Soldiers in Stadiums?

ObjSRgtLw

ObjSRgtLw

Active member
Hey all.
I noticed that some soldiers were present during the opening celebration of the Super Bowl XLIII. The General of US Central Command, to present 'all the military servicemen around the world' and an honor guard (?) just before the national anthem.
In Germany that would be unthinkable and if, certainly the crowd wouldn't raise their applause. Maybe one reason is that, compared to America, Germany doesn't have so many people who have relatives in the mil. Service. If, what my friend told me is true, it is forbidden by German law to have Soldiers in a Stadium because of provocation- endangerment. I'm not quite sure with this- I couldn't find any info on that via the Internet. Anyways- during the soccer world cup in Germany it was discussed to use Soldiers for safety matters, which was heavily denied. Of course it's one thing to present them and honor them and another to use them for safety matters.

I personally was very impressed by the way Americans integrate and honor their military in such an important moment for the nation. (And you'll agree that Super Bowl is an important event- numbers of viewers prove that). One could say that in America it is perfectly normal to combine religion, military and sports or anything else. In Germany, sadly (to my mind), that is not possible. Also the USA, compared to Germany, is much faster at hand to employ National Guard within the country- a big no go in Germany (Natural catastrophes excluded ).
So the question/ discussion is, if it is a good thing to integrate military into a (civilian) sports-event. And if it should be allowed to use Military for safety matters in a stadium/ for matters within the country- or, in any case, 'only' to honor them and to think of them?

P.S.: Amazing how that one big guy ran over the whole field and scored a touch down and needed oxygen after that ;).

Correction: Military in Stadiums is allowed in Germany, and I do remember the Military Music corps playing the national Anthem, for the discussion about the use of Military for safety during the World Cup the above is true (provocation issue etc.)
 
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In any democracy using military for police work is not looked well uppon. But when there is a major event/disaster that is too big for law enforcement to deal with, there is no choice. I know that in my country, and this is usually true for any country, no other organization can put as much people, gear and supplies on the scene as fast as the military.
 
I know that in my country, and this is usually true for any country, no other organization can put as much people, gear and supplies on the scene as fast as the military.
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Don't have to pay soldiers overtime as well.
 
Soliders, Marines, Airman, Sailors, Coastguardsmen serving as Honor Guards or being present for ceremonies at sporting events here is nothing new. You see it all the time and for presentation of the colors it's almost traditional in many venues, San Diego, DC and Jacksonville come to mind.

The San Diego Padres usually make tickets available for free to a couple of Companies of Marine Recruits from MCRD every year and they go in uniform. The Padres also have cut rates for military personnel.

As far as using the military for extra security in these venues. No it can't be done. It's a violation of the Posse Comitatus Act. However, National Guard Units can act as security under the direction of the Govenor of the State. National Guard if not Federalized can be tasked with enforcing Civil Law at the discreation of the Govenor.
 
03USMC said:
Soliders, Marines, Airman, Sailors, Coastguardsmen serving as Honor Guards or being present for ceremonies at sporting events here is nothing new. You see it all the time and for presentation of the colors it's almost traditional in many venues, San Diego, DC and Jacksonville come to mind.

The San Diego Padres usually make tickets available for free to a couple of Companies of Marine Recruits from MCRD every year and they go in uniform. The Padres also have cut rates for military personnel.
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Be thankfull that you have that, I truly envy you. Well i think it's quite normal if you have such a long (and successfull) history of wars since the colonisation.
 
Well 40 years ago it was not like that. Now days it's political/social suicide to have a go at any soldier/sailor/airman.
 
Last night at the Nashville Predators (NHL) it was Military Monday. Anyone who was in the military or served got tickets for $20 no matter where the seat was at. The color guard was USMC and the National Anthem was sung by an E-6 in a NG Army Band (with a mustache that violated AR 670-1). Each period the crowd applauded all us veterans. It was pretty nice.

I like going to sporting events on days like Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day ect ect ect. Most stadiums do a really good job honoring the military.
 
It's interesting to see that their's a contrast as to how society perceives those who serve. Here, in Canada, for the most part, the majority of population has very little contact with those who do serve. The presence of a soldier in uniform is generally a seldom seen event and when seen, it is rather an odd sight.

As far as I know, soldiers are discouraged from going to public houses, bars, clubs, whatever in uniform.
 
As far as I know, soldiers are discouraged from going to public houses, bars, clubs, whatever in uniform
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bars are an entirely diffrent thing. WE have a 1 drink maximum allowed on uniform. To have any alcohol even a formal on base thing, you needa Ltc to agree and sign it off. Not that we dident have any deviations from that, but as a general rule it applies:)
 
As far as I know, soldiers are discouraged from going to public houses, bars, clubs, whatever in uniform.
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The same is true with some exceptions. Without a doubt you are not allowed into such places in ACU's. The exception being when there is a formal event like the 4th BCT ball that is coming up this summer. I heard stories of the single Officers hitting up places to impress the girls in their dress uniforms. Rumor has it I will be put in charge of something related to the ball. I hear there will be an open bar :cheers:
 
If you don't dishonor your country you are allowed to visit bars, casinos etc. in service uniform... (for Germany)
It is the duty of every superior to take care of other soldiers who disrespectfully represent their uniform in public.
That's why i'd be allowed to send soldiers home who are too drunk even if they don't weir a uniform in Germany...
 
Duty Honor Country said:
The same is true with some exceptions. Without a doubt you are not allowed into such places in ACU's. The exception being when there is a formal event like the 4th BCT ball that is coming up this summer. I heard stories of the single Officers hitting up places to impress the girls in their dress uniforms. Rumor has it I will be put in charge of something related to the ball. I hear there will be an open bar :cheers:
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Ya know, I went to Hooters restaurant with my buddies near Fort Hood (about 45 minutes away), I saw a couple of guys in NCO Green Class A drank a few of the beers. Is it a no-no?
 
In Serbia we usually have SAJ special forces around stadiums during large sporting events.

Around the streets its not uncommon to see a group of Conscripts talking [That should be over by next year, we are getting rid of conscription]

I SOMETIMES saw a military vehicle, like a truck or so, but never seen anything like a Battle tank or APC around.
 
If you don't dishonor your country you are allowed to visit bars, casinos etc. in service uniform... (for Germany)
It is the duty of every superior to take care of other soldiers who disrespectfully represent their uniform in public.
That's why i'd be allowed to send soldiers home who are too drunk even if they don't weir a uniform in Germany...
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They don't take the chance here, they know at least 1 person will drink too much piss and do something stupid.

You shouldn't order a drunk soldier home, he'll probably take a swing and from there it just all goes to **** and ends up with people in jail. Get his mates to take him home or if he's gone lone ranger then just stay with him and listen to his crap and make sure he doesn't get into too much trouble. And like they say, there is no rank on the piss.
 
Well normally even drunk soldiers know that it's a good thing to follow orders of an officer... normally, well the way to order the friends to take him home is the best way though that would end the party for them as well ;). Anyway if he's so drunk he won't be that much resistance...
 
Gebirgsjäger said:
It's interesting to see that their's a contrast as to how society perceives those who serve. Here, in Canada, for the most part, the majority of population has very little contact with those who do serve. The presence of a soldier in uniform is generally a seldom seen event and when seen, it is rather an odd sight.

As far as I know, soldiers are discouraged from going to public houses, bars, clubs, whatever in uniform.
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In the next town up from Camp Lejuene, every night club and bar has a "NO MARINE ALLOWED" sign.:cheers:
 
You talking about Wilmington or New Bern? If it's Wilimgton they've always been a buncha hippies anyway.
 
Balkan-MiG said:
In Serbia we usually have SAJ special forces around stadiums during large sporting events.

Around the streets its not uncommon to see a group of Conscripts talking [That should be over by next year, we are getting rid of conscription]

I SOMETIMES saw a military vehicle, like a truck or so, but never seen anything like a Battle tank or APC around.
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I would say Zandarmeria, and not SAJ. ;)
 
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