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Boy Scouts Train to Fight Terror, Patrol Borders

Program trains kids in terror threats, border protection

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted May 14, 2009 7:02 AM CDT
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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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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
ifbit
May 14, 2009 12:51 PM CDT
Just an excuse for yet another merit badge.
JonmarkP
May 14, 2009 12:46 PM 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.
AdaptAndOvercome
May 14, 2009 6:14 AM CDT
My son is in an "Explorer" program at our high shcool. This is the first year for this program to be a part of our high school. The police department works in conjunction with the district. It teaches kids, not only right from wrong and respect, but it helps them work towards a career goal in law--be it a police officer, ferensic science, law school. It is an amazing program for "HIGH SCHOOL AGE" kids in which they actually do hands on training techniques from police academy instruction. They get Jr. Police uniforms and it helps these kids build character. The Boy Scouts are suppose to be learning to survive in the wilderness and such. It sounds like they have a member of the lunatic fringe running that group.
US

 
FBI • counterterrorism • Border Patrol • training • police department • Boy Scouts of America • Explorers

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