Repost: Marines Train in Preparation For Workers' Potential Y2K Anger

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MARINES TRAIN IN PREPARATION FOR WORKERS' POTENTIAL Y2K ANGER

STEVE VOGEL, WASHINGTON POST STAFF WRITER Column: MILITARY MATTERS, Thursday, March 18, 1999 ; Page J06

Worried about government workers becoming unruly if they're not paid because of Y2K computer problems?

The Marines have thought about this and will be ready if mobs of office workers armed with staplers and briefcases storm the Treasury.

A contingent from the Marine Corps Barracks at Eighth and I streets in Southeast Washington traveled to Quantico Marine Corps Base in Virginia recently to train for handling civil unrest. The scenario, played out at a mock training city at Quantico, involved government workers who are miffed that computer problems associated with the year 2000 computer problem prevent paychecks from being issued.

The Marines, equipped with riot shields and concertina wire, were able to save the republic from the marauding workers--at least in this practice run.

-- mabel (mabel_louise@yahoo.com), August 11, 1999

Answers

speaking as a former member of the mob, you ain't seen nothin' until you've seen a government employee whose paycheck isn't in his/her hand at the expected time. All of it.

It's really a riot. Literally and figuratively. Take a lifeform whose top speed is 'slow' any other time, and flip them into an energized frenzy. It's quite a sight.

Maybe the marines won during the exercise, but if it had been REAL .... well, when it's the real thing, my money's on the 'civil' servants.

Talk about Jekyl and Hyde syndrome....

-- Arewyn (isitthatlate@lready.com), August 12, 1999.


When I read this thread, I thought a connection would be made to the 900 employees at the World Bank who have not been paid in 9(?) or so weeks. The "oversight" is attributed to the installation of a new computer system. I understand that for many in dire straights, personal loans have been made by compassionate fellow employees. It may not be just the gubmint employees that are not paid.

-- marsh (armstrng@sisqtel.net), August 12, 1999.

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