What are some of the unintended consequences of letting everyone in the Military carry a firearm at all times?

SSG Philip Cotton — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 17:10:14 -0400

I know that many service members are looking for changes in policy that allows all service members to carry handguns on base. <br><br><div>Should there be annual Re-qual?<br>Should weapons training be conducted every six month?<br><br></div>

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 2:18 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 14:18:43 -0400

I think the easiest to implement system would be to remove the prohibition for those with civilian carry permits to carry on base and follow the state law. This would fix the issue for most bases. If we wanted 100% of bases to allow carry we could require soldiers who want to carry to have a permit from a state and make it valid on all military bases even if not valid in the state the base is in.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 2:33 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 14:33:57 -0400

Have you seen some of the levels of stupid in the military? All though I trust a good majority of my fellow service members to be responsible, there are quite a few that I don't even trust washing the duty van.

Response by SGT William Howell made Mar 13 at 2015 4:10 PM

SGT William Howell — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 16:10:52 -0400

The unintended consequences of allowing any law abiding citizen the right to carry is that crime diminishes. Proven fact. Just look at crime rates of any state before and after they allow concealed carry and you can see for yourself.

Response by MSgt Darren VanDerwilt made Nov 27 at 2015 6:14 PM

MSgt Darren VanDerwilt — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 18:14:24 -0500

First off, it's my opinion that warriors carry weapons. A person in the military serves 24/7 and should be ready at all times for any contingency.

To the main point. A few years back a Colonel wrote an article entitled "Living with Guns." I've been unable to find the article on the internet so I'll give my thoughts.
Outside of field conditions and garrison security, most military members are unfamiliar with always being armed. Aditionally, logistics support positions, maintenance, etc., would require the process of removing the weapon to perform certain tasks. Beginning and ending duty shifts may require everyone in a section to disarm or arm up. This is where the hazard lies. Everytime a weapon is handled, especially with inexperienced individuals, the risk of negligent discharge is increased. Police departments experience this all the time. Training and personal discipline would be key. Herein lies the major obstacle. Ensuring that everyone authorized to carry a weapon (Lautenberg amendment, etc.) is trained in safe weapons handling and use of deadly force, to a level that satisfies the nay sayers, would be difficult and costly. It's been my experience that most military weapons training is focused on running through the basics and ensuring zero safety instances, period. Civilian training has always been far more intense and in-depth.

I would recomend letting those that have a CCW permit to be armed while on duty.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Nov 28 at 2015 6:22 PM

MAJ David Vermillion — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 18:22:38 -0500

A loose cannon, but they are everywhere. I think it will create major problems for the military.

Response by 1SG Nick Baker made Nov 28 at 2015 6:52 PM

1SG Nick Baker — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 18:52:05 -0500

Arm the SD, SDNCO, CQ, and runners. This gives a battalion a reactionary force. Gives a whole new meaning to fire guard. This will require training.

Response by PVT William Bresch made Dec 29 at 2015 9:41 AM

PVT William Bresch — Tue, 29 Dec 2015 09:41:58 -0500

I've been asked, this question many times,
Client: Mr. Bresch, do you carry a gun, when you work protecting people ?
My answer is always the same,
It's not the guy, who carries a gun who takes on people with guns, you have to be scared of.
IT'S THE OPERATOR, WHO TAKES ON THE GUYS WITH GUNS, WHO DOESN'T CARRY A GUN, YOU HAVE TO BE SCARED SHITLESS OF.
Client: Your Hired !!!

I'll kick anyone's ass who threatens the Security and Welfare of my:
United States Of America !!!

William C. Bresch
Ghost Operator

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Dec 30 at 2015 4:40 PM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 16:40:56 -0500

Well. it's not going to happen. It simply isn't feasible. 99.99% of daily military tasks would be impeded by requiring service members to carry a weapon. I can't see cooks and clerks walking around with rifles slung on their back or people turning wrenches. Arm the DNCO Officer of the Day and have the Area Guard armed as well as the MPs.

Response by MSgt Darren VanDerwilt made Sep 25 at 2019 2:57 PM

MSgt Darren VanDerwilt — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 14:57:47 -0400

Legal justification for the use of deadly force should be mandatory training for all military members. In my opinion, there should be zero restrictions to the carrying of weapons.