If the Congress Critters wants input from boots on the ground, find a crusty old NCO and not some beltway commando or PC officer
In the aftermath of the deadly shooting at Fort Hood, a push is underway for the military to change its policies to allow soldiers to carry concealed weapons on installations.
Rep. William L. Owens, D-Plattsburgh, said he would consider such a change, but only with the recommendation of the military.
“They have the expertise; they have their eyes on the ground,” he said. If the Army and Department of Defense concluded such a change was necessary, he said, he would support it.
Mr. Owens said a larger priority in the aftermath of the shooting would be ensuring military personnel have access to mental health care resources.
“There’s no doubt in my mind the person involved was having a mental health crisis of some kind,” Mr. Owens said. “Getting them the help they need is something we should be focusing our efforts and our resources on.”
The argument for allowing concealed weapons came after the April 2 shooting at Fort Hood, during which gunman Spc. Ivan Lopez killed three soldiers, wounded 16 and then killed himself after being confronted by a military police soldier. Similar proposals to change the rules have been taken up after the 2009 shooting at the Texas installation, along with last year’s attack at the Washington Naval Yard.
Among those pushing for the change is Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, along with Rep. Steve Stockman, R-Texas, who crafted a bill to repeal the policies last year. However, the proposed change has been met with some opposition from top military leadership, including Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno.