In my last article I described what it’s like on Fort Hood, as well as all U.S. Army installations. It’s like Chicago. The only people armed are the post law enforcement agency such as Military Police or the Federal Police and those intent on criminal activity. Soldiers are not armed with loaded firearms ever, except during periodic weapons qualification. Private ownership of firearms is generally ok providing the firearm is locked up in a designated armory on post/base. The soldier does not have immediate access to their private firearms. Having a firearm in the sleeping quarters or military housing is against regulations and is subject to a court martial.

The bottom line solution is simple, arm officers and non-commissioned officers with side arms. When on duty, no matter the location, whether on post/base or off, commissioned and non-commissioned officers should be required carry a loaded pistol, either openly or concealed. When off-duty they should be allowed to secure their weapons within their quarters. It becomes a part of their uniform.

Soldiers who are not commissioned or non-commissioned officers, while on-duty and while on post/base property should be issued their M16 rifles with a full magazine compliment. The weapon and ammo should be turned in to the main armory when coming off-duty unless provisions to secure the weapons within each bay or room are provided.

If a soldier misuses a weapon for any reason, it’s grounds for a court martial with severe punishment to follow. Being a soldier or marine comes with responsibilities not unlike a law enforcement officer. There is no room for irresponsibility so the punishment for misuse of a weapon should be clearly defined, taught to the soldiers and enforced with vigor when abused.

The military’s job is to defend this nation first. Expeditionary forces are secondary to its mission. If our military cannot be armed while on duty within the borders of the U.S., it can hardly fulfill its primary mission of providing for the defense of the nation, let alone allow for maximum security of the installation and personal defense of soldiers and marines.

It is time to end this political correct nonsense of maintaining an unarmed military force.