Congressman To DHS: You’re Going Through 1,000 More Rounds Per Person Than The Army

Freedom Outpost ^ | Apr. 26, 2013 | Dean Garrison

[EXCH54FE]

Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah-3rd District) had serious questions for DHS representatives on Thursday. Fox News reports:

Republican Rep. Jason Chaffetz said Thursday that the Department of Homeland Security is using roughly 1,000 rounds of ammunition more per person than the U.S. Army, as he and other lawmakers sharply questioned DHS officials on their “massive” bullet buys.

“It is entirely … inexplicable why the Department of Homeland Security needs so much ammunition,” Chaffetz, R-Utah, said at a hearing.

The hearing itself was unusual, as questions about the department’s ammunition purchases until recently had bubbled largely under the radar — on blogs and in the occasional news article. But as the Department of Homeland Security found itself publicly defending the purchases, lawmakers gradually showed more interest in the issue.

Chaffetz’ questions were about waste and accountability. He was able to structure a solid line of questioning based upon the fact that DHS is requiring 1000 more rounds per agent than the United States Army requires for one of its soldiers:

Chaffetz, who chairs one of the House oversight subcommittees holding the hearing Thursday, revealed that the department currently has more than 260 million rounds in stock. He said the department bought more than 103 million rounds in 2012 and used 116 million that same year — among roughly 70,000 agents.

Comparing that with the small-arms purchases procured by the U.S. Army, he said the DHS is churning through between 1,300 and 1,600 rounds per officer, while the U.S. Army goes through roughly 350 rounds per soldier.

He noted that is “roughly 1,000 rounds more per person.”

“Their officers use what seems to be an exorbitant amount of ammunition,” he said.

[mylife]

You done good on the Yugo M70B
It is a fine example of an AK.
(I like the wood fore stock better)

[humblegunner]

I am shooting what is cheap, and even then I will be frugal.

Well, you know.. in recent years the shooting has perhaps become secondary to the socializin'...

This year at Dietz range we wont be "running our own bench", as I recall that range to be fair
strict and rigid. That's kind of off-putting to a degree.. at least for me.. after having gotten
used to a degree of autonomy in such things.. like at your river or some of the less regulated ranges.

And my south fence-line. ;-)

Anyway, my point is that we are not necessarily needing to burn up a thousand rounds each to have a good time.

[mykroar]

In a few years the government will say they lost it all in a boating accident.

That right there's funny - I don't care who you are.

[mylife]

That's what is great! It works great for stickin' pigs and makin Klash Kabobs on the fire.

[penelopesire]

Is this what we need?

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/AMM646

[mylife]

Well, I am in agreement that the social aspect has superseded the raw “let’s put some lead down range” aspect, and that is just fine.

I am certain Elroy would be cool with that.

We got a surplus of ammo? burn ammo!
Got a surplus of BBQ? Eat BBQ!

[mylife]

That would do nicely.

[humblegunner]

That’s the stuff.

But a bit pricey. I say true, ratty-assed old surplus ammo
is filet mignon for that gun. It truly does not care.
That’s one of the reasons I selected it.

Mylife usually comes up with amazing deals out of the blue
and he knows what kind of feed that thing will gnaw.

[mylife]

AK’s were built to eat that, but it is hamburg on a steak dinner dime.
I’ll go thirds on it if you want to order it Pen.

It would be cheapest to run over to the store in FT worth tomorrow than pay freight shipping

[Future Snake Eater]

Agree it’s a monster but Bush didn’t see it coming. He proved his bonafides in protecting the homeland but it wasn’t because of the DHS that he was successful, and he knows it. And if you recall, Democrats were the most keen on doing this and that the TSA for instance have government employees as screeners. That it not be contracted out. Bottom line is they wanted more government union members and dues.

How could Bush have NOT seen this coming?

[mylife]

Oh Wait Pen! That is $300 for 500 rds!

That sucks!!!

[AuntB]

I wouldn’t be surprised to find out they’re sending it to Mexico like they did guns...Mexico probably pitched a fit because they didn’t get ammo with their F&F guns.;<)

[humblegunner]

I’ll go thirds on it

I'm in, but would look for maybe a better deal.

Mylife is right, picking it up is 'WAY cheaper. Ammo shipping be exorbitant what with the regs and declarations and whatall.

I've already got one envelope fulla money for Mylife in my ammo box.
One more won't sink the boat.

[mylife]

I did not notice that was for 500 rounds.

Count me out.

[humblegunner]

I’ll be keeping an eye open for a better deal.

[penelopesire]

Ok..just tell me where to go and I will pick it up. I will call around tomorrow and see what I can find close.

[mylife]

You can shoot this.

HG and I have a bucket of ammo for it.

[BuckeyeTexan]

He noted that is “roughly 1,000 rounds more per person.”

“Their officers use what seems to be an exorbitant amount of ammunition,” he said.

Has Chaffetz never been to a gun range? 1000 rounds is not an exorbitant amount by any stretch of the imagination. I fire about 50 - 100 rounds when I go to the range to train. So 1000 rounds would last me about 10- 20 days.

Do we know when and how the rounds are used? Is it used for practice and training or only in the line of duty? If it's practice ammo, then 1000 rounds is easily understood. If it's used only in the line of duty for self defense, then 1000 rounds is not just exorbitant but also unbelievable.

[ez]

http://www.ammoman.com/762x39-wolf-performance-123-grain-fmj

[humblegunner]

That’s a bit more in line right there.