This has been a year like many have never seen and the likes of one we hope to never see again. Itâll be remembered as the year COVID-19, face coverings, social distancing, videoconferencing and teleworking became the norm while frequent traveling and in-person events seemed a thing of the past.
As the Aviation and Missile Command readies for 2021, it looks back on a small fraction of the milestones and accomplishments achieved in 2020.
The Aviation and Missile Command bid farewell to one deputy commander and welcomed another when Don Nitti assumed the role in March after Bill Marriottâs retirement in January after 44 years of federal service. Nitti was formerly the executive director of AMCOM Logistics Center.
Most Americans are probably unaware that police departments across the country have access to grenade launchers, drones, armored vehicles, and other military-grade equipment. But they do, thanks to an obscure federal policy allowing the military to transfer surplus equipment to law enforcement.
New research casts doubt on the principal justification for this program: police safety and crime reduction. Meanwhile, critics say it makes police abuse more likely.
The policy itself is known as the “1033 Program.” First created by Congress more than 30 years ago, it allowed for the transfer of military equipment to the police for use in the War on Drugs. Eventually, lawmakers expanded the policy to encompass essentially all law enforcement purposes.