On the other hand, much of the weaponry produced for military use isn't being utilized on the battlefield. Robots, M-16 assault rifles, helicopters, armored vehicles, and grenade launchers start to pile up after a while.
There's a thing called the "1033 program," and in 2011 alone, it diverted half a billion dollars in equipment to U.S. police forces. The program is controversial, because many citizens feel that it's unnecessary for regular police forces to have military weapons at their disposal to use against regular civilians.
"1033" was passed in 1997. Its supporters point out that it's in place to assist the police in stopping drug use and terrorism. Although violent crime has decreased recently, police forces are obtaining military equipment like never before. The trend has become especially alarming to people who have warned that the U.S. is becoming too militarized, particularly since 9/11.
