Soldiers in missing equipment lockdown ‘held like criminals,’ group says

A group of volunteers upset about a lockdown of Army soldiers on Joint Base Lewis-McChord said the soldiers are being held like criminals.

About 100 soldiers from the 4th Stryker Brigade are on lockdown while military investigators search for hundreds of "sensitive" items.

A volunteer group is spreading the word about the lockdown and posting flyers on and off the base.

               Iraq war veteran Jorge Gonzales said he supports the movement to lift a lockdown.

The effort, by a group called March Forward, has picked up steam online.

               They've started a petition, and among those who have signed are members of the Stryker Company and their spouses.

"On base, off base, it doesn't matter.  They're not allowed to go home, see their families or take care of their personal lives. They’ve been locked down because of other people’s mismanagement of equipment,” said Gonzales.

               The lockdown started last Wednesday when the equipment disappeared.

               The Army won't say much about the investigation, but said no weapons were stolen and most of the missing equipment is attachments for weapons such as rifle scopes, night vision goggles and laser attachments.

               According to March Forward, the value of the missing gear is more than $630,000.

"I don't understand $600,000 worth of laser and scopes.  That obviously must be a big truckload,” said Gonzales.

               The Army is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of the equipment.

               March Forward also complains the soldiers are being held "against their will" and are being "denied" the chance to be with their loved ones.

               They are confined to a single building, while the Army's Criminal Investigative Division does its job.

               An Army spokesman said the soldiers aren't being treated like prisoners. They're able to use the mess hall and can have visits from loved ones.

"We understand the lockdown is a bit of an inconvenience for these soldiers and their families.  But a criminal investigation has to be completed," said Lt. Colonel Gary Dangerfield.

Another concern for the group March Forward is that soldiers in the company, who have served their time and are getting ready to leave the Army, are missing important seminars and workshops that help them transition to civilian life.

               There is no indication from the Army as to when the lockout might be lifted.