategic Intelligence and Information (OSII) disseminated the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMGs) and the Military report to
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Many 1% MC have veterans. I am a member of the Patriots. In fact VP OF Chapter 2. If anyone has questions about forming a chapter. MSG me back. The Patriots, or PMC, is a National MC of members who are Vets, or members of Public Safety. I am both with many members who are also both. We are looking to expand more.
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