Troops and weapons civilian areas

Tenger

Am wondering about this.

Have seen troops in battledress (ie the 'digiflage' fatigues) US cities before but they were (i assumed) off duty. Have also seen Irish/French/German troops walking though respectively Dublin/Paris/Munich. At all times their were unarmed.

Was in New York at the weekend and went in to KFC (classy guy) There were 2 army soldiers in front of me with BDUs and flak vests. Each had a holstered sidearm. This was on 34th street which is 10 blocks away from the recruiting centre on Times Square.

Their flak vests were older 1991 era DPM while their BDUs were 'digiflage', would this point to them being reservists perhaps?They did not have distinctive shoulder patches,in fact their left shoulders had differing patches. Neither has ranks stripse so can I assume they were privates.

It surprised me as I assumed there were restictions on armed troops in areas of civilan authority.

Can anyone enlighten me?

minidazzler

Airsofters??? I mean I don't think they are supposed to go out in to restaurants with weapons? Seems odd.

Manic Moran could be along soon, he might know better than most here.

Hagar

There is an Army recruiting office in Times Square itself.

It was bombed on 6/3/2008 link to article.
I suppose that would explain both the presence of the soldiers and the fact that they were armed

minidazzler

Can't believe this is my first time hearing of that!

OK, That is a very likely reason.

Tenger

Hagar wrote: »

There is an Army recruiting office in Times Square itself.

I suppose that would explain both the presence of the soldiers and the fact that they were armed

As I said this was 10 blocks from Times Square so it seems odd that they would walk that far for a bit of chicken. Maybe a quick jog there and back?

Hagar

Oops my bad.

Lockstep

I often see PDF lads around Galway carrying Steyrs. Seem to be guarding cash trucks or something.

Tenger

Hagar wrote: »

Oops my bad.

Easy mistake to make if your not familiar with central manhattan.

kickoutthejams wrote: »

I often see PDF lads around Galway carrying Steyrs. Seem to be guarding cash trucks or something.

This was in KFC getting food with holstered pistols. And the IrDF guys guarding money trucks are very obviously on duty and carrying assault rifles.

Will try to get a pic uploaded from my phone.

Lockstep

Bramble wrote: »

This was in KFC getting food with holstered pistols. And the IrDF guys guarding money trucks are very obviously on duty and carrying assault rifles.

Will try to get a pic uploaded from my phone.

Ah right, I see what you mean.

Sorry, I just skim-read your post the first time.

Manic Moran

Bramble wrote: »

Am wondering about this.

Have seen troops in battledress (ie the 'digiflage' fatigues) US cities before but they were (i assumed) off duty. Have also seen Irish/French/German troops walking though respectively Dublin/Paris/Munich. At all times their were unarmed.

Was in New York at the weekend and went in to KFC (classy guy) There were 2 army soldiers in front of me with BDUs and flak vests. Each had a holstered sidearm. This was on 34th street which is 10 blocks away from the recruiting centre on Times Square.

Their flak vests were older 1991 era DPM while their BDUs were 'digiflage', would this point to them being reservists perhaps?They did not have distinctive shoulder patches,in fact their left shoulders had differing patches. Neither has ranks stripse so can I assume they were privates.

It surprised me as I assumed there were restictions on armed troops in areas of civilan authority.

Can anyone enlighten me?

No restrictions on National Guard. You're thinking of Posse Comitatus, which prevents Title 10 troops (i.e. Regular Army) from conducting law enforcement operations (But they are entitled to be armed).

In this case, though I'll lay bets they were part of JTF Empire Shield. About 500 soldiers and airmen, last I checked. Joint Task Force Empire Shield provides support to civilian law enforcement agencies providing security to nuclear power plants, subways, and airports in New York City.

Here are a couple in Grand Central

Neither has ranks stripse

On the ACUs, rank is worn on the chest. If wearing older body armour, the rank insignia is covered. Only place left to look is the hat, if they're wearing caps. If they're wearing berets, you're out of luck.

NTM

Tenger

Manic Moran wrote: »

In this case, though I'll lay bets they were part of JTF Empire Shield.

That answers that.

Manic Moran wrote: »

On the ACUs, rank is worn on the chest. If wearing older body armour, the rank insignia is covered. Only place left to look is the hat, if they're wearing caps. If they're wearing berets, you're out of luck.

NTM

Yep older body armour. Didn't want to be 'inquiring' too closely so didn't catch rank insignia or unit patchs on caps.

Manic Moran

Didn't want to be 'inquiring' too closely so didn't catch rank insignia or unit patchs on caps.

Shady-looking character, are you?

There's a bit of a mindset difference between a New York Guardsman just out and about generally and an Irish trooper on cash escort duty. I think you'll find that the former would be far more open to casual conversation, particularly from a tourist.

NTM

Tenger

Finally bothered to load my camera photos:

Here it is (very late I know)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tearbringer/2821205846/

Random

Love the photo Bramble