The US Army on the Mexican Border
OP 22: The US Army on the Mexican Border: A Historical Perspective
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Since the mid-19th century, the United States has frequently employed the US Army on its southern border to perform various roles in support of the Nation—from outright war, to patrolling the border, to chasing bandits while securing persons and property on both sides of the border, and most recently to supporting civil law enforcement and antidrug efforts. Events since 9/11, such as the recent deployment of National Guard Soldiers to the Mexican border, are only the latest manifestation of this long tradition. This 22nd Occasional Paper in the Combat Studies Institute (CSI) Long War Series, The US Army on the Mexican Border: A Historical Perspective, by CSI historian Matt M. Matthews, reviews the lengthy history of the US Army on the Mexican border and highlights recurring themes that are relevant to today’s ongoing border security mission.
ARNG on the border and issues relating to the deployment AO
Gentleman,
I am a new member here. Nice to meet and be a part. I myself saw first hand the results of having ARNG on the border. And know the issues relating to the border issues here in Arizona. Prior to moving to what I call " proxy front " I traveled here several times to do my patriotic duty not as a enlisted minuteman but as a concerned member of the armed forces. The problem is real. And have seen all to many scenario's come true due to the porous condition of the border. Rampant with drug smuggling, human smuggling, coyotes committing sex crimes on the migrants. Its all down here. I honestly believe also this will be the next small war and hot spot that will require military enforcement again.
Having moved here and see it day in and day out what contributions I attempt seem futile. Efforts are being made by Border Patrol and other federal agencies but the mass migration north has not slowed. In fact should be increasing. Mexican officials are reporting record numbers of migrants on their southern border just recently.
There are crimes being committed as these migrants come through and have total disregard for America as they come to drain our system. Its the mighty dollar it seems. Not to dis-credit the ones who actually come to better life.
But I agree it is going to be revisited and the next small war if it hasn't started in its preliminary stages already. As I observe such a growing concern what would the populace here suggest? Thank you.
The Ballad of Ezequiel Hernandez, anyone?
And then there was the case of Ezequiel Hernandez.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezequiel_Hernandez
Esequiel Hernández Jr was an 18-year-old U.S. citizen and high school student killed on May 20, 1997 by Marines on the United States–Mexico border in Redford, Texas. He was herding some goats, but the Marines thought he was some kind of smuggler.
I'd be curious how this incident changed (if any) the sort of rules of engagement the U.S. military operates under down on the border.
Folks from the Armed Forces were put down there
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Tacitus
And then there was the case of Ezequiel Hernandez.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezequiel_Hernandez
Esequiel Hernández Jr was an 18-year-old U.S. citizen and high school student killed on May 20, 1997 by Marines on the United States–Mexico border in Redford, Texas. He was herding some goats, but the Marines thought he was some kind of smuggler.
I'd be curious how this incident changed (if any) the sort of rules of engagement the U.S. military operates under down on the border.
over the strong objections of DoD and some in Congress. Most of the objections were to prevent incidents like the one you cite; that and the bending the rules on Posse Comitatus.
The Hernandez incident is sterling example of what happens when the government tries to garner political and propaganda points instead of doing things right. DoD and the service got vindicated but that didn't help Hernandez. You did note that Hernandez fired first -- getting shot at, even with a .22 gets one's attention -- and that several investigations resulted, correctly IMO, in no punishment for the Marine. Sad and unnecessary for all concerned.
In the event, the ROE were changed not only on weapons use but on deployments in general for such purposes. Essentially, no Active Forces are routinely deployed (the ARNG is not subject to Posse Comitatus restrictions unless Federalized) and those that are operate only in a support role.