GANGS IN THE MILITARY

The History Channel has a series presently running called Gangland. Some of the episode titles are "You Rat, You Die", "Code Of Conduct", "Gangster City", and "Stone To The Bone". Last nights episode was "Basic Training". The episode dealt with the increasing infiltration of gang bangers in the US military. I found a document that was prepared by the National Gang Intelligence Center and released in January 07. It appears that the producers of this episode received most of their data from this document.
This aticle from Stars & Stripes links to various FBI and DOD reports.

¶ Regardless of the number, several high-profile incidents in recent years have cast an unwelcome light on the issue of gangs in the military, including a murder in Germany, several assaults and cases of service members selling or giving stolen military equipment — including weapons and body armor — to street gangs. Most have occurred in the United States.

¶ The loosening of recruiting standards has experts worried that people with criminal backgrounds, particularly association with gangs, are more likely to get into the military than before.

According to the various listed reports gang members account for 1%-2% of all members of the armed forces. I am grateful for the work done by the 98-99% of those who serve their country honorably. We as police officers should be concerned by the knowledge, training and ultimately, combat experience that these bangers are acquiring and bringing back home.

This video from You Tube.....

As a prior service veteran I have stopped guys who have produce military ID cards and I have been willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. Don't let your guard down, be vigilant and stay safe