WATERTOWN, New York (PNN) - August 11, 2010 - Fort Drum is going to start sending out two person "courtesy patrols" to local bars and restaurants several nights a week. The patrols will target fights, drinking and driving and other misbehavior.

The federal Posse Comitatus Act prohibits military personnel from participating in official activities on civilian property. Nevertheless, Fort Drum is allowing its military personnel to break the law and is therefore guilty of the same violations.

Each “courtesy patrol” will consist of an officer and a senior non-commissioned officer. Several patrols will operate each Thursday through Sunday from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m., effective immediately.

The patrols will be on the lookout for "things that don't emulate Army values," said Julie Cupernall, Fort Drum spokeswoman.

That includes fighting and "reminding soldiers that there are many, many alternatives to drinking and driving," Cupernall said.

The patrols will stop soldiers from getting behind the wheel if they have had too much to drink, Cupernall said. "They will not allow that situation to occur."

However, if local police are involved the patrols "will not interfere but will offer assistance."

Fort Drum already does things like pay the taxi fare for soldiers who have had too much to drink and need to get back to their post.

"Essentially," according to a statement from Drum, "the patrol’s aim is to be a constant reminder to soldiers about their responsibility to live their lives to a high standard of discipline and conduct while out in the community."

Courtesy patrol soldiers will be easily recognizable. The soldiers will be in their dress uniforms and will have identifiable arm badges.

Ed. Note: This is how a military dictatorship is ushered into our everyday lives.