Military under arms in garrison

COL George Antochy — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 21:48:38 -0400

God Bless the Fort Hood community. Given this tragedy at Fort Hood is it time to consider placing select individuals under arms while in garrison? I really do not support concealed carry on military installations. I definitely do not believe we should be issuing weapons to everyone while in garrison. This latest tragedy has got to make all of us think about any possible changes could be made. Obviously a greater reliance on the buddy system is a good start. No one should ever be 'alone'. We have certain school districts assigning some teachers under arms. Maybe it's time to return to pre-WWII days and place the duty Officer and NCO under arms for their tour of duty. Every duty officer and NCO would be required to attend some specific training, with recurring training required. This 'under arms' would only apply to the installation, and possibly be restricted from housing areas. Discussions are worthy, and this is just one recommendation that should be worth detailed discussion and study. 

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Apr 4 at 2014 7:36 AM

LTC Jason Strickland — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 07:36:23 -0400

I think DOD should consider policies similar to what some of the individual states have in regards to carrying weapons / concealed carry. The population on a military installation is pretty representative of those outside the gates. Let's look at how it's done in Texas or Montana or New Hampshire and develop a policy that will serve everyone's interests...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2014 7:52 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 07:52:45 -0400

As a career MP I can say I know that some people do in fact carry concealed weapons on the installations, they just haven't been caught yet. When a vehicle is stopped at the gate for a "random search" it is the vehicle that is searched not the driver or passengers. Therefore it's not that hard for people to do it.

On the subject of duty personnel being armed, I agree. There should be someone in each facility or unit that has a weapon or access to a weapon at all times. Whether it is the command team or the duty Officer/NCO.

Regardless of the continuous weapons training soldiers receive it still doesn't account for maturity and mentality. Many of our soldiers are young and barely off of momma's apron strings. We train them in weapons use in a combat environment where the enemy is out front but not in a crowded urban building full of bystanders.

As I tried to explain to one pro- carry soldier. Imagine a room with 100 soldiers, all with the right to carry but no one knows if the other is armed or not. Then one soldier decides to start shooting. Now every other soldier that has a weapon draws and starts shooting because they don't know who started it all they know is it was someone in uniform, which they are now surrounded by.

This is one more reason I have always argued that the MP duty uniform needs to be distinctly different than the population so that they stand out. In a stress filled active shooter situation a little Velcro MP brassard is not noticed nor is a patrol belt in a crowded room of like uniformed people. Sure MP's wear headgear indoors but it's just as easy for a shooter to do it too.

Response by SPC Jason T. made Apr 4 at 2014 3:51 PM

SPC Jason T. — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 15:51:29 -0400

Why not allow concealed carry? If someone is able to legally own a firearm and has passed the "bar" if you will to obtain a concealed carry permit why would you deny them? Another thought is Civilian police and military police should be armed all the time. Just like "real police".

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Apr 4 at 2014 4:25 PM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 16:25:08 -0400

I have to agree with your less than popular opinion, sir.

I think that those who have been granted CCW permits by their states should generally be granted, by post authority, open carry with an "under arms" tabard like the MPs and some Staff Duties and CQs wear. This provides other first responders with a ready ID of "friendlies" authorized to carry on post.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2014 7:33 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 19:33:14 -0400

Sir, I don't think Soldiers should be able to carry just because they have a CCW permit. Just like any other work place out there, your employer can dictate if you can or cannot carry a firearm. I am very pro 2A but I also feel that 2A is not limitness and it allows people to carry everywhere.

What I do think we should do is have designated marksmen. It should be NCOs (and officers) chosen buy the commander, who would carry, ether openly or concealed. It should not be rank dependent. Some have said SFC and above only, I disagree with that because rank does not always equal proper weapon use. There should also be unit level active shooter drills to include force protection ammo in the arms room, and how to draw it to arm more people if needed.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2014 7:20 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 19:20:02 -0400

I couldn't agree more. This antiquated rule makes every soldier, sailor, Marine and Airman on Base an easy target.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made Aug 29 at 2015 9:35 AM

PFC Tuan Trang — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 09:35:50 -0400

I think it not a good idea after that tragic incident in fort hood, We should increase mp or have fireguard.