Baghdad or Albany? Photo: Chris Hondros/Getty Images

Now that the U.S. is basically all warred-out, local police are reaping the benefits. A handful of police departments in New York, including Albany, Jefferson, and Nassau counties, are among those who have taken in eighteen-ton armored trucks, complete with machine-gun turrets and bulletproof glass, valued at $500,000 each. You know, just to serve warrants and stuff.

“It’s armored. It’s heavy. It’s intimidating. And it’s free,” said Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple. Responding to complaints about the militarization of the police force, Apple said, “Nothing could be further from the truth,” despite the fact that it’s literally what’s happening here.

The vehicles also get about five miles to the gallon in gas, so they’re super practical.