Concealed Carry Guard
As a former Marine I really can’t describe how annoying it is to be qualified and trained with a wide variety of weapons and not be allowed to carry on base. I carry every day, and nearly every moment I am off duty. What changes when I cross a magical line in the road and now I’m on base? In reality I carried a machine gun in Afghanistan, and used it safely day in and day out. On base I was pistol qualified and was often armed and tasked with security to escort Marines, firearms, and ammunition to ranges. I mean I carried a firearm a lot in service to the Corps, but I couldn’t carry one to defend myself.
As we know gun free bases aren’t very safe, two incidents at Fort Hood prove a dedicated mad man can bring a gun on base without issue. The same with recruiting centers in Chattanooga. The most supposed safest places on earth aren’t so safe.
This is why it’s excellent news to see a bill unanimously passed in the Virginia House of Reps to allow members of the National Guard to carry concealed on National Guard bases. The bill allows commanders to restrict carry when it could be dangerous during training, or any activity that could be dangerous when carrying a loaded concealed carry handgun. As a military member I concede there are numerous different types of training that could be dangerous with a concealed carry handgun present. Something like martials arts, boxing, or combatives training is probably best done unarmed for one.
The bill was sponsored by a former Navy SEAL, who believes that National Guard members deserve to defend themselves. This bill may only affect National Guard members in Virginia, but its a start. If the soldiers carry safely, and do it often, then maybe this will set a small precedent. It will be some time before the entire military is allowed to carry on base. That would be a huge victory, but huge victories are like walking a mile, and every small victory is a foot step.
Travis Pike is a Marine infantry veteran, a lifetime shooter, and an NRA certified instructor. After leaving active duty with the Marines Travis moved to North Florida where he began both a writing and shooting career. He enjoys a wide variety of firearms, from the latest modern sporting rifle, to the classic M1 Garand. If he’s not shooting he can be found constantly working on his private shooting range, or sipping a craft beer on his porch and spending time with his family.
