[Sherman Logan]

Both of these Ft. Hood shootings would have had far less death or injuries if the military men and women on base had weapons on them.

No doubt true.

However, we should probably keep in mind that this is not some new age leftist policy. My understanding is that military men for centuries have generally not carried weapons or ammunition except as issued them for particular exercises or missions.

This probably goes back to when rank and file soldiers were recruited from the lower and often criminal classes, and basically the officers were always concerned about the possibility of mutiny.

So the officers went armed at all times (officer's sidearms) and the soldiers did not.

[Desparado]

Our family has traveled in Israel, and in that country every one in the military carries a weapon with them whether on or off duty. It is common to see young men and women out in the streets of Jerusalem and other cities in restaurants, night clubs and stores with an Uzzi slung over their shoulder. Street crime is non existent there. Probably because everywhere you go you see armed people carrying on with their every day lives.

[Sweating_Bullets]

I participated in two Team Spirit exercises with full combat gear and M16s. We were not issued any live ammo. However while on base Rat Patrol we had Colt 1911s with two mags of Winchester 45 ACP but could not carry with the mag loaded. Ha! We all all slapped a mag in as soon as we left the COD!

Let the guys carry!