Full Version: Gang Activity in Military
An old saw in American history is that those who have the least invested in the status quo are often the first to sign up to fight and die to protect it: poor whites, today's hispanics, and most obviously, you have the overwhelming numbers in which blacks have fought in American wars, despite even being segregated into separate units-- or worse, into the kitchen as cooks and porters.
That was then, this is now:
A second saw in American military recruitment ads, is that signing up for the marines, army, navy, etc, makes you into a new, and better man: gives you discipline and a loyal family to call your own. Separates you from the problems of your community; files out the weaknesses and leaves only stregnth.
So what do we make of this?
The accompanying video segment shows gang grafitti on the walls of Baghdad; the soldier who took the photos, says he's as good as dead if he comes back to Iraq. You can find more statistics ont he rise of gang activity here: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/07/28/...tr=HOME_3107316
1.) What do we make of this? What do you think are the social, economic, cultural factors that are leading to this rise of gang activity in the military-- just a rise in recruits, or something else?
2.) It would seem to me that gangs offer many of the same perks as military life: loyalty, exclusivity, discipline, a family, a way to test one's meddle. So why would a recruit need or want both forms of 'family'?
3.) Traditionally, the military has at least, on paper, been a way for the nation's poorest citizens to prove themselves in battle, and move up a notch on the social ladder when they get back. Traditionally, gangs have been a way for the nation's poorest citizens to end up dead or in jail. Is the military still fulfilling its role as a transformative, upwardly mobile institution or has something changed? For veterans, feel free to cite personal examples of treatment by employers or society as a whole upon your return.
That was then, this is now:
A second saw in American military recruitment ads, is that signing up for the marines, army, navy, etc, makes you into a new, and better man: gives you discipline and a loyal family to call your own. Separates you from the problems of your community; files out the weaknesses and leaves only stregnth.
So what do we make of this?
QUOTE
(CBS) U.S. Army Sgt. Juwan Johnson got a hero's welcome while home on leave in June of 2004.
"Not only did I love my son - but my god - I liked the man he was becoming," his mother, Stephanie Cockrell, remembers.
But that trip home was the last time his family saw him alive.
When Johnson died, he wasn't in a war zone, he was in Germany.
"He had finished his term in Iraq," his mother said. "I talked to him the day before his death. He said, 'Mom, I'm in the process of discharging out. I'll be out in two weeks'."
On July 3, 2005, Sgt. Johnson went to a park not far from his base in Germany to be initiated into the 'Gangster Disciples,' a notorious Chicago-based street gang. He was beaten by eight other soldiers in a "jump-in" - an initiation rite common to many gangs.
Evidence of gang culture and gang activity in the military is increasing so much an FBI report calls it "a threat to law enforcement and national security." The signs are chilling: Marines in gang attire on Paris Island; paratroopers flashing gang hand signs at a nightclub near Ft. Bragg; infantrymen showing-off gang tattoos at Ft. Hood.
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command reported 61 gang investigations and incidents last year, compared to just 9 in 2004. But army officials point out less than 1 percent of all its criminal investigations are gang related.
"We must remember that there are a million people in the army community," Smith said, "And these small numbers are not reflective of a tremendous, pervasive, rampant problem."
"Not only did I love my son - but my god - I liked the man he was becoming," his mother, Stephanie Cockrell, remembers.
But that trip home was the last time his family saw him alive.
When Johnson died, he wasn't in a war zone, he was in Germany.
"He had finished his term in Iraq," his mother said. "I talked to him the day before his death. He said, 'Mom, I'm in the process of discharging out. I'll be out in two weeks'."
On July 3, 2005, Sgt. Johnson went to a park not far from his base in Germany to be initiated into the 'Gangster Disciples,' a notorious Chicago-based street gang. He was beaten by eight other soldiers in a "jump-in" - an initiation rite common to many gangs.
Evidence of gang culture and gang activity in the military is increasing so much an FBI report calls it "a threat to law enforcement and national security." The signs are chilling: Marines in gang attire on Paris Island; paratroopers flashing gang hand signs at a nightclub near Ft. Bragg; infantrymen showing-off gang tattoos at Ft. Hood.
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command reported 61 gang investigations and incidents last year, compared to just 9 in 2004. But army officials point out less than 1 percent of all its criminal investigations are gang related.
"We must remember that there are a million people in the army community," Smith said, "And these small numbers are not reflective of a tremendous, pervasive, rampant problem."
The accompanying video segment shows gang grafitti on the walls of Baghdad; the soldier who took the photos, says he's as good as dead if he comes back to Iraq. You can find more statistics ont he rise of gang activity here: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/07/28/...tr=HOME_3107316
1.) What do we make of this? What do you think are the social, economic, cultural factors that are leading to this rise of gang activity in the military-- just a rise in recruits, or something else?
2.) It would seem to me that gangs offer many of the same perks as military life: loyalty, exclusivity, discipline, a family, a way to test one's meddle. So why would a recruit need or want both forms of 'family'?
3.) Traditionally, the military has at least, on paper, been a way for the nation's poorest citizens to prove themselves in battle, and move up a notch on the social ladder when they get back. Traditionally, gangs have been a way for the nation's poorest citizens to end up dead or in jail. Is the military still fulfilling its role as a transformative, upwardly mobile institution or has something changed? For veterans, feel free to cite personal examples of treatment by employers or society as a whole upon your return.
On the rise, I cannot draw a conclusion.
The underlying phenomena however is the oldest story in human psychology I suspect.
Every human being has to acknowledge our psychological need for acceptance into community and the distorting effect it can have on individual outlooks and behavior.
Everything from the children on the playground to Skull & Bones is a direct outgrowth of the same impulse of security in exclusivity.
The trouble is that this impulse to "dig in" knows few boundaries. The poorly-adjusted work themselves further and further into the rings of exclusivity, which explains why military membership cannot permanently deter it.
The trouble with exclusivity is that it is invulnerable to charges of "anti-social" behavior. On some level that's the whole point of a gang, frat, club, etc.
Forget the world.
The underlying phenomena however is the oldest story in human psychology I suspect.
Every human being has to acknowledge our psychological need for acceptance into community and the distorting effect it can have on individual outlooks and behavior.
Everything from the children on the playground to Skull & Bones is a direct outgrowth of the same impulse of security in exclusivity.
The trouble is that this impulse to "dig in" knows few boundaries. The poorly-adjusted work themselves further and further into the rings of exclusivity, which explains why military membership cannot permanently deter it.
The trouble with exclusivity is that it is invulnerable to charges of "anti-social" behavior. On some level that's the whole point of a gang, frat, club, etc.
Forget the world.
Actually if I'm a gang leader I think I'd encourage my recruits to join the military. When they get back they're experts in weapons and if they got into to a program like communications I could have them tapping phones and such. Demolition? Even better.
Why should I spend my hard earned blood money training these grunts when the US Mil will do it for free AND pay them?
Why should I spend my hard earned blood money training these grunts when the US Mil will do it for free AND pay them?
1.) What do we make of this? What do you think are the social, economic, cultural factors that are leading to this rise of gang activity in the military-- just a rise in recruits, or something else?
Allow me to make a few on the fly comments, as I don't have much internet time right now. I believe more than anything, gang members see joining the military as a new form of networking. Gaining new members and keeping in touch with contacts, on a world wide scale. I don't particularly believe that they will realize the benefits of this strategy, if it is their goal.
2.) It would seem to me that gangs offer many of the same perks as military life: loyalty, exclusivity, discipline, a family, a way to test one's meddle. So why would a recruit need or want both forms of 'family'?
I agree with the question except for the perk of discipline. I don't view that character trait as being inherent in most gang members. My answer to this question is essentially the same as above, though I could be mistaken.
3.) Traditionally, the military has at least, on paper, been a way for the nation's poorest citizens to prove themselves in battle, and move up a notch on the social ladder when they get back. Traditionally, gangs have been a way for the nation's poorest citizens to end up dead or in jail. Is the military still fulfilling its role as a transformative, upwardly mobile institution or has something changed? For veterans, feel free to cite personal examples of treatment by employers or society as a whole upon your return.
Well, it transformed me from a young ne'er-do-well into who I am today. I think that it was quite the transformation. Although I, along with many seasoned hands, believe the military is softer on new soldiers than when we went through (walking uphill both ways in snow and all that........), and I'm still in, so maybe I'm biased, but I still believe that the military can be an exceptionally rewarding experience for growth, change and maturity. I wouldn't be surprised if a large number of people came into uniform from gangs and left that world behind. It would make for an interesting comparison to the current debate topic.
The problem with this theory is that, in my observation, the majority of confirmed gang members did not enlist for occupational specialties that teach advanced combat skills, beyond the basic training level. Presuming that we are speaking of minority dominant gangs, the numbers of minorities who volunteer for Ranger Battalions or Special Forces selections are typically too low to believe that there is a gang infiltration for purposes of honing killing techniques. Add to that the theory that most gang members aren't going to represent the cream of the intellectual crop, most likely would not qualify for advanced technical jobs. All are assumptions on my part of course, and there are probably some exceptions, but in my experience, not the rule.
Allow me to make a few on the fly comments, as I don't have much internet time right now. I believe more than anything, gang members see joining the military as a new form of networking. Gaining new members and keeping in touch with contacts, on a world wide scale. I don't particularly believe that they will realize the benefits of this strategy, if it is their goal.
2.) It would seem to me that gangs offer many of the same perks as military life: loyalty, exclusivity, discipline, a family, a way to test one's meddle. So why would a recruit need or want both forms of 'family'?
I agree with the question except for the perk of discipline. I don't view that character trait as being inherent in most gang members. My answer to this question is essentially the same as above, though I could be mistaken.
3.) Traditionally, the military has at least, on paper, been a way for the nation's poorest citizens to prove themselves in battle, and move up a notch on the social ladder when they get back. Traditionally, gangs have been a way for the nation's poorest citizens to end up dead or in jail. Is the military still fulfilling its role as a transformative, upwardly mobile institution or has something changed? For veterans, feel free to cite personal examples of treatment by employers or society as a whole upon your return.
Well, it transformed me from a young ne'er-do-well into who I am today. I think that it was quite the transformation. Although I, along with many seasoned hands, believe the military is softer on new soldiers than when we went through (walking uphill both ways in snow and all that........), and I'm still in, so maybe I'm biased, but I still believe that the military can be an exceptionally rewarding experience for growth, change and maturity. I wouldn't be surprised if a large number of people came into uniform from gangs and left that world behind. It would make for an interesting comparison to the current debate topic.
QUOTE(BaphometsAdvocate)
Actually if I'm a gang leader I think I'd encourage my recruits to join the military. When they get back they're experts in weapons and if they got into to a program like communications I could have them tapping phones and such. Demolition? Even better.
Why should I spend my hard earned blood money training these grunts when the US Mil will do it for free AND pay them?
Why should I spend my hard earned blood money training these grunts when the US Mil will do it for free AND pay them?
The problem with this theory is that, in my observation, the majority of confirmed gang members did not enlist for occupational specialties that teach advanced combat skills, beyond the basic training level. Presuming that we are speaking of minority dominant gangs, the numbers of minorities who volunteer for Ranger Battalions or Special Forces selections are typically too low to believe that there is a gang infiltration for purposes of honing killing techniques. Add to that the theory that most gang members aren't going to represent the cream of the intellectual crop, most likely would not qualify for advanced technical jobs. All are assumptions on my part of course, and there are probably some exceptions, but in my experience, not the rule.
1.) What do we make of this? What do you think are the social, economic, cultural factors that are leading to this rise of gang activity in the military-- just a rise in recruits, or something else?
I think it has more to do with lowering the enlistment standards in order to meet recruitiment goals than anything else- similar to what happened with the draft in Vietnam.
2.) It would seem to me that gangs offer many of the same perks as military life: loyalty, exclusivity, discipline, a family, a way to test one's meddle. So why would a recruit need or want both forms of 'family'?
I think it is much more complex than that- first off, gang members I have met are horribly un-disciplined- NOT the the former. IF you notice from the link- he was being "jumped in" while already in the military- this leads me to believe that morale in the military in Iraq is quite low, this young man was killed in Germany- NOT in the means streets of some big city in the US.
The probably means, psychologically- that a fairly large number of recruits are feeling a disconnect from the normal espirit de corp that is formed in battle and in training.
I would attribute this to the futility and immoral nature of the war we are in today- soldiers are under no illusion in Iraq that anything good will come of thier service, then they feel disillusioned with the military itself, and seek solace in some other kind of "family".
3.) Traditionally, the military has at least, on paper, been a way for the nation's poorest citizens to prove themselves in battle, and move up a notch on the social ladder when they get back. Traditionally, gangs have been a way for the nation's poorest citizens to end up dead or in jail. Is the military still fulfilling its role as a transformative, upwardly mobile institution or has something changed? For veterans, feel free to cite personal examples of treatment by employers or society as a whole upon your return.
I think the upwardly mobile nature of the returnign vet still holds true- businesses still like to hire vets because of the work ethic and leadership training that is still percieved to be a part of the makeup of all vets.
One thing you didn't mention in this "upwardly mobile" belief is the ACTUAL mobility the military offers- you don't have to settle in "pinche' los Cruces" as one of my mexican friends said- it is easier for you to relocate, permanently as a civilian, in some locale far away from the barrios, projects, Ghettoes of inner-city America.
That is the way so many vet's relocate to Alaska- over 70k in a state of around 1/2 million!
I think it has more to do with lowering the enlistment standards in order to meet recruitiment goals than anything else- similar to what happened with the draft in Vietnam.
2.) It would seem to me that gangs offer many of the same perks as military life: loyalty, exclusivity, discipline, a family, a way to test one's meddle. So why would a recruit need or want both forms of 'family'?
I think it is much more complex than that- first off, gang members I have met are horribly un-disciplined- NOT the the former. IF you notice from the link- he was being "jumped in" while already in the military- this leads me to believe that morale in the military in Iraq is quite low, this young man was killed in Germany- NOT in the means streets of some big city in the US.
The probably means, psychologically- that a fairly large number of recruits are feeling a disconnect from the normal espirit de corp that is formed in battle and in training.
I would attribute this to the futility and immoral nature of the war we are in today- soldiers are under no illusion in Iraq that anything good will come of thier service, then they feel disillusioned with the military itself, and seek solace in some other kind of "family".
3.) Traditionally, the military has at least, on paper, been a way for the nation's poorest citizens to prove themselves in battle, and move up a notch on the social ladder when they get back. Traditionally, gangs have been a way for the nation's poorest citizens to end up dead or in jail. Is the military still fulfilling its role as a transformative, upwardly mobile institution or has something changed? For veterans, feel free to cite personal examples of treatment by employers or society as a whole upon your return.
I think the upwardly mobile nature of the returnign vet still holds true- businesses still like to hire vets because of the work ethic and leadership training that is still percieved to be a part of the makeup of all vets.
One thing you didn't mention in this "upwardly mobile" belief is the ACTUAL mobility the military offers- you don't have to settle in "pinche' los Cruces" as one of my mexican friends said- it is easier for you to relocate, permanently as a civilian, in some locale far away from the barrios, projects, Ghettoes of inner-city America.
That is the way so many vet's relocate to Alaska- over 70k in a state of around 1/2 million!
There has long been a gang presence in the military - some enlist to get away from the gangs, some enlist to gain skills for the gang, and others may want to get out of the hood, but they still feel a degree of loyalty to the gang.
However, there are reasons that the problem is bigger today than it has been. One is simply the communications revolution - blogs, message forums (in formats such as AD as well as others), IRC, and other methods of net communications have become a key node in recruiting, networking and operations of many street gangs. For example, there exist Norteno and Sureno message forums that serve as a virtual meeting place for affiliates not just in CA, but permit those who have moved throughout the country - and outside it - to keep in touch with the heartbeat of the lifestyle, no matter how far removed physically they may be. Much of the discussion may be nonsense about girls, cars, music and petty incitements to violence....but that shifts into drugs, real conflicts with rival gangs, and to bits and pieces of key tactical detail. This makes it easier for military gang members to keep in touch with the lifestyle no matter where they may be - and it makes it that much harder for others to truly cut ties and get away from the gangs.
And the potential danger of gang members serving today is more significant because the nature of the current operational environment provides them with a greater spectrum of skills directly applicable to their home turf than did service in the pre-OEF/OIF Army. Keep in mind that the sophistication of many street gangs has evolved significantly in response to increased LE focus in recent years. This feeds right back into the preceding statement.
Of course, all this comes back to the root problem in the military: the lowering of recruiting standards, combined with all the negative actions that come out of the intense pressure put upon recruiters, is unquestionably resulting in increased numbers of gang members of all stripes in the armed forces.
However, there are reasons that the problem is bigger today than it has been. One is simply the communications revolution - blogs, message forums (in formats such as AD as well as others), IRC, and other methods of net communications have become a key node in recruiting, networking and operations of many street gangs. For example, there exist Norteno and Sureno message forums that serve as a virtual meeting place for affiliates not just in CA, but permit those who have moved throughout the country - and outside it - to keep in touch with the heartbeat of the lifestyle, no matter how far removed physically they may be. Much of the discussion may be nonsense about girls, cars, music and petty incitements to violence....but that shifts into drugs, real conflicts with rival gangs, and to bits and pieces of key tactical detail. This makes it easier for military gang members to keep in touch with the lifestyle no matter where they may be - and it makes it that much harder for others to truly cut ties and get away from the gangs.
And the potential danger of gang members serving today is more significant because the nature of the current operational environment provides them with a greater spectrum of skills directly applicable to their home turf than did service in the pre-OEF/OIF Army. Keep in mind that the sophistication of many street gangs has evolved significantly in response to increased LE focus in recent years. This feeds right back into the preceding statement.
Of course, all this comes back to the root problem in the military: the lowering of recruiting standards, combined with all the negative actions that come out of the intense pressure put upon recruiters, is unquestionably resulting in increased numbers of gang members of all stripes in the armed forces.
QUOTE(drewyorktimes @ Jul 29 2007, 10:14 AM) 
1.) What do we make of this? What do you think are the social, economic, cultural factors that are leading to this rise of gang activity in the military-- just a rise in recruits, or something else?
2.) It would seem to me that gangs offer many of the same perks as military life: loyalty, exclusivity, discipline, a family, a way to test one's meddle. So why would a recruit need or want both forms of 'family'?
3.) Traditionally, the military has at least, on paper, been a way for the nation's poorest citizens to prove themselves in battle, and move up a notch on the social ladder when they get back. Traditionally, gangs have been a way for the nation's poorest citizens to end up dead or in jail. Is the military still fulfilling its role as a transformative, upwardly mobile institution or has something changed? For veterans, feel free to cite personal examples of treatment by employers or society as a whole upon your return.
2.) It would seem to me that gangs offer many of the same perks as military life: loyalty, exclusivity, discipline, a family, a way to test one's meddle. So why would a recruit need or want both forms of 'family'?
3.) Traditionally, the military has at least, on paper, been a way for the nation's poorest citizens to prove themselves in battle, and move up a notch on the social ladder when they get back. Traditionally, gangs have been a way for the nation's poorest citizens to end up dead or in jail. Is the military still fulfilling its role as a transformative, upwardly mobile institution or has something changed? For veterans, feel free to cite personal examples of treatment by employers or society as a whole upon your return.
Umm... Drew York, did you read this article?
Did anyone notice anything? only one picture. No slide shows, no statistics, etc. Nada.
I have long known that CBS would stoop to whatever level to beat up on the military, as do many liberals in general (just read threads on America's debate).
I believe that there ARE people who were in gangs in the military. It's probably a no brainer, and probably has happened since the beginning of street gangs and the military being a respite from poverty.
So what does that mean? Google "gangs in Marine Corps". Now do Army. Navy, Airforce, etc.
Notice anything?
The absence of objective information is NOT surprising. There is no information because it's not really a problem. It seems to me that this kid's story is a tragedy, and that the picture of the guy in the blue rag seems awful... but begs me to wonder what he's doing with a side arm at Parris Island, etc. It seems fishy. Funny that the picture is just of the man in front of a locker, isn't it?
Someone- anyone- again- give me some information. Not hear say. Maybe even a vet with an anecdote. I personally have spent nearly my entire life growing up and as an adult around the military, never to see anything like this. I have seen people that exhibited these "traits", but would never have assumed that it was more than an isolted incident here or there.
QUOTE(aevans176 @ Aug 20 2007, 09:36 AM)
I have long known that CBS would stoop to whatever level to beat up on the military, as do many liberals in general (just read threads on 
).
).Speaking as a liberal I wouldn't be in my right mind if I passed up the chance to bash the military, so here goes. Frankly, I agree with Mustang. Personnel matter. There's only so much the military can do to shape your attitude under the best circumstances. If you relax standards during an unpopular war to meet recruiting goals you're going to invite gang activity, among other things.
QUOTE(U.S. is recruiting misfits for Army)
In 2004, the Pentagon published a "Moral Waiver Study," whose seemingly benign goal was "to better define relationships between pre-Service behaviors and subsequent Service success." That turned out to mean opening more recruitment doors to potential enlistees with criminal records.
In February, the Baltimore Sun wrote that there was "a significant increase in the number of recruits with what the Army terms 'serious criminal misconduct' in their background"—a category that included "aggravated assault, robbery, vehicular manslaughter, receiving stolen property and making terrorist threats." From 2004 to 2005, the number of those recruits rose by more than 54 percent, while alcohol and illegal drug waivers, reversing a four-year decline, increased by more than 13 percent.
In February, the Baltimore Sun wrote that there was "a significant increase in the number of recruits with what the Army terms 'serious criminal misconduct' in their background"—a category that included "aggravated assault, robbery, vehicular manslaughter, receiving stolen property and making terrorist threats." From 2004 to 2005, the number of those recruits rose by more than 54 percent, while alcohol and illegal drug waivers, reversing a four-year decline, increased by more than 13 percent.
QUOTE(Lesly @ Aug 20 2007, 10:06 AM)
QUOTE(aevans176 @ Aug 20 2007, 09:36 AM)
I have long known that CBS would stoop to whatever level to beat up on the military, as do many liberals in general (just read threads on ).
).Speaking as a liberal I wouldn't be in my right mind if I passed up the chance to bash the military, so here goes. Frankly, I agree with Mustang. Personnel matter. There's only so much the military can do to shape your attitude under the best circumstances. If you relax standards during an unpopular war to meet recruiting goals you're going to invite gang activity, among other things.
QUOTE(U.S. is recruiting misfits for Army)
In 2004, the Pentagon published a "Moral Waiver Study," whose seemingly benign goal was "to better define relationships between pre-Service behaviors and subsequent Service success." That turned out to mean opening more recruitment doors to potential enlistees with criminal records.
In February, the Baltimore Sun wrote that there was "a significant increase in the number of recruits with what the Army terms 'serious criminal misconduct' in their background"—a category that included "aggravated assault, robbery, vehicular manslaughter, receiving stolen property and making terrorist threats." From 2004 to 2005, the number of those recruits rose by more than 54 percent, while alcohol and illegal drug waivers, reversing a four-year decline, increased by more than 13 percent.
In February, the Baltimore Sun wrote that there was "a significant increase in the number of recruits with what the Army terms 'serious criminal misconduct' in their background"—a category that included "aggravated assault, robbery, vehicular manslaughter, receiving stolen property and making terrorist threats." From 2004 to 2005, the number of those recruits rose by more than 54 percent, while alcohol and illegal drug waivers, reversing a four-year decline, increased by more than 13 percent.
Interesting thought process, but the discipline in the Military should be capable of handling these issues as "status quo" statement.
Consider that for a number of years in US history, the military was a way to keep from going to jail for misdemeanor charges. The idea was/is that in many cases, jail turns a small time criminal into a career criminal, while somewhere like the Marine Corps will teach a man pride in himself and that the world is larger than his/her situation.
I personally knew/know an alcoholic or two who have been kicked out (or couldn't re-enlist) due to their problems. It's hard for me to believe that gang activity is a widespread issue, which is exactly what this CBS article would have you believe.
QUOTE(aevans176 @ Aug 20 2007, 08:36 AM)
Someone- anyone- again- give me some information. Not hear say. Maybe even a vet with an anecdote. I personally have spent nearly my entire life growing up and as an adult around the military, never to see anything like this. I have seen people that exhibited these "traits", but would never have assumed that it was more than an isolated incident here or there.
Here are a pair of formerly unclassified, but limited distribution reports that have now been reposted on the Stars and Stripes website:
National Gang Intelligence Center: Gang-Related Activity in the US Armed Forces Increasing, dated 12 Jan 07
QUOTE
Gang-related activity in the US military is increasing and poses a threat to law enforcement officials and national security. Members of nearly every major street gang have been identified on both domestic and international military installations. Although most prevalent in the Army, the Army Reserves, and the National Guard, gang activity is pervasive throughout all branches of the military and across most ranks, but is most common among the junior enlisted ranks. The extent of gang presence in the armed services is often difficult to determine since many enlisted gang members conceal their gang affiliation and military authorities may not recognize gang affiliation or may be inclined not to report such incidences.
US Army Criminal Investigation Command: Gang Activity Threat Assessment Fiscal Year 2006
QUOTE
On 23 August 2005 the Chief of Staff of the Army tasked CID to conduct an assessment of gang activity in the US Army. An initial assessment was provided 30 September 2005, and a six-month follow-up was provided in June 2006. US Army CID continues to monitor, collect and assess gang activity in or affecting the US Army....
The full 31 page report at the link should provide you with some information on the issue.
Aside from the official reports I've linked, this isn't the first time the issue has been in the papers. The Chicago Sun-Times had an interesting piece on it last year, no longer available through the paper's site, but still on-line:
Gangs Claim Their Turf in Iraq, dated 1 May 06.
QUOTE
The Gangster Disciples, Latin Kings and Vice Lords were born decades ago in Chicago's most violent neighborhoods. Now, their gang graffiti is showing up 6,400 miles away in one of the world's most dangerous neighborhoods -- Iraq.
Armored vehicles, concrete barricades and bathroom walls all have served as canvasses for their spray-painted gang art. At Camp Cedar II, about 185 miles southeast of Baghdad, a guard shack was recently defaced with "GDN" for Gangster Disciple Nation, along with the gang's six-pointed star and the word "Chitown," a soldier who photographed it said.
Of paramount concern is whether gang-affiliated soldiers' training will make them deadly urban warriors when they return to civilian life and if some are using their access to military equipment to supply gangs at home, said Barfield and other experts...
...Barfield said Army recruiters eager to meet their goals have been overlooking applicants' gang tattoos and getting waivers for criminal backgrounds. "We're lowering our standards," Barfield said. "A friend of mine is a recruiter," he said. "They are being told less than five tattoos is not an issue. More than five, you do a waiver saying it's not gang-related. You'll see soldiers with a six-pointed star with GD [Gangster Disciples] on the right forearm."....
..."The Gangster Disciples are the most worrisome street gang at Fort Lewis because they are the most organized, Barfield said. Barfield said gangs are encouraging their members to join the military to learn urban warfare techniques they can teach when they go back to their neighborhoods. "Gang members are telling us in the interviews that their gang is putting them in," he said...
Armored vehicles, concrete barricades and bathroom walls all have served as canvasses for their spray-painted gang art. At Camp Cedar II, about 185 miles southeast of Baghdad, a guard shack was recently defaced with "GDN" for Gangster Disciple Nation, along with the gang's six-pointed star and the word "Chitown," a soldier who photographed it said.
Of paramount concern is whether gang-affiliated soldiers' training will make them deadly urban warriors when they return to civilian life and if some are using their access to military equipment to supply gangs at home, said Barfield and other experts...
...Barfield said Army recruiters eager to meet their goals have been overlooking applicants' gang tattoos and getting waivers for criminal backgrounds. "We're lowering our standards," Barfield said. "A friend of mine is a recruiter," he said. "They are being told less than five tattoos is not an issue. More than five, you do a waiver saying it's not gang-related. You'll see soldiers with a six-pointed star with GD [Gangster Disciples] on the right forearm."....
..."The Gangster Disciples are the most worrisome street gang at Fort Lewis because they are the most organized, Barfield said. Barfield said gangs are encouraging their members to join the military to learn urban warfare techniques they can teach when they go back to their neighborhoods. "Gang members are telling us in the interviews that their gang is putting them in," he said...
QUOTE(aevans176 @ Aug 20 2007, 11:31 AM)
Interesting thought process,
Answering U.S. military related questions without blinders inspired by nationalism can be.
QUOTE(aevans176 @ Aug 20 2007, 11:31 AM)
but the discipline in the Military should be capable of handling these issues as "status quo" statement.
Should does not mean will. Should does not even mean probably. As the information technology boom had a big impact on the economy, so will it have an impact on the military's ability to discourage gang-related activities. This challenge is confounded when the military lowers recruiting standards to meet operational goals.
QUOTE(aevans176 @ Aug 20 2007, 11:31 AM)
Consider that for a number of years in US history, the military was a way to keep from going to jail for misdemeanor charges. The idea was/is that in many cases, jail turns a small time criminal into a career criminal, while somewhere like the Marine Corps will teach a man pride in himself and that the world is larger than his/her situation.
That's why I said it's difficult to shape attitudes even under the best of circumstances. Anyone can network from all over the world now. The military has to catch up with technology. Frankly, their hands are full.
QUOTE(aevans176 @ Aug 20 2007, 11:31 AM)
I personally knew/know an alcoholic or two who have been kicked out (or couldn't re-enlist) due to their problems. It's hard for me to believe that gang activity is a widespread issue, which is exactly what this CBS article would have you believe.
I know of one gang-related incident while I was overseas. A Hispanic gang member stabbed another member to death for trying to get out. If it's the messenger that bothers you so much try another Stars and Stripes article. They want to slam our military as much as CBS does.
QUOTE(FBI Says U.S. criminal gangs are using military to spread their reach)
U.S. criminal gangs have gained a foothold in the U.S. military and are using overseas deployments to spread tentacles around the globe, according to the FBI.
FBI gang investigator Jennifer Simon said in an e-mail to Stars and Stripes this week that gang members have been documented on or near U.S. military bases in Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Iraq.
"It's no secret that gang members are prevalent in the armed forces, including internationally," Simon said, adding that the FBI is preparing to release a report on gangs in the military.
FBI gang investigator Jennifer Simon said in an e-mail to Stars and Stripes this week that gang members have been documented on or near U.S. military bases in Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Iraq.
"It's no secret that gang members are prevalent in the armed forces, including internationally," Simon said, adding that the FBI is preparing to release a report on gangs in the military.
QUOTE(Mustang @ Aug 20 2007, 10:34 AM)
Here are a pair of formerly unclassified, but limited distribution reports that have now been reposted on the Stars and Stripes website:
National Gang Intelligence Center: Gang-Related Activity in the US Armed Forces Increasing, dated 12 Jan 07
National Gang Intelligence Center: Gang-Related Activity in the US Armed Forces Increasing, dated 12 Jan 07
This is interesting. I'm not sure that it really gives "___ number of incidents in the military" type scenarios or %'s of crime, etc are due to gangs... but it is an eye opener.
I believe that there's any easy way to fix this. Make it illegal to be associated with a gang in the military. If you get caught with any gang related 'item', to include pictures, etc you go to jail. That simple. They do it with things like drugs. In Texas, you get caught with a joint in your ash tray and you get a fine. In the USMC, you might get kicked out. Why not the same w/ gang related activity?
I don't like the idea of trying to rule out gang members entering, as I believe that there are millions of "hard cases" that change their lives in the military. I just think that in basic training or even MEPS, they make it 100% clear that this is unacceptable, and it won't be just a dishonorable discharge but rather Leavenworth for 365 days or more.
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