The current directive you cited requires 0-6 or GS15 approval, on a case by case basis. As the article notes, it is very strict (i.e. difficult to obtain such permission)
For example - take a Corporal (E-4) in an infantry unit in the Marines. Suppose he is a team leader by billet. In order to get such authorization, he would have to talk to his squad leader (E-5/Sgt), who would then ask the Plt Sgt (E-6/SSgt), who would then talk to the Plt Cmdr (O-1 or O-2/2nd or 1st Lt).
The Lt would then ask the Company Cmdr (O-3/Cpt). The Co. Comdr would then ask the Battalion Commander (O-5/LtCol), who would then go to the Regimental Commander (O-6/Col) who, by the Directive is the first person in the Corporal's chain of command with the authority to grant authorization, and that's if the Base Commander concurs that an O-6 can make that authorization.
Along the way, the Company Gunny (E-7) and/or the Company 1stSgt (E-8), Battalion SgtMaj (E-9) and likely Regimental SgtMaj would want to speak with the Corporal.
In other words, a snowflake has a better chance surviving in hell than the average service member's chance of getting the approval to carry personal arms on base.
Further proof - When I was stationed at Lejeune the Onslow County Sheriff at the time required a "Command Letter" granting the authorization for a CCW permit. NC law does not require military members to furnish a "Command Letter." The Base did not require such, nor did the tenant commands. My command asked, "What the hell are you talking about?"
The Sheriff wouldn't issue the permit without one.
It finally came to a head and the Base Commander and MEF Commander caved - and it became required (on the military side). The surrounding counties followed suit and their Sheriff's began requiring the letters too.
When I was subsequently stationed at Quantico, the Base Directives made it more difficult to transport/possess weapons on base as well.
The Directive you cite does NOTHING to enable the protection of U.S. service members on base. All it says is that the commanders may.
The policy sets the command level required to approve high enough that the average joe will never get authorization.
The Directive you cite does NOTHING to enable the protection of U.S. service members on base. All it says is that the commanders may.
I'm sure it got lost due to my public education's inability to convey my thoughts clearly, but that was my point. It is the Base Commanders that are prohibiting personal protection carry, not the DoD.
Just like in states that grant school boards the option of allowing their teachers to carry concealed in the classroom, 99+% of them choose not to grant such permission.