After the deadly attacks committed by 24-year-old Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez July 16 at a Marine Corps recruiting center and Naval Reserve Center, which resulted in the deaths of four Marines and one sailor, congressional researchers came to an answer.
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A new report released by the Congressional Research Service, however, finds that Defense Secretary Ash Carter has the authority to issue firearms to troops stationed in the U.S., effectively clearing up uncertainty surrounding the matter.
“This incident and the ongoing threat underscore the need for DoD to revise its force protection and security policies, programs, and procedures, particularly for off-installation DoD facilities”, Carter said.
But former senior military officers who are sharpshooters and have served in high government posts urged caution, saying many U.S. troops have only basic skills with weapons, especially those with no experience in combat or war zones. Military personnel are generally prohibited from carrying firearms at recruitment centers and bases, but he reminded the chiefs that existing policy allows for armed personnel for security, law enforcement and counterintelligence duties.
“Looking at arming personnel doesn’t mean that’s what the services will ultimately decide”, Davis said. “The solutions (military leaders) advance should be comprehensive and equivalent to the known threat posed to our service members”.
Additional safety measures are being considered as the Navy – along with the other services and combatant commanders – prepares force protection action plans due to Carter by August 21.
“I’m sure that the service chiefs, as they look at this, will be well aware of the constraints that they face in doing this, and that will be part of their plans”, Capt. Davis said. Secretary Carter should move these policy changes forward deliberately and without unnecessary delay.
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“It’s extremely important that we give our military members who are targets the right to defend themselves”, said Virginia Delegate Scott Taylor.
