Gangs in the Army, or any branch for that matter, is not a good thing.
How many times have we heard about drive-bys where stray bullets are flying. So now, the uneducated and undisciplined are going to become trained marksmen with access to weaponry, all because standards were relaxed.
Good thinkin’….
Gang activity on the rise in the ranks
By Michelle Tan – Army Times Staff writer
Wednesday Aug 29, 2007Recent reports by the FBI and the Army’s Criminal Investigation Command show that gang-related activity in the U.S. military is increasing. The FBI report concludes the increase poses a threat to law enforcement officials and national security.
Some experts point to looser recruiting standards, implemented in recent years as the Army struggles to meet recruiting goals, and the increase in waivers given to recruits with criminal records as a factor behind gang presence in the ranks.
Each year since 2003, an increasing number of applicants with records of everything from traffic violations to felony convictions have been allowed to enlist in the Army under “moral waivers.” In fiscal 2006, 7.9 percent of all recruits received moral waivers, compared with 4.6 percent in 2003, according to Recruiting Command.
So far this year, more than 9,000 recruits have received moral waivers to join the service. That’s 11 percent of all new enlistees in fiscal 2007, which ends Sept. 30.
Defending our country can’t be the motivation for gang members to enlist. Maybe they need a job. Then again, maybe it’s the access to weaponry and the ability to recruit outside the hood. Either way, this must be addressed and soon.
Read HERE
