Why is it that soldiers do not have the right to bear arms?

[Toots]

They are assigned a weapon and never allowed to take that weapon out of the armory unless good cause and they are forbidden from owning their own firearms on base. Why are they denied their second amendment rights? These people of all Americans should know best how to operate and maintain a weapon but are not authorized to own one..:shrug:

[tuckessee]

1. You consider Iraq a good use of weapons? Sheesh....n/t

[Toots]

2. I don't get to make those decisions...Sorry

Someone felt there was cause to issue those weapons and it wasn't me.....

[ThomWV]

3. They do when not on duty and not on property where carrying is not allowed

Just like anyone else.

[nebenaube]

4. Since when are they forbidden to own personal weapons on base?

I got my first gun on base at the Rod & Gun Club when I was 12, my dad (the soldier) bought it for me. Then we went over to the private indoor range (on base) and officers in the 27th Marksmanship Unit taught me how to shoot it. We did that every saturday for about two years. I didn't have to have a case to transport it either. As far as their assigned weapon - that's a machine gun.

edit: not to metion that there's usally the trap & skeet range on post as well.

[Toots]

6. It is possible that in homes on base for officers that rule does not apply

I was never an officer, but I do know that for enlisted personnel living on base firearms were prohibited..

[nebenaube]

9. maybe in the barracks...

I don't know pops was a NCO.

[Kingshakabobo]

5. You give up a lot of rights when you sign on that dotted line and submit....

...to the UCMJ.

[Retired AF Dem]

7. Everyone on base can own private fire arms

Single folks aren't allowed to keep firearms in the barracks and must be stored else ware. Military living in base housing can keep them in their houses.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

8. I would have happily given up my "right" to tote that goddam M1 around.

And, all the other junk they saddled us with.

But, they wouldn't let me.