(TheLastPatriotNews.com) – Raising alarms about the vulnerability of America’s armed forces’ assets, the US Army is offering a $15,000 reward for information about the 31 M17 pistols and advanced optics stolen from Fort Moore, Georgia.
The Army’s Criminal Investigation Division is scrambling to recover the stolen military equipment while questions arise about who’s responsible for safeguarding America’s military might.
The Army CID is desperately seeking information on the disappearance of 31 M17 pistols, two sets of Enhanced Night Vision Goggles, and an AN/PAS-13D Thermal Weapon Sight from Fort Moore.
These critical pieces of equipment, essential for the troops’ effectiveness and safety, were last seen at the Crescenz Consolidated Equipment Pool, managed by civilian contractor Vectrus (V2X).
The theft was reported in mid-May, but investigators believe the items may have gone missing as early as March.
This months-long detection gap is a glaring example of the lax security and inventory management plaguing the military bases.
In response to this alarming security breach, Fort Moore officials have reportedly reviewed security protocols and reduced access to the facility. They are also planning to install additional surveillance and inventory equipment.
The M17 pistol, the Defense Department’s standard-issue sidearm since 2017, is a crucial piece of equipment that should be constantly monitored.
The fact that 31 of these weapons could disappear without immediate notice is a damning indictment of the current inventory system.
Even more concerning, the missing Enhanced Night Vision Goggles and AN/PAS 13D thermal optics are advanced technologies that could pose a severe threat if they fall into the wrong hands.
However, this is not an isolated incident. It is part of a troubling pattern of military equipment thefts from bases in recent years.
The Army’s decision to triple the reward for information from $5,000 to $15,000 underscores the severity of this security breach.
Nevertheless, throwing money at the problem after the fact is not the proper solution as proactive measures need to be taken to prevent these thefts from happening in the first place.
As investigations continue, it is clear that the military bases need a complete overhaul of their security and inventory management systems. America’s safety and its armed forces’ effectiveness depend on it.
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