A band of citizens have formed together to monitor the military’s operation across the southwestern states known as Jade Helm 15.
The Houston Chronicle reported Friday that several hundred people started Operation Counter Jade Helm, whose aim is not to stop the operation but to practice their own skills–according to their website.
Anyone can participate. Groups within each state that will play host to the military are being established to streamline the process. Individuals not wishing to be affiliated with a group can also submit information to this website for analysis and publishing.
“If a team member sees two Humvees full of soldiers driving through town, they’re going to follow them,” Eric Johnston, a 51-year-old retired firefighter and sheriff’s deputy, told the Chronicle. He will serve as a surveillance team leader in Texas. “And they’re going to radio back their ultimate location,” he added. The Chronicle offers details as to what Johnston’s role will be in the operation:
He’ll coordinate three groups of volunteers, about 20 folks in total, who hope to monitor the SEALs, Green Berets and Air Force Special Ops in Bastrop, Big Spring and Junction when Jade Helm kicks off on July 15. With media prohibited at the drills, the volunteers could be a main source of information for the highly-anticipated seven-state exercise.
“We’re going to be watching what they do in the public,” said Pete Lanteri, a former Marine who is originally from New York but now lives in Arizona. “Obviously on a military base they can do whatever they want. But if they’re going to train on public land we have a right as American citizens to watch what they’re doing.” Lanteri organized the operation’s national effort. But not everyone is so skeptical of Jade Helm.
Last month, Western Journalism spoke with Dakota Durham, a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary member participating in exercises. “Part one is a drill to simulate a large-scale war in the Middle East,” Durham said, “especially with Iran. Part two is routine anti-terrorism and counterterrorism drills. I will be involved with part two. I will also be working with some other guys who are involved with both parts, especially the Army National Guard.”
When asked if he heard anyone express uncertainty about the true nature of Jade Helm, Durham said he had not.
The majority of us are pretty offended and hurt by how everyone has been treating us. We’ve been called invaders, occupiers, Nazis, you name it.
Where do you stand on Jade Helm? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.