Russian troops are on American soil to train with FEMA. Rumors about foreign soldiers being spotted on United States military bases began circulating online earlier this week, the claims quickly went viral. A Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defense release stated the troops are here as part of an exchange of experts project.

The number of Russian troops in America is unknown, but an unnamed source allegedly from the Department of Defense (DOD) maintains 50,000 soldiers from the former Cold War foe have arrived. The same source also claimed that a total of 100,000 foreign troops are currently training in the United States. The exchange of experts is reportedly being done in conjunction with FEMA emergency and disaster preparedness training.

US Defense Department Press Officer Wendy L. Snyder stated the Russian military members are participating in joint anti-terrorism drills. Snyder also said, “This is part of a formal bilateral exchange program between the US and Russia that seeks to develop transparency and promote defense reform.”

The Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defense release stated that FEMA and the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry will be conducting joint rescue operations for major disasters. Representatives from both nations met in Washington, D.C. last week to finalize the logistics of the endeavor.

The presence of foreign soldiers in the United States has some very concerned that the troops could be deployed to police the streets or offer instructions to American citizens during an emergency scenario or terrorism attack. The possibility that Russian troops could be deployed as a part of a security force at events deemed “National Special Security Events” by the Department of Homeland Security are often noted among the fears voiced by opponents of foreign soldier training in America.

In 2012 about 20 Russian airborne troops arrived in Colorado at Fort Carson. The influx of foreign soldiers represented the first time armed forces members from another country trained on American soil. US Army Reserve Captain William Geddes has deemed the influx of Russian troops a clear violation of the intent of the Posse Comitatus Act. The federal statute makes it illegal to employ any members of the United States Army for the purpose of executing laws, unless such a use of force was authorized expressly by either Congress or the Constitution.

How do you feel about Russian troops on American soil?