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Op Ed # 694 The Stealth Reissue Of DOD Directive 5240.01 of 1982 Illegally Expands The Military Power To Authorize The US Military To Kill American Citizens

  • Op Ed # 694 The Stealth Reissue Of DOD Directive 5240.01 of 1982 Illegally Expands The Military Power To Authorize The US Military To Kill American Citizens

By Capt Joseph R. John, October 18, 2024

As the Republic nears the most important pivotal election in US History, a sinister, illegal, and stealth revision of the DOD Directive 5240.01 of 1982 that deals with “National Security Threats” was  issued on September 27, 2024 by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, with the support of Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., USAF.  The revision that affects the life and freedom of every American Citizen, was made without the review and pre-approval of the US Congress.  

One previous 2016 change to the DOD Directive 5240.01 of 1982, focused on intelligence collection and it “carefully ensured” the protection of the “Civil Liberties” of every American Citizen.  That change also emphasized the need for the strict oversight, and the need to specifically authorize the collection of information on any American Citizen---it never included the authorization for the Secretary of Defense to issue an order to allow the US Military to “KILL AMERICAN CITIZENS.”

The expanded definition of "National Security Threats" in the September 27, 2024 change to the DOD Directive 5240.01 of 1982, has raised the alarms and concerns of civil libertarians and advocates of the US Constitution.  Since the change authorizes the US Military to oppress the “Civil Liberties” of American Citizens in violation of the US Constitution, and that that directive now includes, the never approved authorization, for the US Military to “KILL AMERICAN CITIZENS.” 

The September 27, 2024, change to the DOD Directive 5240.01 of 1982, added DHS’s broader definition of their domestic terrorism threats.  It now newly includes the unsubstantiated “Anti-White Racists” allegation that there is widespread White Supremacism throughout the United States; that “Anti-White Racist” allegation does not and has not ever been proven to have ever existed throughout the United States.  Inserting that there is widespread White Supremacism throughout the United States was authorized to be included in the September 27, 2024 change the DOD Directive 5240.01 of 1982 by the radical “Anti-White Racist” leadership in the Department of Defense, which includes Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., USAF, who were both selected by Barack Husein Obama to be appointed by Biden.  

The September 27, 2024, change to the DOD Directive of 1982 granted military intelligence with the “unprecedented” authority to get involved in the law enforcement of American Citizens within the United States, while authorizing the use of deadly force to “KILL AMERICAN CITIZENS” during domestic disturbances.  The traitorous September 27, 2024 change to DOD Directive 5240.01 of 1982 was not reviewed or authorized by Congress.  It should have been, since it affected the life and freedom of every American Citizen, but was only changed by the Secretary of Defense, but most certainly under the direct orders of Barack Hussein Obama, who is in complete control of the Biden administration.  For the first time in the 248-year History of the Republic, a DOD Directive specifically authorized the US Military to use lethal force to “KILL AMERICAN CITIZENS” during civil disturbances or street demonstrations. 

In 2009, Obama established a Flag and General Officer Pre-screening Promotion Board, which was established to ensure that only 0-6 Officers who responded affirmatively to a lengthy list of questions posed by the Screening Board, to determine if the O-6 supported Obama’s goal to “fundamentally transform” the nation.  Only the O-6 Officers who supported Obama’s goals were allowed to go before the Flag and General Officer Promotion Board to be considered for promotion to Flag Rank.  All previously promoted conservative Flag and General Officers who never went before the Obama Screening Board were phased out of the US Armed Forces over the next 8 years.  Only pre-screened Woke Flag and General Officers were promoted to the 3- and 4-star rank.

For the last four years, thousands of invading Illegal Aliens who have no loyalty to the Republic, do not support the US Constitution, and do not necessarily intend to protect American Citizens, have been inducted into the US Armed Forces, to help them obtain their US Citizenship.  At the same time thousands of white conservative senior enlisted personnel who were loyal to the Republic, who protected and defended the US Constitution and were very protective of American Citizens have been driven out of the US Armed Forces with allegations of White Supremacism, and others for refusing to take the COVID shot on basis of religious issues.  The thousands of invading Illegal Aliens inducted in the US Army will follow the orders of Woke General Officers to fire upon and “KILL AMERICAN CITIZENS,” in accordance with the September 27, 2024, revision of the DOD Directive 5240.01 of 1982.

Over the last four years, Obama, his fellow Marxists, George Soros, Kamala Harris, Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, Hakeem Jeffries, Bill Gates, and others planned to initiate massive Voter Fraud leading up to, and during the 2024 election.  They are planning to execute electronic Voter Fraud on election night, they are registering millions of invading Illegal Aliens to vote, and have initiated illegal ballot harvesting in Blue States.  Since Obama has complete control of the Oval Office, he will be able to instruct Biden to have Woke General Officers to order thousands of invading Illegal Aliens, who were inducted into the US Army over the last four years, to use deadly force to “KILL AMERICAN CITIZENS” if they dare demonstrate in the streets to oppose the Voter Fraud that will take place during the 2024 election.

Prior to the November 5th election, the Governors of Red States should mobilize their State’s National Guard to maintain peace and stability, and to protect the lives of American Citizens prior to and following the November 5th Presidential Election.  Those Governors should also coordinate the employment of the National Guard with the State Police, County Deputy Sheriffs, and local Law Enforcement Officers, to protect the lives of American Citizens in their states, and to maintain law and order prior to and following the November 5th Presidential Election.     

We encourage you to read and share the below listed article that provides details of the traitorous September 27, 2024 change to the DOD Directive 5240.01 of 1982, that authorizes the US Military to “KILL AMERICAN CITIZENS”; such a proposed threat to the lives and freedoms of every American Citizen should have been reviewed by Congress.  That traitorous change to the DOD Directive 5240.01 of 1982 never should have been made; it would affect the “Freedom and Lives” of American Citizens guaranteed by the US Constitution.
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By Capt Joseph R. John.  All Rights Reserved.  The material can only be posted on another Web site or be distributed on the Internet by giving full credit to the author.  It may not be published, broadcast, or rewritten without the permission from the author.

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DoD Directive 5240.01: The Stealth Expansion of Military Intelligence Powers in Life-or-Death Domestic Scenarios

As the U.S. nears a pivotal election, the quiet expansion of DoD Directive 5240.01 may grant military intelligence unprecedented authority to assist law enforcement in life-or-death domestic scenarios

Sayer Ji

Oct 07, 2024



Imagine waking up to discover that the U.S. military has quietly been granted the authority to assist in domestic law enforcement activities—including the use of lethal force against U.S. citizens in certain circumstances. Now consider that this change was enacted just weeks before an election, already surrounded by concerns about unrest, civil liberties, and potential government overreach. This is the reality of DoD Directive 5240.01, reissued on September 27, 2024.

Quick Summary

·     New provisions: The updated directive expands the circumstances under which the DoD can assist law enforcement, including the use of lethal force.

·     Assassination explicitly forbidden: While assassination is banned, the new language allows for lethal actions under "imminent threats."

·     Concerns about civil liberties: The expanded definition of "national security threats" is raising alarms, particularly given DHS’s broader definition of domestic terrorism threats.

·     High-level approval required: Any intelligence-sharing that could lead to lethal force must be approved by the Secretary of Defense, but Component Heads can act immediately for up to 72 hours before obtaining approval.

Introduction

As the U.S. prepares for one of the most controversial and closely watched elections in its history, a concerning update to DoD Directive 5240.01 has quietly been put into effect. Reissued on September 27, 2024, this directive governs the Department of Defense's (DoD) intelligence activities and now includes provisions authorizing lethal force in certain circumstances when assisting civilian law enforcement. While the directive forbids assassination, it opens the door to lethal interventions under "national security" conditions, albeit with stringent restrictions on how such interventions are to be authorized.  

A Quiet Update With Loud Implications

The reissuance of DoD Directive 5240.01 repealed previous versions, including the 1982 DoD 5240.1-R. While the update might seem routine, the changes regarding the use of lethal force in domestic operations are significant.

In the 2016 version, the directive primarily focused on intelligence collection and ensuring civil liberties protections for U.S. persons. It emphasized strict oversight and the need for authorization before collecting U.S. person information.

However, the 2024 version expands the military's role, particularly in assisting civil law enforcement, and authorizes lethal force under specific conditions, raising questions about its use during potential civil unrest surrounding the election.



Read the DoD Directive 5240.01 here.

The Differences Between the 2016 and 2024 Versions

1. Focus of the 2016 Version

The 2016 version of the directive did not mention the use of lethal force. Instead, it focused on:

  • Civil liberties protections: Ensuring strict oversight for operations involving U.S. citizens.
  • Intelligence collection restrictions: Limiting when and how U.S. person's information (USPI) could be collected.
  • Privacy safeguards: Protecting privacy rights and preventing unauthorized data collection.

The 2016 directive centered around intelligence gathering, with no mention of lethal force.

2. New Provisions in the 2024 Version

The 2024 update introduces a dramatic shift, particularly regarding domestic operations. Section 3.3.a.(2)(c) now explicitly permits lethal force in cases of imminent threats or national security emergencies, provided the action complies with legal oversight, specifically DoDD 5210.56, which governs the use of deadly force by DoD personnel.

Key updates include:

  • Use of lethal force: The directive allows military intelligence components to assist law enforcement in operations that involve lethal force.
  • Conditions for force: The directive specifies lethal force can be used under conditions involving imminent threats.
  • Legal oversight: Any use of lethal force must comply with DoDD 5210.56, ensuring proper legal frameworks are followed.

Framing the 2024 Directive as a Restriction, Not an Expansion

Although the directive expands the DoD’s powers, some interpret it as more restrictive than it appears. Section 3.3 places tight limitations on when intelligence-sharing can occur and requires approval from the Secretary of Defense before any action involving lethal force is taken. The requirement for high-level approval may serve as a check on potential misuse of military force.

The 72-Hour Provision: A Time-Sensitive Response Mechanism

Paragraph 3.5 introduces a 72-hour provision, allowing Component Heads to provide immediate intelligence assistance in time-sensitive circumstances without prior approval from the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (USD I&S) or the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF).

Key points:

  1. Immediate action: Component Heads can act in situations where time constraints prevent obtaining prior approval.
  2. Relevance to lethal force: This applies in scenarios where lethal force might be necessary to prevent imminent harm.
  3. 72-hour limit: The authority is valid for up to 72 hours, after which formal approval is required.
  4. Immediate reporting: Component Heads must report their actions to the USD I&S and SECDEF.
  5. Approval required for continuation: Any further assistance must be formally approved beyond the initial 72 hours.

Why Timing Matters: Implications for the 2024 Elections

The timing of this update—just six weeks before the election—raises concerns. With debates surrounding election integrity, civil unrest, and political manipulation, the expanded powers granted by the directive could lead to military intervention in domestic affairs if civil unrest arises.

Adding to the concern is the Department of Homeland Security's recent expansion of what constitutes domestic terrorism. The DHS has flagged individuals questioning COVID-19 origins, vaccine efficacy, or election integrity as potential threats. [Read our previous report on this topic here: The 'Vaccine Hesitant' & 'Conspiracy Theorists' a Domestic Terrorism Threat - New Homeland Security Report Implies]. This raises questions about how the DoD's new authority to use, or assist civil law enforcement to use, lethal force might be applied in future domestic situations.

Civil Liberties Concerns

The expanded role of the military in domestic affairs, as allowed by the updated directive, raises several civil liberties concerns:

  1. Right to protest: There are fears that expanded authority could suppress legitimate protests.
  2. Privacy rights: Increased military involvement in domestic intelligence gathering could infringe on privacy.
  3. Due process: The military's role in law enforcement could bypass standard due process protections.
  4. Freedom of speech: The broad definition of "national security threats" could target individuals for their political beliefs.
  5. Civilian control: The expanded military role could erode civilian oversight of the military.

Constitutional Crossroads: Fundamental Rights at Stake

The recent reissuance of DoD Directive 5240.01 represents a significant legal shift that could potentially compromise core Constitutional protections that we hold dear. This directive opens the door to scenarios that may threaten these freedoms:

  1. Challenging the Posse Comitatus Act: This Act traditionally limits the powers of the federal government in using military personnel for domestic law enforcement. The new DoD directive, by permitting the use of lethal force through military assistance in civilian law enforcement, may push the boundaries of these limitations.
  2. Potential First Amendment ConcernsNatural health advocates and others exercising their First Amendment rights, such as questioning the government's response to COVID-19 or the integrity of elections, have been labeled as potential domestic extremists and/or terrorists by some agencies. This directive could expand those classifications into scenarios involving lethal force interventions, potentially chilling free speech under the guise of national security.
  3. Fourth Amendment Considerations: This directive also allows intelligence sharing between military and law enforcement under emergency conditions, raising questions about the right to privacy and the potential for expanded surveillance.
  4. Due Process Implications (Fifth Amendment): The possibility of military use of lethal force in domestic scenarios introduces concerns about how due process protections might be maintained before potentially life-altering decisions are made.

These Constitutional considerations underscore the far-reaching implications of the directive and highlight the urgent need for public scrutiny and debate.

Conclusion: A Shift Toward Militarization of Domestic Affairs

The 2024 update to DoD Directive 5240.01 represents a significant shift in the military’s role in domestic law enforcement. While proponents argue that high-level approvals add oversight, critics see it as an expansion of military power in domestic affairs.

As the election approaches, maintaining a balance between national security and individual rights becomes ever more crucial. The implications of this directive may reshape the relationship between military power and civilian governance in the U.S. All the more reason why the conspicuous absence of reporting on the subject is further concerning, and why open, public debate on this change of DoD policy should be engaged as soon as possible. We hope this article contributes towards that goal. 

Additional Sources:

  • Department of Defense, "DoD Directive 5240.01: DoD Intelligence Activities," August 27, 2007, amended October 15, 2020.
  • Department of Homeland Security, "National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin," February 7, 2022.