Badges? We don't need no stinking Badges.

[HereSince1628]

7. It's possible it's fear it's also possible it's both disinhibiting and enabling

Obviously there is some fear of retaliation by the population they are preparing to suppress.

In an internet age where facial recognition is available; I'm not sure removal of a badge or name tag provides as much anonymity as it once might have.

But there is also the possibility of the psychology of liberating power of perceiving oneself anonymous. It's pretty well known people feel freer to act out when they can't be held accountable.

And there is also the moral building psychological component of taking steps considered to be preparation for battle that contributes to the acquisition of a conflict ready mindset.