Oklahoma National Guard soldiers and airmen could soon be carrying weapons at recruiting stations and armories across the state.
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Fallin’s announcement was made after a gunman attacked a military facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee ultimately killing four Marine officers.
“Governor Bentley believes that National Guardsmen should be armed when on state active duty”, according to a statement from the governor’s office. “Interest in the National Guard is strong”, said Patterson.
“At this point we’re not changing anything”, said Eric Durr, a New York National Guard spokesman. “We certainly want our military men and women here to be safe and protected”.
Storefront recruiting centers for the Army National Guard are in Flowood, Greenville, Southaven, Olive Branch, Columbus, Tupelo, Hattiesburg, D’Iberville and Gulfport. “I am also directing Adjutant General Donald Dunbar to evaluate longer-term plans to ensure the safety of our service members”.
One of the main concerns, say officials, is that weapons could be discharged by mistake inside the centers.
The citizens in Gallatin tell the Gallatin News they will be there armed in front of the center until a law is passed to allow recruitment centers to be armed. “The force is still intact, but we will have a different way of having them based”. “That of course includes recruiting stations as well”.
Ricketts says his authorization provides additional protections for service members.
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After the recent shooting in Chattanooga, TN, governors across the country have been taking a stand about protecting our military personnel.
