|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
March 24, 2002Defending the homelandMichigan Militia to offer domestic anti-terrorism training to civiliansBy KEITH MATHENYRecord-Eagle staff writer CHEBOYGAN - For those looking to learn how to be a sniper, use a gas mask, observe their enemy undetected or rescue a hostage, the Michigan Militia has an offer for you. The militia plans to start training on these and other skills, as part of a new initiative it is calling Citizen Anti-Terrorist Force training. "We hear so much that the government is there to serve and protect, but they can't do it. They didn't do it too well on Sept. 11, did they?" said Norman Olson of Alanson. Olson is a former commander of the Northern Michigan Regional Militia and is now a senior adviser to the larger Michigan Militia Corps-Wolverines, which has an undisclosed number of members throughout the state. Olson said militia members have prepared since Sept. 11 to defend themselves against domestic terrorism, and to survive whatever a terrorist attack might bring. Group members now hope to provide the same skills to interested citizens, he said. The first training session will be in April, and sessions will occur every month thereafter, Olson said. The three-day programs will occur over weekends, he said. Olson said training will occur at "many training facilities throughout the state," but noted one of the largest will be in the deep woods and swamplands near the Black River in Cheboygan County. Day and nighttime training will be conducted by former Marines, combat veterans and other ex-military personnel, Olson said. Participants will be expected to provide their own military hardware. There is no charge for the training, but "we'll pass a hat," Olson said. Militia members offered their services to help root out domestic terrorism following the Sept. 11 attacks, but said they were rebuffed by the U.S. government. "Americans don't want to wait to be asked by the president to defend their homeland," said Benzie County resident Gordon Dean, commander of the Wolverines group. "I am not surprised that Washington refuses to acknowledge the citizens' militia as America's authentic defenders of the homeland, but that should not deter us," he said. Olson said he would supply the state Department of Natural Resources and Cheboygan County Sheriff Dale Claremont militia training schedules, so "anybody complaining about gunfire in the woods or any civilians encountering camouflage-clad individuals out in the woods is not going to panic." Claremont said Friday he had not yet heard about the proposed anti-terrorism training. "I would like to see what they are offering and what it will encompass before I make any comment," he said. Olson said Michigan law is vague as to whether the paramilitary training is prohibited. He noted that militia members have engaged in such training for years, with the knowledge of state and local law enforcement officials. "Gov. Engler has been giving us some tacit approval, in terms of not coming out and stopping us," he said. A request for comment from the state attorney general's office was not responded to before press time. Keith Matheny is the reporter for Antrim, Charlevoix and Emmet counties. He can be reached at (231) 536-0345, or at tcre_keith@yahoo.com |
|
