The Improbable Push to Storm Area 51
Discussions about storming military bases in the United States, particularly Area 51, often spark heated debates and speculations. But what would happen if a million people were to actually attempt such an audacious move? This article delves into the realities and challenges that such a scenario would present, providing a detailed analysis based on current geopolitical and military understandings.
Government Response to a Large Convergence
If such a large number of people were to converge on Area 51 simultaneously, the government would face a far more significant crisis than just protecting the installation. The situation would depend heavily on the nature and scale of the convergence:
Mass Protest: If it were a large but non-violent protest, law enforcement would likely handle the situation with non-lethal measures like tear gas and rubber bullets. Invasive Army: If a more aggressive force were attempting to occupy or control the area, the response would be more severe, potentially involving the military and even the use of lethal force. Civil War Scenario: In the case of an all-out civil conflict, the response would be one of war, with military and defense forces likely being deployed in large numbers.Practical Challenges of Large-Scale Military Operations
Even if a million individuals were to converge on the area with the intent to storm it, several practical challenges would make such an endeavor nearly impossible:
Lack of Equipment and Resources
Weapons and Vehicles: To outfit a million individuals with weapons and vehicles would be a logistical nightmare. There are far fewer than 10 million tanks, Humvees, or other armored vehicles available currently. Supply Lines: Supplying a million people with food, water, ammunition, and medical support over a 127-mile desert stretch would be a logistical impossibility.Military and Defense Forces
Current military and defense forces are prepared to handle threats; they are not vulnerable to mass unorganized attempts to storm their installations. Land, air, and naval assets are all at the ready to repel any external or internal threats. The warning signs and signs at Area 51 clearly indicate the willingness to use deadly force in self-defense:
Warning: The use of deadly force is authorized.
This candid statement is a reflection of the established national security posture. National security personnel consider adversaries, even those attempting to storm secure areas, as potential domestic enemies. When faced with non-compliance from individuals, law enforcement and security personnel have the right to use lethal force if necessary, much like a police officer may use force to subdue a violator of the law.
Defense Mechanisms in Place
The defense mechanisms in place around Area 51, and other classified facilities, are not merely rhetorical statements. The military and defense systems are sophisticated, comprehensive, and capable of rapid response. For instance, 10 gunships could annihilate a group of 10,000 people in minutes. Air support, aerial surveillance, and rapid deployment of ground troops would all be part of the response:
Airborne Assets: Air support can swiftly identify and target hostile forces, reducing their effectiveness and neutralizing threats. Ground Troops: Special forces and combat units would be deployed to secure the area and protect military installations. Artillery and Munitions: Large-scale artillery barrages and guided munitions would be used to neutralize any hoard of individuals attempting to breach the perimeter.Conclusion
In conclusion, while the idea of storming Area 51 with a million people is intriguing and captivating, it is fundamentally impractical and highly unrealistic. The logistical, resource, and defense challenges involved make such an attempt nearly impossible. Furthermore, the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the use of force, particularly deadly force, ensure that any attempt to storm the base would face severe and swift opposition from the current military and defense apparatus.