Stars and Stripes reports that “the Defense Department is pushing back against criticism that it’s helping militarize local police forces by supplying them with surplus gear.”  

“’We don’t push equipment on anybody … It is made available to law enforcement agencies if they want it and if they qualify for it,’ Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby said Tuesday. ‘There’s a lot of due diligence here. This isn’t some program run amok.’”  

The DOD’s 1033 Program is a congressionally mandated initiative that enables law enforcement agencies to obtain equipment and weapons that the military no longer needs. State and local authorities have to apply for the items and explain to the Defense Logistics Agency whey they need them.”