1995 was not the only time this test was given, and not only to U.S. Marines. Over time the basic outcome of the test was as follows.
1) Officers would generally refuse to fire on U.S. citizens
2) Of the NCO ranks, only hardcore NCOs bent on seeking promotion would fire on U.S. Citizens. A smaller percentage of NCOs, as opposed to Officers, but still a larger percentage than the hardcore NCOs, would refuse to fire on U.S. civilians.
3) The enlisted ranks, almost to a man, would refuse to fire on enlisted ranks.
The results were consistant from year to year. It Seems the thought process contained a strong element of “We are not going to fire on mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, cousins, and good ‘ol uncle Buck.
The procurement of huge amounts of ammunition, way more than would be needed for any conceivable training programme, now makes sense if you wanted to use the TSA, BTAFE, IRS, FBI, etc., etc., as the core of Obama’s private Army.
Lord, how the lower instinct part of me just wishes he would try this. I bet there is a very large percentage of the 60,000,000 arms bearing Americans who have similar feelings. We could settle the “Contitutional” issues once and for all.
3) The enlisted ranks, almost to a man, would refuse to fire on enlisted ranks
Should read:
3) The enlisted ranks, almost to a man, would refuse to fire on U.S. civilians