If they are on duty, or going or coming to duty station, they would be in uniform. Most Officers would be carrying due to their orders, and it is a breach of uniform to carry if your duty does not require it.
?Military Officers
I have seen many many more Military officers in their uniforms lately and I never ever seen them carrying is there some law that don't allow them too ??
And why should they expose them self wearing uniforms Kinda seems like they're setting them self up for an attack . The way I see it ,it's like seeing a cop patrolling without his weapons . I know some are getting off work but I have talked to a few and they stated they are out just shopping and not on duty nor just got off .
Maybe I am not seeing the picture for the reason maybe someone can help me .I thank them every time for serving for my freedom but seem never to asked this question about them carrying always slip my mind.
And why should they expose them self wearing uniforms Kinda seems like they're setting them self up for an attack . The way I see it ,it's like seeing a cop patrolling without his weapons . I know some are getting off work but I have talked to a few and they stated they are out just shopping and not on duty nor just got off .
Maybe I am not seeing the picture for the reason maybe someone can help me .I thank them every time for serving for my freedom but seem never to asked this question about them carrying always slip my mind.
1 - 20 of 22 Posts
The only time you will see a military member carrying weapons off of an installation in uniform would be if martial law was declared.
I see thanks I am glad to understand that now thank you sirMatch10 said:If they are on duty, or going or coming to duty station, they would be in uniform. Most Officers would be carrying due to their orders, and it is a breach of uniform to carry if your duty does not require it.
False.GA Firing Line said:The only time you will see a military member carrying weapons off of an installation in uniform would be if martial law was declared.
Very False.Hock25 said:False.GA Firing Line said:The only time you will see a military member carrying weapons off of an installation in uniform would be if martial law was declared.
CID, Military Police, etc, investigating a crime related to the military.
Parades.
Burial detail Firing Parties.
Personnel assigned to protect the transportation of weapons, explosives or other sensitive items/material.
Going from one post to another.
Escorting VIP's or persons of interest.
The list goes on...
I would love to see every soldier of Fort Gordon carry all the time. It would certainly turn Augusta-The 
in one of the safest town in the USA.... :righton:
in one of the safest town in the USA.... :righton:
Really it's more of an issue of transporting personal firearms, or military firearms on and off post. Weapons accountability becomes a real issue here. A company commander would not want to issue out guns that technically he is responsible for to his platoon leaders for their personal protection while out in public. As far as I know there is nothing wrong with someone in the military carrying a personal firearm concealed while in uniform, carrying a personal firearm openly would violate uniform regulations. I actually have some experience in this area. I used to take my team out downtown Savannah to work on urban navigation skills. We would be carrying military GPS systems and radios, literally hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of sensitive equipment. These are things that we would not want stolen. But our unit wouldn't let us take pistols and ammo from the arms room. So a few of us carried our personal firearms concealed just to be safe. Of course before traveling back on post we would have to unload them and place them in a case seperate from the ammo.
Anyway my point is that it simply becomes a hassle to carry firearms off post while in uniform, but I agree with the OP, that uniform can make you a target, so carrying is not a bad idea.
Anyway my point is that it simply becomes a hassle to carry firearms off post while in uniform, but I agree with the OP, that uniform can make you a target, so carrying is not a bad idea.
Aaack! Guilty of contributing falsely (which is why I shouldn't post while tired). Thanks for the correction.gruntpain1775 said:Very False.Hock25 said:False.GA Firing Line said:The only time you will see a military member carrying weapons off of an installation in uniform would be if martial law was declared.
CID, Military Police, etc, investigating a crime related to the military.
Parades.
Burial detail Firing Parties.
Personnel assigned to protect the transportation of weapons, explosives or other sensitive items/material.
Going from one post to another.
Escorting VIP's or persons of interest.
The list goes on...
Generally speaking, if would be rare to see a military officer out in the civilian public with a sidearm (carrying for protection) in uniform. Most of the duties above are carried out by enlisted folks.
Also, it really depends on the service. For instance, at my last duty station at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, military personnel weren't even allowed to take any sort of military firearm off base (unless it was the MPs catching speeders through the gates or investigating a related crime nearby). The folks that do carry (OSI or similar special investigations units) were concealed and in civilian attire. In fact, most active duty folks didn't even have access to weapons unless they were on the shooting range for training or flying out to the middle east or performing law enforcement duties.
I always found it frustrating when having to run a pre-deployment processing checklist, because we were ordered to get an M9 issued from the logistics warehouse, then take it over to have it locked up in the armory overnight, THEN come back early in the morning on the way to the airport to check it out and hop on a commercial flight. They wouldn't even let us take it home with the rest of our gear.
I imagine this is NOT the case near marine or army installations.
Thanks for the corrections fellas...my bad.
DK
Aaack! Guilty of contributing falsely (which is why I shouldn't post while tired). Thanks for the correction.GA Firing Line said:Very False.gruntpain1775 said:False.Hock25 said:[quote="GA Firing Line":106bw8aw]The only time you will see a military member carrying weapons off of an installation in uniform would be if martial law was declared.
CID, Military Police, etc, investigating a crime related to the military.
Parades.
Burial detail Firing Parties.
Personnel assigned to protect the transportation of weapons, explosives or other sensitive items/material.
Going from one post to another.
Escorting VIP's or persons of interest.
The list goes on...
Generally speaking, if would be rare to see a military officer out in the civilian public with a sidearm (carrying for protection) in uniform. Most of the duties above are carried out by enlisted folks.
Also, it really depends on the service. For instance, at my last duty station at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, military personnel weren't even allowed to take any sort of military firearm off base (unless it was the MPs catching speeders through the gates or investigating a related crime nearby). The folks that do carry (OSI or similar special investigations units) were concealed and in civilian attire. In fact, most active duty folks didn't even have access to weapons unless they were on the shooting range for training or flying out to the middle east or performing law enforcement duties.
I always found it frustrating when having to run a pre-deployment processing checklist, because we were ordered to get an M9 issued from the logistics warehouse, then take it over to have it locked up in the armory overnight, THEN come back early in the morning on the way to the airport to check it out and hop on a commercial flight. They wouldn't even let us take it home with the rest of our gear.
I imagine this is NOT the case near marine or army installations.
Thanks for the corrections fellas...my bad.
DK[/quote:106bw8aw]
WOW!!!
I see officers around marietta all the time. Saw a major general one day and nearly pooped myself and I'm not even in the military
All good answers, but it comes down to official duty. You cannot carry weapons in uniform unless you are performing official duties or travelling to or from a location where you are performing official duty, as mentioned above. In this case, it must be a gov. issued weapon. In cases such as going to lunch at a cafe or shopping at Wal-Mart--that is a definate No-GO. In order for military to be randomly walking the streets armed, martial would have to be declared (per Posse Commitatus Act), or in the national guards case-a state of emergency. On another note-I cannot even carry my personal weapon to and from base in my vehicle if I am just going to work (or on my person if in uniform), even though I have a GWL.
Yup, I am active duty Officer and absolutely not allowed carry my personally owned weapon in uniform. Bottom line if it isn't G-issued, you can't carry it.Runn'n&Gunn'n said:All good answers, but it comes down to official duty. You cannot carry weapons in uniform unless you are performing official duties or travelling to or from a location where you are performing official duty, as mentioned above. In this case, it must be a gov. issued weapon. In cases such as going to lunch at a cafe or shopping at Wal-Mart--that is a definate No-GO. In order for military to be randomly walking the streets armed, martial would have to be declared (per Posse Commitatus Act), or in the national guards case-a state of emergency. On another note-I cannot even carry my personal weapon to and from base in my vehicle if I am just going to work (or on my person if in uniform), even though I have a GWL.
Even worse, most bases have restrictions with bringing personally owned weapons on and off base..so it is a no go.
Good topic though.
And for the person that saw the Major General and almost
himself...just remember they put their pants on just like the rest of us do...just been doing it longer!
As I understand it, decisions concerning the handling of firearms when transporting on and off-post are up to the commanding officer of each military installation. Carrying while in uniform off-post is an entirely different matter and is something that was decided much higher up the chain.
What I don't understand are the conflicting ideas we're fed on a daily basis. On one hand we are bludgeoned over the head with the idea that service members are targets of opportunity and to stay as low-profile as possible. However, when I am required to leave the military base to conduct business... I can't protect myself? While travelling on official business, we are required to remain in uniform but cannot carry a personal weapon. In light of the recent attack in Frankfurt and the killing spree on Ft Hood, one would think that the issue would be re-examined. Sure wish I was in a position to make policy, but I'm just a lowly SPC.
What I don't understand are the conflicting ideas we're fed on a daily basis. On one hand we are bludgeoned over the head with the idea that service members are targets of opportunity and to stay as low-profile as possible. However, when I am required to leave the military base to conduct business... I can't protect myself? While travelling on official business, we are required to remain in uniform but cannot carry a personal weapon. In light of the recent attack in Frankfurt and the killing spree on Ft Hood, one would think that the issue would be re-examined. Sure wish I was in a position to make policy, but I'm just a lowly SPC.
Nothing to be done there, the U.S. military doesn't have much to say when in comes to carrying a personal weapon overseas, that's what a SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) is for, and in Germany we have to follow their laws there..... which are VERY restrictive.25SockMonkey said:... In light of the recent attack in Frankfurt...
RedLeg17,RedLeg17 said:Nothing to be done there, the U.S. military doesn't have much to say when in comes to carrying a personal weapon overseas, that's what a SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) is for, and in Germany we have to follow their laws there..... which are VERY restrictive.25SockMonkey said:... In light of the recent attack in Frankfurt...
You are absolutely right. I hadn't even considered the SOFA in my argument. I guess we'll just have to go along with those ultra-restrictive laws that seem to be serving their purpose so well. :screwy:
Back in the "good old days" I remember pulling airfield security in [West] Germany where we had to keep the 5.56 in a banded case and were required to call and get permission from Division (going through the various intermediate headquarters first, of course) before we could even break it open. We never had to make the call so I don't even know for sure if the ammo was in mags or still in the stripper clips. Soldiers guarding helo's (OH-58's) with empty weapons and no access to ammo. Yes, insanity ruled. Even with the Baader Meinhoff gang and Red Brigade running about, no one was routinely carrying off post. I guess we were more worried about Soviet tanks rolling through the Fulda gap. (Remember the Evil Empire?) Ah! But we were able to purchase Walther Polizei refurbs through the Rod & Gun club for dirt cheap. PP's were about $100 and P-38's were $125 if memory serves. Wish I still had my 7.65mm PP.
Weapons always stayed locked up in the arms room unless deployed or on special duty. God help you if you lost one in the field during training. At Fort Benning, all Privately Owned Weapon's had to be secured in the unit arms room as well for folks in the barracks, at least where I was.
When I was finally "issued" a .45, or later a 9mm, we never saw a round of ammunition except for qualification day once a year. And this was in Infantry units! Surprised the 1911 got a bad rep for accuracy? The old joke was that the max effective range of the .45 was as far as you could throw it. Of course all of the pistols were older than we were so that didn't help any. (BTW - I currently own a GI model 1911 and love it)
Wearing the uniform off post goes back and forth. At one point (90's?) we were only allowed to stop briefly for gas and "convenience items" while in uniform on the way home (off post). Everyone bitched about that at the time, I imagine they still complain about whatever the uniform policy is at the moment. Bitching is not a soldier's right, it's an obligation!
Sorry for the long post. That dredged up a few memories.
Weapons always stayed locked up in the arms room unless deployed or on special duty. God help you if you lost one in the field during training. At Fort Benning, all Privately Owned Weapon's had to be secured in the unit arms room as well for folks in the barracks, at least where I was.
When I was finally "issued" a .45, or later a 9mm, we never saw a round of ammunition except for qualification day once a year. And this was in Infantry units! Surprised the 1911 got a bad rep for accuracy? The old joke was that the max effective range of the .45 was as far as you could throw it. Of course all of the pistols were older than we were so that didn't help any. (BTW - I currently own a GI model 1911 and love it)
Wearing the uniform off post goes back and forth. At one point (90's?) we were only allowed to stop briefly for gas and "convenience items" while in uniform on the way home (off post). Everyone bitched about that at the time, I imagine they still complain about whatever the uniform policy is at the moment. Bitching is not a soldier's right, it's an obligation!
Sorry for the long post. That dredged up a few memories.
Why do you see it this way?Tech5 said:The way I see it ,it's like seeing a cop patrolling without his weapons.
An off-duty soldier really doesn't compare to an on-duty police officer.
This goes right along with getting searched wail carring a M4 on a plane :screwy: . To many dumb rules. Since I am in the GA guard I don't worry about it when I go to drill carry anyway :lol: . When I was active in the 90's at FT Hood same thing but it was an open post back then no gate guards. If you are in the service its how it is trusted with class 3 weapons during training or range but not trusted with any lead slinger any other time or place. :screwy:
Just a couple of thoughts:
- The federal military in this country does not have police powers (except under very specific conditions)- and that is a good thing. Military members are not trained in law enforcement (MP's excepted) or have any special authority in civil matters.
Domestically, at least for now, as far as I know individual service members in uniform are not significantly more likely to be violently attacked than anyone else. I've not seen any stats indicating otherwise, even considering the Ft Hood attack. That may change, but I'm very thankful of that.
In other countries, in uniform or not, we tend to stick out, (dress, language, haircuts, etc.) and that alone can make us targets. Nothing new there.
1 - 20 of 22 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Georgia Firearm Forums - Georgia Packing
A forum community dedicated to Georgia firearm owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about optics, hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Recommended Communities
