ISSN: 0973-5089 | [email protected]

Military-Trained Gang Members in the Volunteer State in the United States: Revisiting the Issue after Four Years

Carter F. Smith

Middle Tennessee State University, United States of America

Tae Choo

University of North Georgia, United States of America

Abstract:

Communities everywhere have experienced the negative effects of street gangs, domestic terrorists, and outlaw motorcycle gang members. When they have military training, the threat increases significantly. The purpose of the study was to address the presence of military-trained gang members (MTGMs) in civilian communities. The problem addressed was the growing presence of MTGMs in civilian communities. A survey of members of the Tennessee Gang Investigators' Association was conducted in 2010 and 2014 to measure perceptions regarding the presence of MTGMs. There was a statistically significant increase in the perceived presence of most MTGM factors, but no significant difference in the MTGM score from the 2010 and 2014 surveys. Further research should include an extended longitudinal examination of the effect of MTGMs on the community, including states in the United States with a different history of gang activity, to determine the perceptions regarding the presence of gang members currently in military service, and with more analytic detail.

Keyword:

Military Trained Gang Members, Street Gangs, Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, Domestic Terrorist Extremists, Gangs and the Military.