Military Members “Verbally Harassed” In DC

Its a sad state of affairs when our military heroes get harassed as they did in the Vietnam era, but apparently its where we are at now: (via In From The Cold)

They occurred recently on the Metro in Washington D.C., prompting at least one military organization to issue a “Safety and Security Advisory” for personnel traveling in the nation’s capital.

According to officials from Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH), the special forces element of Miami-based U.S. Southern Command, there have been recent examples of military personnel being verbally harassed while commuting on the Metro.

During these incidents, uniformed military personnel have been approached by individuals “expressing themselves as anti-government, shouting anti-war sentiments and using racial slurs against minorities.

In episode a female military member was followed onto the subway platform by a protester, who continued to berate her as she exited the subway station.

The security advisory, which is outlined in a six-slide PowerPoint presentation, was issued yesterday by security managers for SOCSOUTH. A copy of the unclassified document, which is being widely circulated among force protection elements, was obtained by In From the Cold.

Local and federal agencies are said to be investigating the incidents, which appear to be random in nature. The advisory reports that most of the harassment episodes have occurred near the Reagan National Airport and the Eisenhower Avenue Metro Station, along the transit system’s Yellow Line.

But, with warm weather approaching, security officials believe harassment activities may increase and spread to other areas. The security advisory issued by SOCSOUTH covers the “National Capital Region” which includes Washington, D.C., northern Virginia and portions of Maryland.

There have been no reports of physical violence in connection with the harassment of military personnel. However, the advisory lists a number of precautions that personnel should take if they encounter anti-war protesters. Military members are urged to “get off the train at the next stop (if possible), notify transit police and file a report with their unit security manager, to “ensure DoD investigative follow-up.”

The powerpoint also gives tips on how to protect themselves by using the “buddy system” and to avoid any violent altercations because it may be filmed and used to create bad press.

Sad, but not surprising.

Curt

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