Gangs_in_the_Military

GANGS IN THE US MILITARY   Military Gangs Although there have been gang members in the military for years, the U.S. military have only recently admitted to having a problem. This has become an increasing problem in every branch of service, especially the U.S. Army, Army Reserves, and the National Guard. Members of nearly every major street gang have been identified on both domestic and international military installations. (National Gang Intelligence Center, January 2007) These individuals enlist in the military for several reasons. Although only a small segment of military members are actually affiliated with gangs (approximately 1 percent), it has created several new issues for military and public law enforcement to contend with. Reasons for Joining the Military The reasons gang members enlist in the military vary from individual to individual. Some enlist to escape prosecution by civilian authorities for crimes they have committed or as in the pass some were given an option, join the military or go to jail. Others join in an attempt to escape the gang life. These individuals are either attempting to better themselves by starting a new life or on the run from the gang(s) they are affiliated with. In many cases they are in fear of their safety and have nowhere else to go. As many of gangs become more organized and sophisticated, they have adopted new tactics and strategies on the way they conduct themselves. Some of these methods include changing the way they dress, not getting gang affiliated tattoos, and encouraging members to join the military. Individuals who are encouraged to join the military are recruited for several reasons. One reason is to acquire knowledge of and have access to military weapons and explosives. In one instance, a gang member in the Army smuggled home four AK-47s from Iraq that were used to commit multiple bank robberies. (Gustav Eyler, 09 March 2009) Gang members are also interested in learning military tactics. Individuals are able to pass on this knowledge to their friends, fellow gang members, or use it to commit crimes themselves. This scenario played out in Ceres, CA when Marine LCpl Andres Raya attacked and killed a police officer. A January 14, 2005 press release from the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department noted: “Authorities have discovered information during the investigation into the Ceres Police shooting that shows Andres Raya was a Norteno gang member. (Dennis Behreandt, 19 July 2010) Issues Faced by the Military As previously stated, the issue of gang members is not to the military. The issue has only come to light because of all the recent crimes and media coverage of crimes committed by gang members in the military. According to several reports conducted by the National Gang Intelligence Center (NGIC) and the US Army Criminal Investigative Division (CID) the number of crimes committed by gang members in the military is steadily increasing. From 2003 to 2007, military police identified 183 gang related incidents and felony investigations. Most of these incidents have been reported to be committed by junior enlisted members. Gang members pose a serious threat to unit order and to base and national security. One such incident occurred on Camp Pendleton, CA when Sgt Quintanilla (gang member) shot and killed his commanding and executive officers. Incidents like this not only lowers morale, but can disrupt the everyday operations of an installation. Along with normal day issues and pressures of being in the military, many installations are now faced with a rise in crimes unlike ever before. There has been an increase in robberies, thefts, narcotics, and aggravated assaults. These crimes create a negative image, encourage disobedience, and undermine the professionalism of the military. Issues Faced By Law Enforcement This problem has not only affected the military, it has reached the civilian population as well. With many of these individuals leaving or being removed from the military, as well as living among the civilian population, causes new concerns for law enforcement. Many law enforcement agencies, especially smaller departments, are unable to handle this rising trend. Many agencies have been forced to implement new measures and tactics in order to address this issue. Even with new training, law enforcement has performed poorly against military trained gang members and gangs with military affiliation have proven how dangerous they could be. Future Trends The military’s is without a doubt equipped and able to handle this rising problem after crimes have been committed. The issue many branches face occurs in recruiting. Many recruiters are unfortunately unaware of what to look for and sometimes recruit gang members. As stated before, many new gang members are dressing normally and have no gang affiliated tattoos. Another issue with recruiting is the ability of the recruiter to get juvenile records. Unless the crime was committed when the individuals was 18 years or older, recruiters are unable to see their record if it has been sealed. The future of gangs in the military is unfortunately similar to that in the civilian population, it is here to stay. How military officials handle each case will also dictate whether this problem continue to grow. Since this problem can only be reduced, military officials must become more proactive. Increasing awareness among all military members should be done by semi or annual training. This training should not only be conducted by military members, but civilian law enforcement agencies as well. Unless the military becomes more proactive and less reactive, gang membership will continue to grow and bring discredit on the armed services and all of the law abiding members who serve. References Dennis Behreandt (July 19, 2010), Gangs Still Active in US Military, Retrieved July 21, 2011 from http://www.thenewamerican.com/index.php/usnews/crime/4070-gangs-still-active-in-us-military Gustav Eyler (March 09, 2009), Gangs in the Military, Retrieved July 21, 2011 from http://yalelawjournal.org/the-yale-law-journal/content-pages/gangs-in-the-military/ National Gang Intelligence Center (January 12, 2007), Intelligence Assessment, Retrieved July 21, 2011 from http://www.militarytimes.com/static/projects/pages/ngic_gangs.pdf