every american concern demand answer washington need militarize federal government agencies u.s. engage national debate militarization police federal data show government agencies charge largely administrative roles spend tens millions taxpayer dollars purchase swat military-style equipment.since fy 2006 44 traditionally administrative agencies spend 71 million items like body armor riot helmets shield cannon launchers police firearms ammunition accord federal spend data watchdog group openthebooks.comthis come addition 330 million spend equipment period traditional law enforcement agencies like fbi secret service drug enforcement administration.some examples purchase include nearly million spend department veterans affairs riot helmets defender shield body armor milo return fire cannon system armor mobile shield kevlar blanket tactical gear equipment crowd control 300,000 spend food drug administration ballistic vest carriers fiscal 2014. via washington time obama ramp militarization epa fda va obsess take gun citizens