WASHINGTON (CNN) — The National Rifle Association said after a deadly shooting at a military facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, that the rule that prohibits U.S. military men from carrying firearms on military installations was “outrageous.”
The powerful gun lobby on Monday called on the White House to repeal its Pentagon directive that regulates who can carry firearms and then for Congress to “pursue a legislative fix to ensure that our service men and women are allowed to defend themselves on U.S. soil.”
Troops on recruiting bases aren’t armed.
“It’s outrageous that members of our armed services have lost their lives because the government has forced them to be disarmed in the workplace,” said Chris Cox, the leader of the NRA’s legislative and political shop.
Since the shooting last Thursday that killed five service members, several governors have aimed to strengthen protection at National Guard facilities in their states, including some states choosing to arm their National Guard unit.
The Pentagon has reacted more slowly: Defense Secretary Ash Carter has asked military branches to recommend ways to beef up security on bases and installations, but at first only announced relatively modest steps in the aftermath of the shooting.
“Obviously force protection everywhere around the world, abroad and now at home, is a big priority for us at the department, and will continue to be,” Carter said Friday.
