Today, through the global standing army operating under the banner of the U.S. Federal Government, we’ve grown accustomed towards the forging of a special class of citizen. Through intense training, Federal benefit programs, Federal decrees, Executive Orders, the bonds of service, veterans groups, statues, monuments, and so on - the U.S. multicultural soldier has almost become the very picture of an idealized American. One in which maybe – just maybe – civilians have become second class.
Even the great Federalist James Madison believed that, “In time of actual war, great discretionary powers are constantly given to the Executive Magistrate. Constant apprehension of War, has the same tendency to render the head too large for the body. A standing military force, with an overgrown Executive will not long be safe companions to liberty. The means of defence against foreign danger, have been always the instruments of tyranny at home.” – Speech, Constitutional Convention (1787-06-29)
However, Chuck Baldwin (radio broadcaster, syndicated columnist, and pastor) pointedly notes that, “For the most part, the sentiments of our founders ring hollow to modern Americans who, ever since World War II, have glorified, idolized, and practically even worshipped the standing US military.”
In Congressional Budget Office 2013 budget request, for example, the Department of Defense (DoD) requested about $150,000,000,000 (150 billion) to fund the pay and benefits of current and retired members of the armed services.
And according to “Today’s Military” (produced by the United States Department of Defense), an enlisted individual without college experience or a family can earn and estimated $28,377 to $49,741. But for those soldiers who do wish to pursue higher education, there’s tuition assistance (Tuition Assistance pays for up to 100 percent of the cost of tuition or expenses, up to a maximum of $250 per credit and a personal maximum of $4,500 per fiscal year per student), loan repayment programs, and service member opportunity colleges.
Upon retirement, Service members can retire with full benefits after 20 years of service, which is far earlier than most civilian jobs. They can utilize a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which is a government-managed retirement savings and investment plan that works similarly to a 401(k) plan. And the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides dozens of federal benefits to veterans and their dependents, including VA home loans that are guaranteed by the federal government. Other VA programs include educational assistance and disability compensation.
Active-duty servicemembers receive free medical and dental care. In addition, the spouse and dependent children of an active-duty servicemember may enroll in military health care. Life insurance can help protect a family’s financial stability. Active-duty servicemembers may select up to $400,000 in Service Group Life Insurance
In addition to standard military benefits, servicemembers also experience various unofficial perks. For instance, in recognition and support of those involved in the Service, many companies extend special military discounts. The Military also offers discounted vacation and leisure opportunities to its servicemembers and their families. And there’s plenty of on-base entertainment resources available to servicemembers and their families, which include gyms, movie theaters, bowling alleys and parks.
So in the end, should we the people be concerned towards those who have been given special advantages by the Government, taught to obey orders without question, to keep their personal beliefs in check, and to possibly even turn their weapons upon citizens who don’t uphold the same values as their Commander-in-Chief?
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Because evidently the U.S. Armed Forces has too much going on around the world to patrol our neighborhoods (and because the Police and Fire Department must not be good enough anymore) – Allied Barton could be the latest “private” branch of the Federal Government’s growing police state.
What Allied Barton (via their partnership with the U.S. Armed Forces) are looking for are folks who are available to, “Patrol facility or man post as instructed and serve as a general security presence and visible deterrent to crime and client rule infractions; detect suspicious activities and watch for criminal acts or client rule infractions at or near assigned post which may be a threat to the property, client or employees at the site. Report all incidents, accidents or medical emergencies. Respond to emergencies, such as medical and bomb threats; and to alarms, such as fire and intrusion by following emergency response proceedings.”
