Many people who been deployed will say they had traumatic experiences while in the armed forces. To cope with these experiences when in America, many look for a hobby to be around people they can relate to. One of these hobbies are joining motorcycle clubs (MC). More members of the military than you may think have joined a motorcycle club. The idea of a long lasting brotherhood becomes appealing after being in war. According to the members, they are not a part of a “gang” but a club of brothers. Joining a military-only motorcycle club is appealing because of the long lasting brothership, perks, and exclusivity.
Motorcycle clubs began appearing after World War II by ex-military. The original creators of military-only clubs were given Harley Davidson motorcycles by the government for use in combat. Then, when the soldiers came out of war, their love of riding expanded until the veterans eventually bought their own motorcycles and began looking for companionship from other people with similar experiences. By creating clubs all over the United States, ex-military became more attracted to them because having one nearby means it is more accessible. It is also known by non-military motorcycle clubs that veterans frequently join clubs. In William Queens book he explains that the other members of the Mongols did not question his ability to shoot because they knew he was in the military. However, to join a military-only motorcycle club there are membership requirements specific to each club. In the recent years the requirements have increased overall, making clubs more selective of who will represent them. To join a military-only MC in the past, the only requirements were to be a military veteran and own a motorcycle. However, in many MCs a prospect, someone interested in joining, has to be honorably discharged or have active duty status and have a clean record. To become a member of the U.S. Military Vets MC, the person must have “served 181 days or more in an active duty status . . . Have full rights to veterans benefits and have received an Honorable Discharge from the United States military” (US Military Vets) and a 750c bike or larger. The requirements vary club to club, in some MCs an honorable discharge is not needed but a motorcycle with a specific engine is or a clean criminal record is mandatory. Motorcycle clubs are attractive to veterans because of the bond that comes with it. While in war, soldiers create a strong bond with one another transferred over to their civilian life after war. When veterans lose the bond they had with one another over seas, they begin to look for comfort in the United States and many have stumbled upon military motorcycle clubs. One club, the Leathernecks mission statement reads: “We desire only to ride our motorcycles in the company of our Brothers as free men in this free land, a land for which we have fought (Leathernecks MC)”. Marine Sergeant Derek Schwartz says in his marine-only motorcycle club “It 's a brotherhood very similar to the one in the Marines (Military Motorcycle Clubs See).” William Queen, and undercover agent with the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Unit (ATF) claims he felt such a strong connection with the Mongles MC members he felt conflicted on giving them up. Military only motorcycle clubs are very attractive …show more content…
In some clubs if a member is found to have committed a crime, the person will be kicked out. One reason why MCs are so particular on who represents them is because the ATF still views them as dangerous. While not outright labeling military-only MCs as “gangs” the ATF does notice that the clubs do have gans tendencies that are similar to those of an outlaw motorcycle club. The ATF explains “ [military motorcycle clubs] are beginning to inherit OMG traits and mannerisms (Anderson).” The Leathernecks, has "zero history of violence" and is now unfairly getting blacklisted as a "criminal gang,” because they were at Waco, Texas where “rival biker groups — and eventually local law enforcement officials — left nine dead and at least 20 injured (Anderson)”. Being labeled is one of the very few reasons why people are hesitant to join. Yet, overall military-only MCs have had an increase in membership numbers
Motorcycle clubs began appearing after World War II by ex-military. The original creators of military-only clubs were given Harley Davidson motorcycles by the government for use in combat. Then, when the soldiers came out of war, their love of riding expanded until the veterans eventually bought their own motorcycles and began looking for companionship from other people with similar experiences. By creating clubs all over the United States, ex-military became more attracted to them because having one nearby means it is more accessible. It is also known by non-military motorcycle clubs that veterans frequently join clubs. In William Queens book he explains that the other members of the Mongols did not question his ability to shoot because they knew he was in the military. However, to join a military-only motorcycle club there are membership requirements specific to each club. In the recent years the requirements have increased overall, making clubs more selective of who will represent them. To join a military-only MC in the past, the only requirements were to be a military veteran and own a motorcycle. However, in many MCs a prospect, someone interested in joining, has to be honorably discharged or have active duty status and have a clean record. To become a member of the U.S. Military Vets MC, the person must have “served 181 days or more in an active duty status . . . Have full rights to veterans benefits and have received an Honorable Discharge from the United States military” (US Military Vets) and a 750c bike or larger. The requirements vary club to club, in some MCs an honorable discharge is not needed but a motorcycle with a specific engine is or a clean criminal record is mandatory. Motorcycle clubs are attractive to veterans because of the bond that comes with it. While in war, soldiers create a strong bond with one another transferred over to their civilian life after war. When veterans lose the bond they had with one another over seas, they begin to look for comfort in the United States and many have stumbled upon military motorcycle clubs. One club, the Leathernecks mission statement reads: “We desire only to ride our motorcycles in the company of our Brothers as free men in this free land, a land for which we have fought (Leathernecks MC)”. Marine Sergeant Derek Schwartz says in his marine-only motorcycle club “It 's a brotherhood very similar to the one in the Marines (Military Motorcycle Clubs See).” William Queen, and undercover agent with the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Unit (ATF) claims he felt such a strong connection with the Mongles MC members he felt conflicted on giving them up. Military only motorcycle clubs are very attractive …show more content…
In some clubs if a member is found to have committed a crime, the person will be kicked out. One reason why MCs are so particular on who represents them is because the ATF still views them as dangerous. While not outright labeling military-only MCs as “gangs” the ATF does notice that the clubs do have gans tendencies that are similar to those of an outlaw motorcycle club. The ATF explains “ [military motorcycle clubs] are beginning to inherit OMG traits and mannerisms (Anderson).” The Leathernecks, has "zero history of violence" and is now unfairly getting blacklisted as a "criminal gang,” because they were at Waco, Texas where “rival biker groups — and eventually local law enforcement officials — left nine dead and at least 20 injured (Anderson)”. Being labeled is one of the very few reasons why people are hesitant to join. Yet, overall military-only MCs have had an increase in membership numbers