U.S. Gangs -- A Threat to U.S. Military?

[exlurker]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/...n3107316.shtml

The CBS story says, among other things, that an "FBI report calls it [gang culture and gang activity in the military] 'a threat to law enforcement and national security.' "

[RACooper]

I believe they can be, since the represent a force that can undermine military discipline, and leave members beholden to criminal elements - a double threat.... and on top of this is of course the criminal element within the community.

I do know it was and is a concern for the Canadian military since the early 90s when it was discovered the influence that biker, warrior society, and 'aryan' gangs had within the military - and the scope of their illegal activities within the military and surrounding communities.

[deeznutz]

They should fix the loophole that was created that allows these "gang members" access into the military and do an extensive background check on them and their family.

"my head bloodied but, unbowed.."

[cheerfulgreek]

Originally Posted by exlurker

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/...n3107316.shtml

The CBS story says, among other things, that an "FBI report calls it [gang culture and gang activity in the military] 'a threat to law enforcement and national security.' "

This is ridiculous.

[PiKA2001]

I thought gang activity was mostly prevalent among the unemployed, lonely, needing a sense of belonging type? Didn't people living in gang infested hoods enlist so that they could get away from the gang culture back home? These soldiers do have full time jobs, usually have a strong trust/friendships with their peers and pride in the fact of serving in the best military in the world. What gives? Oh, just another byproduct of a generation of glamorizing gang violence in music and tv.

[Tom Earp]

Originally Posted by deeznutz

They should fix the loophole that was created that allows these "gang members" access into the military and do an extensive background check on them and their family.

"my head bloodied but, unbowed.."

That may be very, very hard to do as recruitment is down!

Many of these gang bangers are taken to keep them out of jail or maybe even get inroads to the Military!

Of course, the new and kinder Military is not keeping them in line!

Old Gunny would say, get it right or get them out!

If not, shoot them! That will cull it down and the military will get smaller!

[RU OX Alum]

well, if the police had not have killed the black panthers, the crips wouldn't have started, and the bloods started out being angry/friends with then got angry at/ split off and the war is raging, as both orgs are now nation wide, and try to get more and more organized.

[jon1856]

Originally Posted by cheerfulgreek

This is ridiculous.

This has been an on going story for awhile now.
Several papers have done stories on this matter/issue over the past year or two.

[alum]

This is nothing new but it is getting worse. When the H was just a butterbar (2LT) many moons ago, he was required to bring his platoon to the medics to get inspected from head to toe for gang-related tattoos. I remember hearing about "former" gangmembers enlisting in the Army specifically going for the urban warfare specialties, and then bringing their new skills back home to teach their old buddies.