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Militia Threats Compound Staffing Crisis at National Weather Service
A dangerous conspiracy theory is now threatening the safety of federal employees. The National Weather Service (NWS) has activated emergency security protocols after members of a fringe militia began targeting critical radar infrastructure, falsely claiming the technology is a “weather weapon.” With already strained resources, the NWS now faces the added burden of protecting its workforce against anti-government extremists while continuing to deliver life-saving weather data.
“Weather Weapons” Conspiracy Sparks Threats
A group identified as Veterans on Patrol, which the Southern Poverty Law Center classifies as an anti-government militia, is encouraging followers to conduct so-called “penetration drills” on NEXRAD radar towers. These federally operated installations are vital for monitoring severe storms, tornadoes, and other natural hazards.
In an internal NOAA communication, officials reported the militia is spreading dangerous misinformation. “This group is advocating for anyone and everyone to join them in conducting penetration drills on NEXRAD sites to identify weaknesses which can be used to ultimately destroy the sites,” one alert stated. Members of the group have falsely declared that no laws prohibit citizens from destroying the radar towers, calling them “weather weapons.”
A militia-style group called Veterans on Patrol is threatening to destroy Doppler weather radars, which they falsely believe are “weather weapons,” according to NOAA emails.
The NEXRAD radar network, vital for storm detection, is now under increased security as the FBI and… pic.twitter.com/pFmdsmQlWR
— Volcaholic (@volcaholic1) May 6, 2025
Federal Agencies Respond With Caution
To counter the threat, NOAA has instructed weather service employees to adopt a “buddy system” when visiting isolated radar sites. Workers are being told to avoid confrontations, remain alert, and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement. This precaution is meant to prevent solo employees from being confronted by armed or aggressive individuals at remote federal installations.
NOAA is warning of a group that views Doppler radars as "weather weapons" and poses a potential threat to US weather infrastructure & personnel. https://t.co/JD1NuaTUeK
— Andrew Freedman (@afreedma) May 5, 2025
The enhanced security protocols follow multiple encounters between field workers and suspected militia members, putting employee safety squarely in the national spotlight. NOAA has also coordinated with law enforcement agencies to safeguard radar infrastructure, though these efforts come at a time of significant staffing and budget pressures.
National Weather Service Struggles with Morale and Manpower
The threats from militia groups arrive amid ongoing staffing shortages at the National Weather Service, reportedly tied to cost-cutting initiatives by the Department of Government Efficiency under President Trump and Secretary Elon Musk. Employee morale has plummeted, as fears of physical harm are now layered atop growing workloads and reduced personnel.
The NEXRAD radar system, which has operated since the 1990s in collaboration with the FAA and U.S. Air Force, is essential for early detection of severe weather. False claims about its use as a “weapon” only serve to endanger lives by potentially disrupting critical forecasting operations.
Despite the fringe group’s claims, NEXRAD radars do not emit harmful signals or manipulate weather—they track precipitation and wind to protect Americans from natural disasters. As the federal government balances employee protection with uninterrupted service, these threats may expose just how vulnerable key infrastructure is amid political misinformation and staff shortfalls.
Sources:
Weather Service staff urged not to visit sites alone after threats from militia group that believes radars are ‘weather weapons’ | The Independent
A militarized conspiracy theorist group believes radars are ‘weather weapons’ and is trying to destroy them | CNN