Several service members told advocacy groups they felt like pawns in a political game and assignment was unnecessary

California national guards troops and marines deployed to Los Angeles to help restore order after days of protest against the Trump administration have told friends and family members they are deeply unhappy about the assignment and worry their only meaningful role will be as pawns in a political battle they do not want to join.

Three different advocacy organisations representing military families said they had heard from dozens of affected service members who expressed discomfort about being drawn into a domestic policing operation outside their normal field of operations. The groups said they have heard no countervailing opinions.

“The sentiment across the board right now is that deploying military force against our own communities isn’t the kind of national security we signed up for,” said Sarah Streyder of the Secure Families Initiative, which represents the interests of military spouses, children and veterans.

  • Treczoks@lemmy.world
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    2 days ago

    They should be troubled. They are breaking their oath on the constitution.

    On the other hand, they could easily turn and end tyranny before it really sets in.

    • Dozzi92@lemmy.world
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      2 days ago

      You say “easily,” but I doubt it appears so easy, because disobeying the order first starts with you violating the UCMJ and paying for it. Only then can you fight and say hey, the order was unlawful. But you’re doing that from military jail. It’s an uphill battle and there’s nothing easy about it.

      I imagine the mindset is go, stand around with a shield, don’t murk protestors, and try to just wait this shit out.

      Plus, for the Marines, they were living in 29 Palms beforehand, so it’s practically a vacation.