RallyPoint community, what do you think of Gov. Hutchinson's decision to arm Arkansas troops?

2015-07-17T22:00:16-04:00

If the Army/Air Guard are truly to serve our communities in a homeland defense role, we must first be able to protect ourselves and each other. I say well done.

Gov. Hutchinson Orders Adjutant General To Arm Full-Time Military Personnel

ARKANSAS (KFSM) -Following the shooting death of four Marines in Chattanooga, Gov. Asa Hutchinson has authorizedArkansas National Guard Adjutant General Mark Berry to arm full-time military perso...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 12:42 AM

2015-07-18T00:42:42-04:00

Great call! More Governors should follow!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 1:38 PM

2015-07-18T13:38:13-04:00

This is merely symbolic. The order is at TAGs discretion, something he already had to begin with.

Also, it won't apply at Federal installations because the Gov has no authority over those.

This is politics pure and simple.

Also, nothing has been made clear as to who will be armed and where those weapons will come from. I seriously doubt this means you will be allowed to bring your personal weapon to work so what now? Where do you pick up and turn in your weapon? Who's actually qualified to carry a side arm? I does this mean everyone is going to sling an M-16? That's going to be a pain either way for most especially anyone in maintenance. Seriously, how are you going to crew an aircraft or perform maintenance with a weapon at your side?

This is typical knee jerk reaction for publicity and politics. It's really ridiculous.

Instead or arming everyone just increase security at all off-post NG locations like recruiting offices. Otherwise, shut them down and bring them on post where there's already a security forces presence like at CJTR or LR AFB.

Otherwise your just asking for more trouble and inconvenience.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jul 18 at 2015 4:11 PM

2015-07-18T16:11:25-04:00

Great news. Way to go Governor!

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jul 18 at 2015 5:00 PM

2015-07-18T17:00:07-04:00

Sorry but a Governor has no authorization to arm AD military. He/She can authorized the full time Guard.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Jul 20 at 2015 9:31 AM

2015-07-20T09:31:47-04:00

I was in an Armory in North Little rock. I have seen some of the rif raf that was in and around that area. I know of several that was armed and I know of a couple of incidents that was thwarted. Not terrorist, just strong arm stuff. But still.

Response by MSgt Aaron Brite made Jul 21 at 2015 9:47 PM

2015-07-21T21:47:57-04:00

Far too many questions left unanswered in the arming of ANG and NG troops. First to my mind is getting people qualified as many ANG units barely qualify every 5 years on the m16. Most never touch a pistol. Before arming for duty these troops need to be qualified and nobone has put forth a plan for it.