How do you feel about soldiers being allowed to keep their weapons while on post?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 10:20:01 -0500

Last night, I caught someone attempting to steal my truck literally right outside of my barracks building. The only reason he ran off was because I told him I had a weapon. I don't, because one is locked in my units armory. and the other back home with my mother. That being said, how do you all feel about having weapons on post? Not necessarily on your person, but in your vehicles.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2016 10:22 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 10:22:46 -0500

As long as the proper paper is filed that is fine, I was able to carry on post but I think that may have been because of my billet. Most of the time we held personal weapons that were checked into the armory but again only after all the proper paper work was processed and approved.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2016 10:28 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 10:28:25 -0500

I think on post carry would be a good thing to have.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2016 10:28 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 10:28:40 -0500

As long as the proper papers are filled and proper procedure is followed, then so be it. Just that the Soldier needs made aware....strongly....of the implications and headaches to follow if anything were to happen to the vehicle and the weapon stolen.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Dec 21 at 2016 10:53 AM

SFC J Fullerton — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 10:53:02 -0500

Would be useful in the event of an alien invasion, zombie apocalypse, or a Red Dawn scenario.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Dec 21 at 2016 11:16 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 11:16:41 -0500

I'm 50/50. When I'm in uniform, I've got my game face on. I am the most professional and serious Marine you'll probably meet. I also know a lot of Marines don't hold that level of seriousness to their jobs. Some Marines I wouldn't really trust with a firearm unless we were in the field.

I do think all military personnel should be able to carry on base. We are trained and this is what we are trained for. It kills me when protocol is shelter in place during an active shooter instead of hunting the target down. We shouldn't be afraid on our own base. Criminals should be afraid of committing any crime on a military installation.

But I also know how childish some of these new bloods can act in the military. Sometimes the pettiness of high school drama sticks with them even after boot camp. This is the primary reason I'm divided on the issue.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2016 11:26 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 11:26:33 -0500

Did you beat him up so he won't be able to do the same thing to another Soldier?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2016 12:32 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 12:32:47 -0500

I think soldiers should not only be allowed firearms on post, but should be encouraged to do so. The argument about not trusting all your soldiers with weapons is crap, and you all know it. When we deploy we require everyone to have a weapon readily available. The thought that if all soldiers carried a weapon on post, accidents would happen is the same argument the liberal left uses to try to dissuade people from concealed carry. To date, there has been no instance of the 'blood in the streets' from people carrying concealed (even in states that do not require a permit). Why do you think soldiers would be different?

For those who say property can be replaced...does that mean you'll turn the other cheek when that thief breaks into your home? Several states have laws protecting the use of force during theft of property. Simply saying 'call the police' on a thief does nothing to hinder their future criminal endeavors. Studies have shown that people do not typically start with felonies, but build up confidence with misdemeanors. Many places theft does not even result in jail time due to overcrowding, or at least very minimal time. The turn the other cheek mentality only emboldens criminals.

Response by SPC Jamie Smith made Dec 21 at 2016 12:47 PM

SPC Jamie Smith — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 12:47:25 -0500

I was one of the several volunteer patriots who stood outside of our local recruiting center in Paducah Ky, well armed after the Jihadist murdered the recruiters in Chattanooga TN. We heard we were the longest standing guard in the entire country. We actually stood down just before Christmas 2015 ( over 6 months) .we were greatly supported by the community, the recruiters, & the local law enforcement community. I am extremely proud of my fellow patriots (10 -20 men & women) who helped guard the people who keep us free & safe. The recruiters & V.A. clinics, & bases should be allowed to be able to defend themselves just like every law abiding citizen is.

Response by PO2 Chris Hearne made Dec 21 at 2016 12:50 PM

PO2 Chris Hearne — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 12:50:21 -0500

Hopefully it was not a fellow brother in arms. Regardless, i previously posted I am all for Carry and Conceal, but believe members and vets who have slightly more experience than boo t camp with weapons, should be able to carry on post.

Response by SPC Jamie Smith made Dec 21 at 2016 12:50 PM

SPC Jamie Smith — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 12:50:45 -0500

As one of the 15-20 patriots who stood guard outside our local recruiting center for over 6 months

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Dec 21 at 2016 12:54 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 12:54:14 -0500

Strongly in favor. If the armed services cannot be trusted to be armed, who can be?

Response by SPC Jamie Smith made Dec 21 at 2016 1:06 PM

SPC Jamie Smith — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 13:06:02 -0500

As one of the 15-20 patriots who after the Jihadist massacre in Chattanooga TN, stood guard outside our local recruiting center in Paducah Ky. for over 6 months,( we were told we were the last ones standing in the entire U.S. )We stood down after the brass changed the procedure for contacting the recruiters. I believe the recruiters, V.A. Clinics, & military posts should be allowed to defend themselves like any other law abiding citizens. They are sitting duck targets for these Islamic Jihadists. We were tremendously supported by the recruiters,the local law enforcement, & the public , with people bringing food and drink & cash donations (which we donated to Toys for Tots)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2016 1:28 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 13:28:33 -0500

I live on post and know that in the housing weapons are allowed. Personally as long as the individual is registered and it is stored correctly I feel that it should be allowed. With that being said I don't think soldiers living in the barracks should have them. Only because the weapon can not be stored somewhere that it is not accessible to others.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2016 2:44 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 14:44:58 -0500

Service members should be allowed to have weapons on them - at least people in relateable MOS's or relevant billets/duties (Area Guard, Duty, Barracks Manager)...

Response by SrA Brandy Schafer made Dec 21 at 2016 4:33 PM

SrA Brandy Schafer — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 16:33:09 -0500

I'm all for it. When I was stationed at Nellis AFB a friend of mine left her physically and emotionally abusive husband with their infant. Since she was AD and he was the dependant she had to leave the house. With permission she moved into my house with me and my son. Since we were on base I didn't have a weapon but that didn't stop him from having one. The police were called and he fled the scene, by the time they caught up with him a couple hours later the gun was gone. I would have felt a lot better knowing I could protect my son as well as her and her son but I didn't have anywhere else to go at the time either and needless to say being a single mom of a handicap 3 year old I could not have financially been able to make it off base.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Dec 21 at 2016 8:25 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 20:25:40 -0500

Guns in the barracks after duty hours are a bad idea. If you want to possess a pistol or rifle then move off post. There is no way your going to meet the Army storage regulations on post outside of a secure arms room. It's nice to live in a support unit where discipline is more lax but lets not kid ourselves that all Army units operate that way. Barracks are also used as "prison light" in the case of some chapter cases. Would you give access to weapons to prisoners? I wouldn't.

Response by GySgt Melissa Gravila made Dec 21 at 2016 9:54 PM

GySgt Melissa Gravila — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 21:54:19 -0500

I am absolutely ok with it- the criminal has already made up their mind to commit the crime- they have the element of surprise on their side. They are not going to wait around for the police to get there. You have to be your own 911- I firmly believe we have to protect ourselves/family/property.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Dec 21 at 2016 10:59 PM

MSgt John McGowan — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 22:59:44 -0500

What about designated aurthorization carry permits for on base. I believe denying carry permits is dangerous and people have died in the States and overseas. Because of security not close. One death is to many. There is enough responsibilite officers and NCO's around that a good number would be armed. Just my suggestion.

Response by MSG Jay Jackson made Dec 22 at 2016 1:01 PM

MSG Jay Jackson — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 13:01:22 -0500

If they are other wise qualified why not. But my concern is that soldiers who might become problems later on. You gonna search these soldiers every day? What about PV2 Jones who just got UCMJ ? Does he have a weapon that he wants to use on his squad leader for revenge, due to losing rank? Are you rock hard NCO's gonna be just as hard when you know joe may be packing a .45 with 15 round mag?

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Dec 22 at 2016 2:31 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 14:31:41 -0500

Carried by a troop that qualified with it or a similar weapon - hell yeah!
Left in a vehicle - hell no!

Response by SFC Michael W. made Dec 22 at 2016 5:27 PM

SFC Michael W. — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 17:27:28 -0500

They should still be locked up in the Arms Room unless they are in Law Enforcement on a daily schedule. That's why we have Military Police and Security Forces for!

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Dec 22 at 2016 5:43 PM

SSG Mark Franzen — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 17:43:51 -0500

There is no place for a weapon to be on the Base it needs to find a Home at the mothers house Or fathers house but I don't think that is very good besides the Armor is Busy enough with other weapons. Why are bringing them in?
SSG MARK FRANZEN
USA VET

Response by Sgt Christopher Collins made Dec 22 at 2016 7:06 PM

Sgt Christopher Collins — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 19:06:43 -0500

There shouldn't be any punks on base or near the post where your vehicle is. I am all for anyone in the military to carry.

Response by Sgt Bob Leonard made Dec 24 at 2016 11:28 AM

Sgt Bob Leonard — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 11:28:51 -0500

You want to be able to carry on post. Got that.

Someone was trying to steal your truck. This happened on post. Got that.

Logic says that if you're allowed to carry on post, so is the thief.

So you, the armed truck owner, surprise the armed truck thief and draw down on him.....

Hmm... How many ways can this go bad?

Not to mention what life would be like in the barracks and barracks areas when every weekend an unknown number of rambunctious young men consume an unknown amount of alcohol and have easy access to firearms, either their own or someone else's in the barracks.

What could possibly go wrong?

Response by 1SG Al Brown made Dec 24 at 2016 5:02 PM

1SG Al Brown — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 17:02:13 -0500

Sure, if they are in housing. Too much drinking and shenanigans in the barracks in my view. Increased weapon possession will give the MP's more to do. I followed the don't ask don't tell weapons policy.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2016 3:43 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 03:43:57 -0500

there goes the myth that people on post will not commit crimes because they are on federal property. That's a sad situation because I always feel safer traveling and staying at a hotel on Air Force Army base that my car was more secure than being parked outside the base at the nearby town.

Response by SSG Ken Gilder made Dec 27 at 2016 11:12 AM

SSG Ken Gilder — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 11:12:46 -0500

Unless the post/base commander has a good reason for a "no guns" policy, I see no reason why a service member should not enjoy the freedom "to keep and bear arms" accorded to his off base and civilian counterparts.

I can see certain restrictions, like completing a weapons safety course, being over 21 years of age, or "E-5 and up," but by and large, military people know, and have a healthy respect for, weapons, and what they can do. They have all received training in their use.

My home state of Florida exempts military and former military from taking the state's concealed carry permit course, if they can show a DD Form 214.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2016 11:25 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 11:25:45 -0500

I'm all for carryover g on post, but obviously there will be control and will be needed. Currently we are allowed to carry in our work environment with the permission of your Battalion Commander during "increased threat times" but the proper paper work has to be done and repeated every 90 days.

I agree with allowing Soldiers to carry concealed at work. Although this comes with issues. Army Regulations do not allow ammunition or firearms to be stored in the barracks. This protects Soldiers from multiple situations. 1. If a fire happened in the barracks 2. The maturity factor, not to single out a particular group but lower enlisted don't have the maturity factor to control having a weapon in the barracks. I have had 30 year Privates that don't have the "Army" maturity to handle this. Stuck in their pre-Army way of life.

Things would have to be changed to include regulations. If the regulation is changed the Soldiers would need a safe in their room, is the Army providing this? And thats a lot of DPW work orders for being locked out of the safe or when Soldiers PCS/ETS.

However I do think it should be at Company Commander discretion with the mind set of: who can handle the responsibility.... who has the maturity.... are there any medical circumstances involved....
I don't agree with the 90 day time limit, I agree with a time limit but needs to be longer.

Maybe initial approval at Battalion Commander level and then every six months revaluation at Company Commander. As far as barracks I haven't completed a suggestion. I understand there are Soldiers that can handle this but I honestly don't think it should be in the barracks. Issue that arises is the equality that Soldier can but this one cannot, I see an issue rising there.

Response by PO1 Kenneth Cardwell made Dec 27 at 2016 5:18 PM

PO1 Kenneth Cardwell — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 17:18:02 -0500

Hell no! As a supervisor and senior NCO, I know I would have been shot!

Response by Michael Lynch made Dec 28 at 2016 9:13 AM

Michael Lynch — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 09:13:14 -0500

I believe that it is asinine that a soldier cannot have a personal weapon on post and more than that, I believe that they should have the right to carry. Military Bases are ripe with crime, because the perpetrators know that the MP's are not close enough to be an effective deterrent. If a soldier is not qualified to be armed on his own time, why would we trust them to have arms any other time? I would think that new recruits might not need to carry, simply because they have not been evaluated by the cadre as to their fitness to carry. The Qualification could be rolled into the new recruit's BCT and a determination made at that time.

Response by SGT Jason Hartnett made Dec 28 at 2016 9:23 AM

SGT Jason Hartnett — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 09:23:38 -0500

We fight for the freedom of our Natiion. We swore and Oath tho up hold The Constitution of the United States. The Bill Of Rights are apart of what we fight for. So if you ask me if you have sworn to this you as a Warrior of the Armed Services should be granted the rights of all people 21years and up. You signed that blank check payable with your life. You are an adult not a gental snowflakes in the streets these day. So to get to the point YES all Service memebers should carry on and off the instillations form 18 and up. That was the way I felt when I joined and became Military Police. I also feel that way about all MOS's. You are all traied basic Infantry, in Basic Training. As for me all Service personal should have basic marksmanship training with a pistol yearly. So they don't shoot their eye out. Or their battle buddies.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2016 5:39 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 17:39:22 -0500

Why not. All of our military men and women are or should be trained with firearms. If we trust them during training and combat why take their weapons when they are at home?

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2016 6:54 PM

Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 18:54:18 -0500

bill clinton Was an IDIOT for Forbidding soldiers on BASE to carry their weapons ! Think of the lives that could have been saved in FT Hood had the soldiers had their weapons on their persons !!!

Response by GySgt Reginald Raleigh made Dec 29 at 2016 3:58 PM

GySgt Reginald Raleigh — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 15:58:57 -0500

I think under our current circumstances, it makes perfect sense for out service members to be armed on our bases. Our Camps Bases Stations and Forts are wide open -- very valuable to terror attack as we saw a Ft Hood. I don't think as many of our brothers and sisters would have been kill if our gov hadn't provided the proverbial pickle barrel for the terrorist to shoot in in the first place. So yes, I feel we should be able to carry our T/O Weapons in garrison.

Response by GySgt Reginald Raleigh made Dec 29 at 2016 3:59 PM

GySgt Reginald Raleigh — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 15:59:39 -0500

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Dec 29 at 2016 7:44 PM

SSG Maurice P. — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 19:44:49 -0500

why not indeed while i was in iraq i had to have possession of my weapon at all times i took it everywhere i went that ought to be the standard on every base in the u.s and abroad.

Response by PO2 Jeff B. made Dec 30 at 2016 7:07 AM

PO2 Jeff B. — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 07:07:27 -0500

If a service member cannot be trusted to carry a concealed firearm, either they should not be in the military, or their commander(s) shouldn't.

Response by D. Cree Crawford made Dec 30 at 2016 8:16 AM

D. Cree Crawford — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 08:16:41 -0500

WITHOUT QUESTION...... YES! However, is there a temp, workaround by getting your CCW (which takes training) In Tx Sheriffs officers have to take to carry off duty) I feel the multiple scenarios we have all witnessed without having our Brothers and Sisters in Arms .. "Armed" has allowed much un necessary carnage .... This is a common sense FAIL that must have some inception based in Posse Comitatus excuse used by Clinton... - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posse_Comitatus_Act What say YOU?

Posse Comitatus Act - Wikipedia

The Posse Comitatus Act is a United States federal law (18 U.S.C.§1385, original at 20Stat.152) signed on June 18, 1878 by President Rutherford B. Hayes. The purpose of the act – in concert with the Insurrection Act of 1807 – is to limit the powers of the federal government in using federal military personnel to enforce domestic policies within the United States. It was passed as an amendment to an army appropriation bill following the end of...

Response by MSgt Cayle Harris made Dec 30 at 2016 9:34 AM

MSgt Cayle Harris — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 09:34:44 -0500

I'm all for it. If we are worried they might hurt someone with it, why are they still in the military? Last time I checked, keeping and bearing arms was a right.

Response by SCPO Larry Poffenbarger made Dec 30 at 2016 12:35 PM

SCPO Larry Poffenbarger — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 12:35:56 -0500

I'm a retired Seabee, plenty of firearms training, licensed to carry in 36 states. I live about thirty miles from the closest military facility where I can get my medications. Living in a rural area, I carry all the time, at home or away. Yet, when I go to the base to get my meds, I have to leave my firearm at home. I drive onto the base, directly to the dispensary drive-thru, pick up the meds, and directly off the base. If I would mistakenly carry on base I would be subject to severe penalties. Fortunately, a retired SCPO has a business a couple of miles from the base where I can drop off and recover my carry weapon. Works for me but a lot of retirees don't have that opportunity. Carry with a CCW should be at the facility commanders discretion.

Response by PFC Aaron Cox made Dec 30 at 2016 2:17 PM

PFC Aaron Cox — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 14:17:12 -0500

If Military Personnel were allowed to keep their weapons (Personal or Issued) and have said weapons loaded a lot of these Terrorist attacks on US Bases would have had different outcomes. (though in my personal opinion the perpetrators should have been charged with Treason.) While Military personnel are forbidden from acting as Law enforcement in Civilian Areas (Off Base) they are allowed to act as such while on base. Subordinate arrest Superior for Violation of UCMJ or Likewise if Subordinate Violates the Same.

Response by PFC Kimberly LaVoie made Dec 30 at 2016 6:36 PM

PFC Kimberly LaVoie — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 18:36:54 -0500

Well, just yesterday the police in Cape Coral, Florida put out a statement that leaving a weapon in a vehicle is just another way to get it stolen. If it's not on you when you need it, its useless.....

Response by Vincent Mills made Dec 31 at 2016 11:30 AM

Vincent Mills — Sat, 31 Dec 2016 11:30:55 -0500

... IT'S THE ARMED FORCES...AS LONG AS THE SOLDIER, SAILOR, MARINE, OR AIRMAN OR WOMAN HAS A GREAT SERVICE RECORD, AND HAS A MINIMAL SECURITY CLEARANCE, THEY SHOULD BE AT LEAST ALLOWED TO CARRY A LOADED SIDEARM....

Response by SSG Michael Keohane made Jan 10 at 2017 8:10 AM

SSG Michael Keohane — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 08:10:12 -0500

At one time, the Infantry, at least, kept their issue weapons in barracks with ammunition. This practice was successfully followed for years with little or no problems. In fact, a surprise Sunday morning attack on a Infantry company compound in the Philippines by Moros caught most of the company, unarmed, in either the chapel or the mess hall. It was those who chose to sleep late that responded with their Krags and delivered, under covering fire, weapons & ammo belts to those barricaded in the chapel and mess hall. While stationed in Berlin right after the Wall went up, we had our individual weapons stored in an arms room with ammunition stored in the basement. If the East Germans or the Russians made a sneak attack from East Germany, an armored or motorized unit could reach our barracks in seconds. Not a very good situation. I am strongly in favor, in these times, of combat troops being armed at all times on posts.

Response by SGT Lloyd Burge made Jan 11 at 2017 3:04 PM

SGT Lloyd Burge — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 15:04:47 -0500

Keep your weapon in the arms room. You have no idea of the mental stability of everyone in the battalion down the block.

Response by PFC Aaron Cox made Jan 15 at 2017 12:44 AM

PFC Aaron Cox — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 00:44:07 -0500

It falls down to this. If the consequences of ones actions are severe enough. One takes time to reconsider their actions. Black Jack Pershing proved this theory in his time. He had issues with Muslim Terrorist. He caught a bunch of them and executed all but one. He let them see his guys slaughter some pigs. He had this captured terrorist tied to post. they saw the men dip their rounds in the pigs' blood before putting them in their riffles. Then shot them. He wrapped them in pig hides and waited more then 3 days to bury them. He took the last one and told them if he had anymore problems he would continue to send as many of them to hell as possible until the bullshit stopped. After a couple times doing this he no longer had an issue. While this is an extreme example the principle still applies. Criminals tend to rethink their careers when they know attacking someone will more then likely end their lives. States that have the strictest gun laws have higher crime rates then those with less strict gun laws.
Here in town businesses with gun restrictions are more likely to be robbed then those without.

Response by CSM Andrew Perrault made Jan 16 at 2017 4:18 PM

CSM Andrew Perrault — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 16:18:39 -0500

I don't think weapons in the barracks is a good idea but if you have a concealed handgun license folks that come on post for work and use the services such as retiree you should be able to.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2017 3:42 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 15:42:14 -0500

In the vehicles no but on post and with you at all times yes.

Response by CPT Arch Nissel made Jan 24 at 2017 9:36 AM

CPT Arch Nissel — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 09:36:01 -0500

I believe military personnel should be allowed to carry weapons if trained to do so. With that in mind it should also have a set rule (like the British) an unauthorized discharge (sheeple call them accidental) is an automatic drop in rank with no exceptions. I have watched too many people stand at a clearing barrel and fire rounds into it due to stupidity not counting elsewhere and nothing be done to them.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 11:04 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 11:04:24 -0500

Would you have used a firearm if the thief didn't run away?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 9:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 21:50:53 -0500

I am advocate strongly for allowing service members to carry on base/recruiting stations/armories, etc. It's ridiculous and ironic that we who are supposed to shoot things as part of our job descriptions can't be trusted to maintain firearms of our own on a military installation.

Response by SSG Brian MacBain made Jan 31 at 2017 6:55 AM

SSG Brian MacBain — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 06:55:32 -0500

I would not leave a weapon in my vehicle. Think about it, your vehicle was about to get stolen. If you did not catch that person in the act, he would have taken your vehicle and your weapon. I am strongly in favor for our service members (and their families after taking a weapons handling class) to carry a weapon on themselves. The weapons handling class should be aligned to the State standards and laws for the CCW permit.

Response by MSG Charlie Collier made Feb 8 at 2017 10:05 AM

MSG Charlie Collier — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 10:05:56 -0500

Weapons should never be stored in your vehicle. Your vehicle gets stolen, so does your weapon. Personnel living in Barracks should be required to store their weapons in the arms room unless they have a carry permit and then only one handgun is allowed.
Active duty or civilian personnel living or working on post should be allowed to carry on post if they have a permit and are registered with the post.

Response by SFC Michael Peterson made Feb 8 at 2017 10:17 AM

SFC Michael Peterson — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 10:17:58 -0500

As long as you know the ROE, I'm all for it. Yes, they may call it something different but, when you go to a concealed carry class, they do teach when you are allowed to use deadly force.

Response by SSG Donald "Don" Lloyd made Feb 8 at 2017 10:30 AM

SSG Donald "Don" Lloyd — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 10:30:57 -0500

All for it.

Response by SGT Paul Casteel made Feb 8 at 2017 3:16 PM

SGT Paul Casteel — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 15:16:33 -0500

I'd like to see a weapons class similar to the motorcycle classes most posts have. Firearms would be inspected, safety regulations taught and strictly enforced, and soldiers' level of knowledge and competency on the weapon carried tested frequently. I see the need, and respect the nature of our 2nd Amendment. But I've also seen what "Joe" can do with his spare time....

Response by PO1 James White made Feb 8 at 2017 10:44 PM

PO1 James White — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 22:44:12 -0500

About time.

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Feb 9 at 2017 2:22 PM

SSgt Michael Cox — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 14:22:30 -0500

If the troop is responsible then yes but it does have side effects. If you have ever lived in base housing or been through base housing and seen multiple patrol units in front of a base residence that was because that residence had a registered firearm in the residence and no mater the call they have to go as if the resident is armed.

Response by SMSgt Timothy Cathers made Feb 9 at 2017 5:05 PM

SMSgt Timothy Cathers — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 17:05:27 -0500

Sure.

Response by SP5 Robert Ruck made Feb 14 at 2017 9:33 AM

SP5 Robert Ruck — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 09:33:01 -0500

I believe soldiers should have the right to be armed on base. I would like to see a training course like the Police Officer Standardized Testing be available to anyone on post who wants to carry. Soldiers may be expert with various weapons but rules of engagement between a war zone and a civilian jeopardy situation are night and day. Learning how to react to a civilian threat is necessary for both the soldiers and the civilians safety.

Response by CPT Tom Monahan made Feb 23 at 2017 6:43 AM

CPT Tom Monahan — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 06:43:47 -0500

I have no problem with them having their personal, privately owned weapon. They still need to maintain uniform standards. When not carrying, the weapon needs to be in a gun safe, ideally fingerprint activated. For soldier safety, no personal weapons should be carried when carrying an issue weapon, while under UCMJ punishment, or when BAL is above .05. Of course a Post CCP safety class must be completed.

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Feb 23 at 2017 8:48 AM

PO2 Mike Vignapiano — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 08:48:16 -0500

I don't believe this is even a question. A soldier must be prepared at all times. So how the hell can s/he be prepared when their weapon is locked up across base in an armory? Then when needed you have a cluster --- of everyone lined up trying to get to their weapons.

Response by PVT Richard May made Mar 5 at 2017 3:00 PM

PVT Richard May — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 15:00:42 -0500

It's the friggin military - if you can't have your weapon on post, then why are we even bothering.
Damn it, soldiers are not a bunch of kids, but grown adults.
It's not a perfect system, but name one system that is.
Let our soldiers do what they are supposed to do and be able to protect themselves.

Response by Sgt Mervyn Russell made Mar 7 at 2017 8:00 AM

Sgt Mervyn Russell — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 08:00:51 -0500

Here we go. The second amendment was never meant for oneself protection. As stated by many founding fathers, this was to protect against invading enemies and a tyrannical governments, our government. Although we as citizens should have the right to maintain personnel arms for our protection. I know when I was on active duty way back when. We carried our weapons while on duty, this was after I came back from Vietnam, but never did we have access to ammo.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2017 9:07 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 09:07:01 -0500

Locked in your vehicle is even LESS secure than in your room. I DO NOT agree with letting you have the rifle/pistol that is assigned to you if your car is where you are going to keep it, in fact not at all. The first time you forget to take it out of your car is the day your car gets broken into off post and then the CNN headline reads "MILITARY GUNS STOLEN AND USED IN ROBBERY" and the picture that accompanies it will be a 240B or a SAW, even though it may have been a pistol. I DO think it is ok to keep a private firearm with you, however the FIRST time one drunk Soldier/Marine/Sailor/Airman gets drunk, gets in a fight and shoots anyone; they have an ND in the barracks; someone in the barracks steals it; they have ruined it for the rest of us.

THEN depending on what state you are in, you couldn't even carry it past the gate once you leave post. Once again, even though you were allowed to have it on post, you get caught in MD or DC carrying concealed, guess what happens? Firearm related crime, guess what you can't own anymore? Then response generally is "no cop is going to do that to a service member." They will, have, and will continue to do so, especially if you are a jerk/drunk when you get pulled over.

You have to think of how those that oppose you will spin whatever happens to use it for their goal of not letting you do what you want.

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Mar 16 at 2017 4:29 PM

SSgt Michael Cox — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 16:29:47 -0400

I think as long as they go down and get their CCL sure. But the base will need to add lockers or a room that troops can secure their weapons if needed. I worked on aircraft and had to get into some tight places and I wouldn't feel comfortable say putting my weapon on the navigators table when I'm under the dash and can't see it.

Response by SSG Stanley Biggs made Mar 18 at 2017 2:00 PM

SSG Stanley Biggs — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 14:00:59 -0400

Two words - black powder !!!

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Mar 18 at 2017 6:51 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 18:51:47 -0400

What could go wrong?

Response by SMSgt Timothy Cathers made Mar 30 at 2017 5:36 PM

SMSgt Timothy Cathers — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 17:36:32 -0400

Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen should be allowed to carry their personal weapons anywhere they want, just like civilians should be. As far as carrying their issued weapons, only if they want to.

Response by SGT John Prolo made Mar 24 at 2022 12:09 PM

SGT John Prolo — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 12:09:36 -0400

I remember a couple of soldiers were shot one morning while we were having PT on Ft. Bragg back in the 90's. Probably would be a good thing to have someone armed then and now.

Response by SPC Linda Chandler made Jun 7 at 2022 1:35 PM

SPC Linda Chandler — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 13:35:57 -0400

I feel that would be a big mistake, I work in an ER and have had soldiers who have gotten in fights come in and feel if they had a gun during this fight someone would have been dead.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2022 2:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 14:55:28 -0400

No way, we are fine the way we are

Response by SR Christopher Nielson made Jun 7 at 2022 8:01 PM

SR Christopher Nielson — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 20:01:21 -0400

I believe they should let military personnel have their personal weapons! That was one thing I didn't like about being in the Navy. The other was, the Navy wont let you live off base, if youre below E4 and unmarried. There were many times I wished I could go to a local range and shoot a round of trap or maybe do some actual hunting. There was plenty of dove and quail to hunt in the deserts of California.

Response by MSG Thomas Currie made Jun 8 at 2022 2:11 PM

MSG Thomas Currie — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 14:11:06 -0400

Obviously no one crazy enough to be in the military is safe to ever handle any weapon. At least that is the opinion of every base commander I have ever seen or heard of.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2022 2:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 14:26:23 -0400

Strongly opposed! We have so many idiots in the force...

Response by TSgt David Olson made Jun 25 at 2022 8:00 PM

TSgt David Olson — Sat, 25 Jun 2022 20:00:51 -0400

When I was with the 4th M.P. Company, at Fort Lewis, WA., my patrol sergeant and I responded to a domestic disturbance in an enlisted housing area. While we were walking up to the specific quarters, the complaint’s wife addressed us from a neighboring quarters. She advised her husband had just returned from a deployment in the Caribbean. He was intoxicated, abusive, and on the second floor. With my sergeant following I proceeded to the staircase. I called up to the husband, and received no reply. Cautiously climbing the stairs I reached the second floor landing, it was there I saw the husband passed out on the floor. One hand was grasping his M-14 with a magazine inserted. He was secured, his M-14 was secured, and both were transported to the M.P. station. After, my sergeant and I realized that he could have shot both of us on the sidewalk. His wife failed to mention, when she called, that he was armed. His unit had failed to disarm him following his deployment.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2022 9:27 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 09:27:04 -0400

We don't stop being citizens when we raise our right hand. Our rights may be curtailed out of necessity, but courts have ruled that those curtailments must be the minimum necessary to maintain good order and discipline.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jun 26 at 2022 12:24 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 12:24:28 -0400

Have you ever seen the Blotter report? Absolutely not.

Response by PO1 Bob Davis made Jun 28 at 2022 11:47 AM

PO1 Bob Davis — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 11:47:30 -0400

I believe they should be allowed.

Response by 1SG Arthur Kristiansen made Jul 7 at 2022 8:40 AM

1SG Arthur Kristiansen — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 08:40:31 -0400

As many grunts who have slept with their weapons for many years, I think that we ought to be allowed to marry them and maybe even get on post housing. I betcha many know parts of their weapons better than they do their wife. So what the hell?

Response by PO2 Lawrence Moody made Jul 8 at 2022 2:24 AM

PO2 Lawrence Moody — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 02:24:35 -0400

Many countries do/ and yes.. I do not understand how they relate this National Guard bullshit to the Militias. They all had their weapons in their home and met where they need to formation..

Response by MSG Pat SingR made Jul 14 at 2022 10:04 AM

MSG Pat SingR — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 10:04:48 -0400

I'm in favor. The constitution allows us to. But it depends on the individual if they are responsible enough to have the weapon and if the base commander allows it.

Response by SGT Doug Blanchard made Aug 4 at 2022 6:31 PM

SGT Doug Blanchard — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 18:31:04 -0400

I am all for it. Even on board base you can have armed robberies, shootings, and such. Just look what happened on board an Army post a few years back; an officer in the medical field went postal and smuggled a weapon on base. He managed to shoot a number of people and several died from their injuries. If soldiers were allowed to either open or concealed carry on base, things would have probably been much much different. Namely the shooter would have been neutraluzed.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Aug 4 at 2022 6:54 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 18:54:26 -0400

Makes me want to say hummm? So what could go wrong? A bunch of 18-25 yo people with ready access to real assault weapons and ammunition. Living in close quarters with alcohol use not uncommon. Not to mention having been trained to use and maintain said weapons. With no sergeants in the area because they are allowed to live downtown or in base housing, i.e., no leadership presence. I’m sure there wouldn’t be any clowning around, ad hoc target practice, or quick draw contests.

BS! Leave the weapons in the Armory. Especially in CONUS. BTW never store your weapon in your vehicle unless you plan on staying with it. If somebody steals your vehicle they get both the car and the gun.

Response by Cpl Sennett Tzinberg made Oct 1 at 2022 1:13 PM

Cpl Sennett Tzinberg — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 13:13:02 -0400

I have really been out of touch for years living out of USA So shocked to hear about locked up weapons. When I served had my weapons with me in California, Asia, Virginia, etc. OMG how things have changed????

Response by Cpl David Clark made Apr 22 at 2023 5:53 AM

Cpl David Clark — Sat, 22 Apr 2023 05:53:02 -0400

Mixed feelings on this. While Marines and I assume other branches are very competent with their weapons when “on duty” but I remember the fuckery in the barracks (80’s anyway) and for those who are battling within it provides easy accessibility to add to the 22

Response by Sgt Ed Beal made Jan 5 at 2024 3:19 PM

Sgt Ed Beal — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 15:19:38 -0500

I had to put my pistols and hunting rifles in the armory lockup, I always felt I should be allowed 1 firearm in my quarters, I still feel if we train & trust military members with firearms they should be allowed to have their own!
although I made friends with the range master and learned much including having a free place to practice and he gave me ammo for brass exchange it allowed me to shoot more often I wonder if they still do this ? 70’s& 80’s so it’s been a long time but I think we should trust and hold any violations to federal standards not slap on wrist’s the gang bangers get away with.