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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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8

Boy Scouts Train to Fight Terror, Patrol Borders

Program trains kids in terror threats, border protection

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(Newser) – Think of it as Extreme Boy Scouting: the co-ed Explorers program has trained kids across the country in law enforcement techniques for decades. But lately “our emphasis is on terrorism, illegal entry, drugs, and human smuggling,” says a Border Patrol agent of the program. That means charging around with pellet guns amid simulated terrorist showdowns or drug raids, the New York Times reports.

“This is about being a true-blooded American guy and girl,” says a sheriff’s deputy devoted to the program. Explorers groups are sponsored by various law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and local police departments. Officials hope the program will train the next generation of Border Patrol and FBI agents. But members have a variety of career plans. “I want to be a lawyer, and this teaches you about how crimes are committed,” said one.

A photo of Daniel Andreas San Diego, top right, appears on a poster of the FBI's most wanted terrorists during a news conference.
A photo of Daniel Andreas San Diego, top right, appears on a poster of the FBI's most wanted terrorists during a news conference.   (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)
United States Border Patrol agent Joe Mason inspects numerous hillside paths used by people trying to cross the border, Tuesday, October 23, 2007.
United States Border Patrol agent Joe Mason inspects numerous hillside paths used by people trying to cross the border, Tuesday, October 23, 2007.   (AP Photo/David Maung)
Residents watch a border patrol vehicle in the US-Mexico border in Tijuana, Mexico, Thursday, April 16, 2009.
Residents watch a border patrol vehicle in the US-Mexico border in Tijuana, Mexico, Thursday, April 16, 2009.   (AP Photo/Guillermo Arias)
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JonmarkP
May 14, 09 7:46 AM CDT
Some years ago, Scouting was taken over by a group of far-right fake-Christian creeps, who have turned it into something resembling the Hitler Youth. Racist, homophobic religious zealots in little uniforms. It's really a shame. Wasn't like that in my father's day. I wouldn't let my kids anywhere near the program. It's understandable that membership is way down. Reply
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Reader83020459
Jun 14, 09 8:47 PM CDT
You people have NO clue about scouting. Who do you know in scouting.?The people I know, including myself, go camping, learn respect for the enviornment and service their community by helping people in need in the ways kids that age can. In addition learn independence and self-sufficiancy....it includes people who are jewish (my husband and a few others), and a variety of other religious and racial backgrounds, And the opposite was true of our fathers generation. Back then women, siblings were not allowed and the program was much more restrictive which was more a sign of the times that permeated all other aspects of society and not a reflection of scouts alone) and as society changed so did scouts.......yes, a few goofs....but there are always a few in any group. .....but maybe your right...the concepts of independence, responsibility and freedom are NOT what liberals support or teach their kids. And its obvious by your ignorant comments that you judge an entire group by one bad headline! SOOOO who is the bigot?
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ifbit
May 14, 09 7:51 AM CDT
Just an excuse for yet another merit badge. Reply
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NutsInNY
May 14, 09 9:01 AM CDT
They have a Knuckle-Dragging merit badge nowdays, I've heard.
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+1
Robert_Dada
May 14, 09 8:01 AM CDT
What next? We send Weblows to Afghanistan? Reply
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