Military Pistol Standard (Not a Pistol Selection)

[cory]

You'll want some more consensus and input across the board, to include that of CID investigators, NCIS, MPs, Infantry, etc.

One major concern they are going to have is accountability of military weapons that are transferred on and off post, as well as disgruntled soldier/Marine incidents.

Will the risk to benefit ratio favor "lone wolves" who were abused by their Chain of Command, or will it favor prevention of more incidents on and off post?

I recall an incident in the 82nd where some knuckleheads drew weapons and went and robbed a bank downtown in Fayetteville.

These concerns will have to be weighed and addressed. There are certain career management fields and units that this should be happening in already who are in a different trust level, but it also raises the question of equality and the ability to defend oneself, since the military has largely failed to enhance force protection in a meaningful way.

I don't disagree here. However, before we have this conversation I think we need to understand that as long as we allow children to fight our wars (18 - 21 year olds) they are going to make stupid decisions from time to time. (Yes they are still children as was I when I joined at 18 because society has not forced them to grow up and accept responsibility for themselves at that point.) On top of that, the military is huge with Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen of all different backgrounds. No matter what command does, there will be incidents from time to time. Now what is to blame for it, a pistol, a 6 pack of beer, a lightly guarded bank, or the bad decision of an individual.

As much as I hated it, I didn't include LCPLs or Private in my suggestion for off duty carry. I do think it needs to be an earned privilege, which would cut down on a lot of your concerns mentioned above. Now on duty carry by E1s, E2s, and E3s I think should be at the discretion of their immediate NCO (read Squad Leader).

Let me add that I'm seeking as much input and consensus of qualified opinions as possible.