Topic: Urban Training

San Antonio Police Chief Al Philippus confirms that Delta Force approached city officials in February to conduct elite military training using live fire blanks within the city. Philippus expresses major reservations regarding the lack of a coordinated approach, noting that the military unit bypassed central leadership to contact various departments and private business owners individually. The police department discovered that 12 separate training locations had been negotiated with private landlords without any prior communication or coordination with local law enforcement.

Heather Fazio of Texans for Accountable Government questions the participation of local agencies in Urban Shield, a full-scale exercise she characterizes as military in nature. Chief Acevedo disputes the "militarization" label, stating the exercise involves EMS and fire departments and that he has never seen foreign military training with his officers. He mentions a partnership with the 3rd Cavalry at Fort Hood where police actually trained soldiers on investigative techniques.

Chief Philippus expresses concern that military exercises were being planned in predominantly minority neighborhoods and vacant warehouse districts without local oversight. He references negative experiences in other major cities, such as Miami, where training exercises went awry. The Chief asserts that his primary duty is the safety of San Antonio citizens, leading to his firm rejection of the federal training request.

The cancellation of Delta Force training exercises in Central Texas is attributed to local resistance and leadership from figures like San Antonio Police Chief Phillipus. Allegations surfaced that military representatives attempted to bribe local officials with $10,000 charitable donations to permit urban warfare drills involving live fire and building demolitions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of local law enforcement maintaining their specific mission purview against federal military encroachment.

Audio recordings from the Austin Police Department's Public Information Office confirm that Delta Force will not be conducting training in the city. Despite these official statements, the speakers remain suspicious of potential "facades," suggesting the military might send Marines instead or conduct exercises on private property. The segment references Chief Phillipus's earlier claims of attempted bribery by military units in San Antonio.

San Antonio Police Chief Al Philippus expresses public safety concerns regarding Delta Force urban warfare exercises conducted in residential neighborhoods. Former Delta Force Commander Stephen Berry alleges these drills are practice for rounding up American citizens. Reports indicate the military attempted to bribe local officials with $10,000 in cash to secure support for the training after the police chief refused to cooperate due to safety risks.

Reports indicate that Delta Force plans to move its training exercises to Austin, Texas, after June 1998. The hosts criticize Austin Mayor Kirk Watson for potentially accepting the training despite a history of property damage and injuries in other cities. A specific incident in Miami is cited where a "ceramic bullet" allegedly went through a window near a crowded restaurant during a similar military exercise.

Lieutenant Sid Hale of the LA Sheriff's Department admits to joint training exercises with Marines and Navy SEALs for urban movement and hostage rescue. Alex Jones expresses alarm over the "top secret" nature of these local police interactions with federal special operations units.

Steve Lane urged the Commissioner's Court to contact San Antonio officials regarding their negative experiences with Delta Force. He cited allegations from Police Chief Ali Philippus that the military unit engaged in bribery and caused significant property damage during live-fire exercises in civilian neighborhoods. Lane argued that such training should be confined to closed military bases rather than populated urban areas.