Do you think the time is coming when all military members will carry a weapon to and from work?

MAJ David Vermillion — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 18:28:09 -0500

Commanders

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2016 6:42 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 18:42:59 -0500

I certainly hope so!

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Nov 18 at 2016 6:50 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 18:50:15 -0500

Only with permission from the CSM, and personally most CSM down range got bent out of shape because of my mustache.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Nov 18 at 2016 6:53 PM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 18:53:17 -0500

One can hope.

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made Nov 18 at 2016 6:54 PM

SPC Kevin Ford — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 18:54:05 -0500

I don't know if anything changed from when I was in but the idea of the soldiers having unrestricted access to weapons and ammunition when not in a combat situation was considered to be not such a good idea.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 18 at 2016 6:54 PM

SFC George Smith — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 18:54:31 -0500

we used to but William Jefferson Clinton shut that down... We were stopped from Carrying our POW on Post ...even those of US with State and federal Concealed Carry permits...
The Post MP's and CID used to come down with Sniffer-dogs and warrants to go thru vehicles starting the day after the bastard signed the Executive Order... and repeated it at 2/75th and 1st Group on an unannounced basis at least 1 every month or so... and the 3ACR till they moved to Fort Polk...

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 18 at 2016 7:11 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 19:11:31 -0500

Given the sheer amount of issues we have with binge drinking, alcohol abuse, sexual harassment, sexual assault, PTSD, spousal abuse, suicide etc.... I certainly hope not...

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Nov 18 at 2016 8:35 PM

CW4 Guy Butler — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 20:35:23 -0500

Meh. If I need to do that again, I'm hoping it's a beach with actual water nearby this time.

I'm sure Tahiti could do something to piss us off. Or maybe New Zealand - beach and mountain resort in one package.

Response by SGT Julia Smyser made Nov 18 at 2016 9:09 PM

SGT Julia Smyser — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 21:09:07 -0500

Yes

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Nov 19 at 2016 6:43 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 06:43:10 -0500

I hope it never gets that bad as it would open a new and even bigger can of worms at every level.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Nov 19 at 2016 8:52 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 08:52:41 -0500

If they are qualified with the weapon and their are no identified behavioral issues I don't see why not. We could start with Officers and SNCO's then go into the NCO ranks. These are people we should be able to trust. The general population carries weapons (concealed and open carry) why shouldn't the armed forces.

We have had very weak leadership and an anti gun administration. Even in the face of attacks on US Military installations the leadership has done nothing to make them harder targets. Time to do something different. We will at least have a real chance come January 21 to get smarter people with less ideological issues with guns in the white house.

Response by COL Sam Russell made Nov 19 at 2016 9:54 AM

COL Sam Russell — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 09:54:29 -0500

Recently submitted an exception to regulation to be able to carry my POW to and from post and keep it secured in my truck safe while on post. Still waiting on a response from the two star SMC. We'll see...

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2016 11:08 AM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 11:08:22 -0500

It's a cool thought. But it's also a post commander's nightmare. If proficiency with issued pistols is any indicator, many service-members are quite bad with them, even dangerous in my experience. If you suck with the issued M9, admittedly a pistol I hate, you're probably going to suck with your POW. This isn't necessarily the soldier's fault. The Army's just generally poor at pistol training. So I'm unsure if some COL or GEN really wants to assume the risk of a post full folks carrying POWs who're under-trained on even an assigned weapon, accuracy being integral to safety. It begs some questions: would there be some validation, how would we do it? That said, you'd be surprised by the number of guardsmen who do carry in uniform.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Nov 19 at 2016 3:56 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 15:56:41 -0500

I certainly hope the option is made available. I don't think we should discount the value of the most trained of our citizens being able to defend themselves and those around them if the need arises.

Response by GySgt David Weihausen made Nov 19 at 2016 5:34 PM

GySgt David Weihausen — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 17:34:07 -0500

With today's liturgical society, I'm sure they will not allowed government issued weapons to be carried on and off bases as it would create a liability nightmare. That being said, there should be no reason to prohibit the carry of POW weapons, IMHO.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2016 10:01 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 22:01:26 -0500

it's already happened in California full-time soldiers AGR active Guard Reserve are armed at their workplace. so any active shooter is going to find out someone's going to shoot back.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2016 10:10 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 22:10:35 -0500

California the pot capital of the world bands concealed carry except for congressman and police officers. it's very political so political that just because of the shooting that happened were Muslim terrorist Massacre in San Bernardino California, resulted in the liberal stupid government of California passing a law Banning high-capacity magazines so anyone having a magazine in good standing will be convicted of a felony soldiers veterans civilians Everybody. this is so unfair by dumb Democrats to pass this law it is only going to make the criminals have high capacity magazines. I don't know why it's so stupid the other states of the United States and Illinois has the strictest gun laws yet they have the highest crime highest murder rates that's because the criminals don't care and the Democrats or conservative who vote in those laws have their head stuck in their fifth point of contact. you don't find this problem in other states that have concealed carry laws like Utah Texas Idaho where criminals know if they break into a house they may get killed if they rob a bank so I may shoot them some states now have laws for students can carry weapons to school and so can teachers to protect against Virginia Tech massacre's. I wonder if active Guard Reserve will be allowed to take their weapons home. civil Libertarians will say that have any soldiers take their weapons home office will be leaving the slippery slope to a police state. Mark my words.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2016 5:52 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 05:52:20 -0500

The time is already here. Our liberal "leaders" just refuse to accept reality.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Nov 20 at 2016 7:52 AM

Maj Marty Hogan — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 07:52:26 -0500

I don't see this happening with the active shooter incidents and mental health issues today. We have an armed security police presence on each base as well as barricades and security points at entry gates to the base. From the records I review on a daily basis, I am shocked we arm some of these people during conflict. Good question MAJ David Vermillion

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2016 10:35 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 10:35:18 -0500

All members will carry....no

All members will be able to carry....I hope so

Response by SPC Carlos R. made Nov 20 at 2016 11:30 AM

SPC Carlos R. — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 11:30:41 -0500

I hope so. Can't imagine not having my glock with me at all times.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Nov 21 at 2016 7:31 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 07:31:28 -0500

Yes and No. I love the idea. It's all I've ever wanted as a Marine. I think it's freaking stupid that our lockdown drills involve "shelter in place". I'm sorry, but Marines shouldn't be afraid on a Marine base. Active shooters should be afraid to step foot on a Marine base.

But then on the flip side, I've also seen how extremely childish some service members can be. The amount of passive aggressive crap I'm seeing in the newer generations is ridiculous. Personally, I'm not sure if I would trust some of these new bloods with a firearm without supervision.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2016 8:03 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 08:03:12 -0500

I don't know about all military members but as a person, maybe because of the way things have turned out. Someone got robbed in my atrium of my apt. building at gun point. I think that I would just need to carry a weapon for personal safety, in or out of uniform.

Response by LTC Thomas Tennant made Nov 21 at 2016 10:43 AM

LTC Thomas Tennant — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 10:43:45 -0500

I say do not limit to the military! Some of us are DA/DOD civilians with military backgrounds and long term CCDW/CCW permit holders. By removing the military bases from the "gun free" list we are one stepper closer to enhancing our personal security.

Response by SGT David T. made Nov 21 at 2016 12:19 PM

SGT David T. — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 12:19:05 -0500

I hope so and I hope they add in civilian employees too (a little bit of self serving interest).

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2016 12:40 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 12:40:53 -0500

I wouldn't say everyone, as a former Drill SGT I have met a lot of NCO's that didn't really know how to handle a weapon, now I'm not saying they can't be taught how, but in order for that to happen there will need to be a lot of money and time spent ensuring that service members know how to handle, when to use, also classes on ROE and EOF policies for garrison that's just for starters and even then I would only recommend senior enlisted, O-3's and higher to be able to carry for a certain period of time as a "trial run", then after seeing what it cost just for certifying that group of service members and how much it actually makes a difference in security and safety, re-assess and refine for better results. On another note I do strongly believe we need more security on post as well as in schools, but it will need to be cautiously implemented rather than simply passing a law to allow everyone to carry, I support the 2nd Amendment however I support knowing how to operate a weapon more so. AND KNOWING IS HALF THE BATTLE!! haha and Yes I just G.I. Joe'd ya'll

Response by MGySgt James Forward made Nov 21 at 2016 12:45 PM

MGySgt James Forward — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 12:45:56 -0500

Why does this question keep coming up? Absolutely not. I can only imagine the security issues/accidents and monumental amount of investigations and paperwork that would be required. Not going to happen any time soon, unless we turn into a communist country. Semper Fi.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2016 5:11 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 17:11:26 -0500

http://www.militarytimes.com/articles/troops-concealed-handguns-armed-military-recruiters

Acknowledging domestic terror threat, Pentagon says troops, recruiters can carry concealed guns

The Defense Department has updated its policy on when troops can be armed.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2016 1:31 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 01:31:01 -0500

As retired Air Force Security Forces, I have an Air Force issued Law Enforcement credential to allow me to carry concealed in all 50 states under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act. I can carry everywhere except the one place I actually worked, a military installation. Most installation commanders are still saying no. It's time to let retired Military Police with credentials carry on installations.

Response by Sgt Marbury Keys made Dec 27 at 2016 10:22 AM

Sgt Marbury Keys — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 10:22:39 -0500

Not sure on that one. May be at recruiting stations or MEPS, But everybody can't be running around with weapons. May be more MP's!

Response by MSgt Joe Marcom made Dec 27 at 2016 11:27 AM

MSgt Joe Marcom — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 11:27:55 -0500

Given that we are in an actual (if undeclared) state of war, I should hope so. The military can easily make certain that all members are qualified to carry, and screening for mental health issues should be a priority, anyway.

Response by TSgt Dan Decker made Dec 28 at 2016 3:27 PM

TSgt Dan Decker — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 15:27:00 -0500

I certainly hope so! It's about time our troops were able to defend themselves, especially with the POS in the White House letting in all those terrorists!

Response by LTJG Richard Bruce made Dec 29 at 2016 11:13 AM

LTJG Richard Bruce — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 11:13:18 -0500

Two issues. Concealed carry laws for active duty military members and those reserve or retired who may be threaten due to their former or current work should be nationalized. For example, I was "unofficially" allowed to carry a personal sidearm outside the office due to our drug enforcement work. Our SCIF held weapons. Similar protective allowance should become official and acceptable across state lines.

Second point for on base carry will depend on work. A supply clerk working in food service may not need a weapon, but a gunner's mate working at an armory should be armed. Those who work in sensitive areas should be armed, but carrying a sidearm outside those immediate areas may be restricted.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Dec 29 at 2016 4:15 PM

SPC Byron Skinner — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 16:15:07 -0500

Sp4 Byron Skinner Two responses. Why? and No! I'm not sure if it is now a DoD policy or local base commander option but firearms carried on base are not permitted for those not on duty, principally Military Police. Two reason for that rule. First many if not most services members are young teen and twenties and are not the best at making spot decisions, having a weapon could make an incident where only some harsh words were exchanged to Murder in the First Degree. Second is the ready availability of alcohol and drugs on any military base and the popularity of needlessly getting drunk or under the influence of drugs. Alcohol, Drugs and fire arms don't mix with teenagers and young adults, who's job is to kill people or support and serve those that do the killing.

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Dec 29 at 2016 6:08 PM

SPC Brian Stephens — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 18:08:07 -0500

Yes.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2016 6:25 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 18:25:17 -0500

No, I don't think so. How about those soldiers who are hardcore gang-affiliated service members? Are they allow to carry there MAC-10s, AK-47s and sawed-off shotguns to base?

Response by SCPO Don Baker made Dec 30 at 2016 1:57 PM

SCPO Don Baker — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 13:57:50 -0500

Hope not.

Response by PFC Francis Ramseyer made Jan 18 at 2017 9:17 AM

PFC Francis Ramseyer — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 09:17:25 -0500

Yes, I did one year in the Swiss Army and I always got my AR and ammo with me as well when I became civilian, I retain my gun.

Response by Capt Tf Sinclair made Jan 18 at 2017 11:17 AM

Capt Tf Sinclair — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 11:17:13 -0500

I hope not. It seems to this retired Marine that the military people of today are too foolish and immature to carry a firearm off base. Also, I see a lot more overuse and abuse of alcohol and other substances among young people to day. Couple this with some having multiple deployments to the combat zone and there is real potential for a violent incident. So, if a person has a concealed carry license and carries off base, that is between the person and the civil authorities. Having a military policy that allows or encourages all service members to carry is a very poor policy in my opinion.

Response by CSM William DeWolf made Jan 24 at 2017 8:41 AM

CSM William DeWolf — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 08:41:57 -0500

Wow, I believe that if the SM is qualified and there is a need based on assignment/job, yes. I can't see every soldier doing this.

Response by 1SG Leon Espe made Jan 25 at 2017 8:07 AM

1SG Leon Espe — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 08:07:25 -0500

I believe that qualified members of the Military should have the same carry options that Civilian Law Enforcement Officers in the region do. There may be some confusion concerning full automatic weapons though. Local laws should prevail.

Response by Cpl Michael Ashworth made Jan 28 at 2017 10:16 AM

Cpl Michael Ashworth — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 10:16:47 -0500

Absolutely, certain mos's demand that you become confident and proficient in the discipline
Of maintaining and handling different weapon system. I would support NCO's and officers
To keep their secondary weapon on them at all times, The right of passage .

Response by PFC Francis Ramseyer made Feb 3 at 2017 4:31 AM

PFC Francis Ramseyer — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 04:31:57 -0500

Yes, like in Switzerland.

Response by CW3 Harvey K. made Apr 17 at 2017 9:49 PM

CW3 Harvey K. — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 21:49:01 -0400

Be careful about that in New Jersey. There is at least one state trooper who would arrest you.

I was stopped on the Garden State Parkway one night (I think a “taillight problem” was the excuse).
The Trooper and I had a pleasant conversation while he examined my documents, then, when he returned my papers and was about to let me go on my way, we had the following exchange.

Trooper: You're not carrying any contraband, right?
Me: No sir.
Trooper: No drugs or anything?
Me: Certainly not.
Trooper: No handguns?

(I hesitated here, and explained my hesitation to the Trooper)

Me: I had to think about that. I used to be on my Division's pistol team, and was under military orders to have my pistols with me constantly, for daily practice. But I have not been on the team for almost a year, and my guns are all at home.
Trooper: Step out of the car.
Me: Whaaaat?
Trooper: Step … out … of … the … car.

He patted me down, then ordered me to the rear of the vehicle while he searched it. Then he warned me “If I had ever caught you with a gun at any time, you'd be in jail”.
I replied that he would not have “caught” me with anything I was not under military orders to have, and repeated that since those orders expired I was no longer transporting those weapons.
His final statement on the way to his patrol car was to repeat, “You'd be in jail”.

Maybe he figured he outranked the 3-star General whose office issued my orders.