Hailey Johnson
While it is uncommon for military personnel to rob banks, there have been several notable instances of this occurring. In one case, four U.S. Army Rangers from Fort Lewis robbed the Bank of America branch in South Tacoma on August 7, 2006, brandishing weapons and escaping with $54,011. The robbery, executed with military-style precision and planning, led to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators. Another incident involved a U.S. Army veteran, Nicholas Walker, who became a serial bank robber after serving as a medic during the war in Iraq. In only four months, Walker robbed nearly 10 banks, making him one of the most prolific individual bank robbers in Ohio. These cases raise questions about the factors that drive some military personnel to engage in criminal activities despite their training and the potential consequences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | August 7, 2006 |
| Location | Bank of America branch in South Tacoma |
| Participants | Four U.S. Army Rangers from Fort Lewis |
| Participants' Names | Alex M. Blum, Chad W. Palmer, Luke Elliott Sommer, Scott A. Byrne, Richard Allen Olinger, Tigra Robertson, Nathan Dunmall |
| Weapons Used | AK-47 assault rifles, handguns, grenades |
| Money Stolen | $54,011 |
| Getaway Vehicle | Silver 2001 four-door Audi A4 |
| Outcome | All participants were charged, pleaded guilty, and were sent to federal prison |
| Additional Information | Two Canadian citizens were also charged in connection with the crime |
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What You'll Learn
US Army Rangers robbing banks
On August 7, 2006, four US Army Rangers from Fort Lewis robbed the Bank of America branch in South Tacoma, Washington. The robbery, executed with military precision, took place in just two minutes and 21 seconds. The four men, brandishing weapons, escaped with $54,011 in cash. An alert bystander witnessed the men exit an automobile wearing balaclavas and carrying handguns and assault rifles. They then returned three minutes later with duffel bags, jumped back into the vehicle, and sped away.
The bystander believed it to be a bank heist and copied down the license plate, which was traced back to a silver 2001 four-door Audi A4, registered to 19-year-old Alex M. Blum and his father in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Blum was a Private First Class (E-3) assigned to Company C, Second Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Lewis. The following morning, FBI agents found the getaway car in a fenced parking lot at the Ranger compound and impounded it as evidence.
Further investigation led to the arrest and conviction of five soldiers and two Canadian citizens involved in the crime. They were all sent to federal prison. The soldiers involved were identified as Blum, Private First Class Chad W. Palmer, Specialist Fourth Class Luke Elliott Sommer, Corporal Richard Allen Olinger, and Specialist Fourth Class Scott A. Byrne.
Sommer, the mastermind of the robbery, was sentenced to 24 years in prison for conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery, armed bank robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of an unregistered destructive device. In 2022, Sommer's sentence was reduced to 31 years due to his young age at the time of the crime and apparent rehabilitation in prison.
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Planning a robbery with military precision
Planning a robbery is no easy task, and executing it with military precision requires extensive preparation, coordination, and a keen understanding of the target's vulnerabilities. Here is a step-by-step guide to planning a robbery with military precision:
Step 1: Intelligence Gathering and Reconnaissance:
- Begin by selecting a target that is vulnerable and offers a high potential payoff. In the case of a bank robbery, gather information about the bank's layout, security measures, staff routines, and the location of vaults and safes.
- Conduct extensive reconnaissance over several months. Use surveillance equipment, observe patterns, and identify entry and exit points, as well as potential obstacles and escape routes.
Step 2: Team Selection and Training:
- Choose team members carefully, ensuring they have the necessary skills and expertise. Look for individuals with military or law enforcement backgrounds who can handle weapons, maintain discipline, and make quick decisions under pressure.
- Train the team rigorously in weapons handling, close-quarters combat, and tactical movement. Ensure they are physically and mentally prepared for the demands of the operation.
Step 3: Equipment and Logistics:
- Procure the necessary equipment, including weapons, body armour, communication devices, and tools for forced entry or safecracking. Ensure the equipment is well-maintained and suitable for the task.
- Establish a secure base of operations away from the target location. Prepare vehicles for a swift escape, including getaway cars and, if necessary, helicopters or boats.
Step 4: Planning and Rehearsal:
- Develop a detailed plan of action, including timing, roles, and responsibilities. Create contingency plans for potential obstacles or deviations from the primary plan.
- Rehearse the operation repeatedly until it becomes second nature. Conduct tabletop exercises and, if possible, practical simulations to identify weaknesses and refine the plan.
Step 5: Execution:
- On the day of the robbery, maintain strict discipline and adhere to the plan. Utilize hand signals or code words for communication during the operation.
- Move swiftly and decisively, exploiting any element of surprise. Maintain constant awareness of your surroundings and be prepared to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
- Once the objective is achieved, execute your escape plan promptly and efficiently, using pre-planned routes to reach your secure locations.
It is important to note that robbery is a serious criminal offence, and executing it with military precision does not guarantee success or immunity from legal consequences. The above guidelines are presented for informational purposes only and do not encourage or endorse criminal activity.
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Getting caught and the consequences
The consequences for the South Tacoma bank robbery were significant. Five soldiers and two Canadian citizens were charged and eventually pleaded guilty, resulting in federal prison sentences. The leader of the gang, Luke Elliott Sommer, received a 24-year prison sentence and an additional 5 years of supervised release for various charges, including conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery and possession of an unregistered destructive device. Sommer's accomplices, including Alex Blum, Chad Palmer, and Scott Byrne, also faced legal consequences, including prison time and damage to their military careers.
In another instance, Nicholas Walker, a US Army veteran with an exemplary record of service in Iraq, became a serial bank robber after returning from the war. He robbed nearly 10 banks in a short span of time and was caught due to surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts. Walker faced legal consequences for his crimes and was arrested, charged, and most likely sentenced, although the specifics of his sentence are not mentioned.
The consequences of getting caught extend beyond legal punishment. Those who are caught and convicted of bank robbery, especially those in the military or with a notable reputation, may experience public scrutiny, shame, and a tarnished reputation. Their actions can also have a detrimental effect on their careers, as they break the trust and honor associated with military service. The consequences serve as a deterrent to others and reinforce the severity of the crime.
While the details of each case may vary, getting caught robbing a bank while in the military will invariably lead to severe repercussions. These can include prison sentences, fines, dishonorable discharge from the military, and a permanent criminal record. The consequences are designed to deter individuals from engaging in such criminal activities and to uphold the law and the integrity of the military.
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Reasons why military personnel rob banks
On August 7, 2006, four U.S. Army Rangers from Fort Lewis robbed the Bank of America branch in South Tacoma, taking \$54,011 in cash. The robbery was executed with "military-style precision and planning" in just two minutes and 21 seconds. The perpetrators were quickly identified and arrested, and all pleaded guilty, receiving federal prison sentences. This incident highlights a rare but intriguing phenomenon of military personnel engaging in bank robberies. While the above incident involved active-duty soldiers, there are also cases of veterans turning to crime after returning from combat.
Financial Gain
The primary motivation for military personnel to rob banks is financial gain. Soldiers, especially those with families to support, may face financial difficulties due to low pay or unexpected expenses. In the case of the Tacoma bank robbery, the soldiers involved may have been enticed by the prospect of a substantial payday. Similarly, veterans returning from combat may struggle to find stable employment or cope with medical expenses, driving them to criminal activities as a means of income.
Adrenaline Rush
Some soldiers, accustomed to the high-stress and dangerous nature of military operations, may seek similar thrills in civilian life. Robbing a bank can provide an adrenaline rush for individuals who crave excitement and find civilian life monotonous or unfulfilling.
Desensitization to Violence
Military training and exposure to combat can desensitize individuals to violence and reduce their inhibitions about using force. This desensitization can lead to a distorted perception of the severity of criminal acts, making them more likely to consider and engage in violent crimes such as bank robberies.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Many veterans returning from combat experience PTSD, which can manifest as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and impulsive behavior. PTSD can impair judgment and impulse control, making individuals more susceptible to engaging in risky and illegal activities, including bank robberies.
Sense of Entitlement
Some military personnel may develop a sense of entitlement due to their service and feel that they deserve more than what society provides. This sense of entitlement can lead to a disregard for laws and an increased willingness to engage in criminal activities as a means of obtaining what they believe they are owed.
While military personnel are highly trained and disciplined, the pressures and experiences of military life can, in some cases, contribute to their involvement in criminal activities such as bank robberies. These individuals may possess unique skills that can make their crimes more sophisticated and challenging to apprehend.
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The weapons used in bank robberies
Firearms are the most commonly used weapons in bank robberies. According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, firearms were used in 40.6% of robberies in 2017, while strong-arm tactics were used in 41.5% and knives or cutting instruments in 8.1%.
The type of firearm used in bank robberies varies, but often includes handguns, assault rifles, and machine guns. In the 2006 robbery of a Bank of America branch in South Tacoma by four U.S. Army Rangers, two of the robbers were armed with AK-47 assault rifles, while another put a gun to a teller's head. In another incident, the robbers were armed with a Beretta 92FS pistol, a Heckler & Koch HK91 rifle, and a Bushmaster XM-15 Dissipator.
In addition to firearms, other weapons used in bank robberies can include body armor, grenades, and explosive devices. In the case of the South Tacoma bank robbery, the perpetrators were also found to be in possession of military-issue body armor, handguns, grenades, and ammunition.
The choice of weapon used in a bank robbery can depend on various factors, such as the level of force or intimidation required, the expected resistance from law enforcement, and the distance from which the robbery will be carried out. For example, rifles are typically used by the military due to their longer range and power compared to submachine guns.
Overall, the weapons used in bank robberies can vary widely, but often include a combination of firearms, body armor, and explosive devices, with the specific choice of weapons depending on the circumstances and objectives of the robbery.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there have been several instances of military personnel robbing banks, with some cases involving multiple accomplices.
There could be various reasons, including financial gain, funding criminal activities, or the thrill and adrenaline rush of committing a crime.
The consequences can be severe and include criminal charges, dishonourable discharge from the military, and imprisonment.
While their military training and access to weapons may provide an advantage, it does not guarantee success. Most bank robbery attempts by military personnel in the cited sources were foiled due to mistakes or witness interventions.
One well-known case involves Luke Elliott Sommer, a former US Army Ranger, who robbed a Bank of America branch in South Tacoma on August 7, 2006, along with several accomplices. Sommer received significant media attention and was sentenced to a lengthy prison term for his crimes.
