The directive, which outlines the Obama administrations policy regarding military support, was issued on Dec. 29, 2010. While there are noncontroversial provisions, such as support to civilian fire and emergency services and domestic use of the Army Corps of Engineers, the more troubling aspects of the directive are in regards to the domestic use of military arms and forces...Federal military forces shall not be used to quell civil disturbances unless specifically authorized by the president in accordance with applicable law or permitted under emergency authority, the directive states. In these circumstances, those federal military commanders have the authority, in extraordinary emergency circumstances where prior authorization by the president is impossible and duly constituted local authorities are unable to control the situation, to engage temporarily in activities that are necessary to quell large-scale, unexpected civil disturbances, under two conditions...to prevent significant loss of life or wanton destruction of property and are necessary to restore governmental function and public order, and when federal, state and local authorities are unable or decline to provide adequate protection for federal property or federal governmental functions...The directive goes on to state clearly that it is for engaging civilians during times of unrest.
Posted on: Tue, 03 Jun 2014 18:42:52 +0000
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