Gang Links

Gangs in the Military

The question, "Are there gangs in the military?" is similar to asking, "Are there left-handed people in the military?" The military is a microcosm (a smaller version, with representative characteristics) of the American community. We have gangs in our communities, so it makes sense that we have gangs in the military -- right?

Not exactly. The discipline found in the military ranks is not conducive to running a gang "in the military." Though being a soldier is not exactly an 8 to 5 job, it is hard to have what many would consider an "alternative lifestyle" and still be a member of the military. Could a soldier be a painter and still be in the military? Sure, as long as he didn't want to paint all the time. Could he make moonshine (or your choice of unlawful activity)? Sure, but like with any criminal activity, the military would not condone his or her actions.

Many uninformed public relations folks, if asked whether there are gangs in the military, will immediately deny their existence. Others will say that since the military represents society there is a small fraction of the population but not so much that it impacts the mission. Consider this. At what point does it impact the mission? When 1 in 10 service members are gang bangers part-time? When it's 1 in 100?

The media loves to report on gang activity in the military. You'll see pictures periodically of graffiti sprayed on buildings, cars, and even tanks. But this is a very small indicator of gang activity, and does not represent what should be the main concern. The main thing that gang members do is commit felonies. They are forever loyal to the gang. They are not committed to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies . . . bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and . . . obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me . . . So help me God." (Oath of Enlistment & Office)

Take your time to check out our links and come back to check us out, We'll be posting a blog before too long. If you want to see the latest news on street gangs, check out the link to the Tennessee Gang Investigators Association.

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Military-applicable Gang Laws include:

•AR 600-20 (Army Command Policy)

•DOD Directive 1325.6 (Guidelines for Handling Dissident and Protest Activities Among Members of the Armed Forces)

•DA Pamphlet 600–15 (Extremist Activities)

•USAREUR Pamphlet 190-100 (Gangs and Extremist Groups--A Handbook for Commanders, Parents, and Teachers )

•State Street Gang Terrorism acts