The world as we know it has evolved and its time that we, as a nation, accept the fact that our enemies will no longer wait for us to come to them. Terrorist entities have, in growing frequency and scale of violence, brought the fight to America. There have been public calls by those in positions of power amongst such organizations to attack our military personnel and/or installations here in our homeland both by organized cells and lone wolf actors. We witnessed the horror of the Ft. Hood massacre and more recently the executions of four Marines and a sailor in Chattanooga and submit those as proof of the need for this action.

It is clear that the paradigm has shifted and as such our security posture needs to do so as well. For this reason we submit the following for considerations by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, US DOD:

1) All military personnel who have attained the rank of Staff Non Commissioned Officer (SNCO) and above be afforded the opportunity to carry a side arm on their person at all times and in all States regardless of that State's open or concealed carry regulations. These personnel are trained in safe weapons handling and with few exceptions possess a security clearance. Permitting these personnel to do so will enhance deterrence as well as decrease reaction time in the event of an attack on our servicemen and women.

2) Military personnel of all ranks be forbidden from wearing their uniform or physical training apparel aboard commercial aircraft, trains, etc. Doing so simply provides a would be attacker a priority list of whom to dispense first once they commence their action.

We are proud of our military men and women and need to take this action in order to ensure their safety, as they secure ours, in a world that has grown more perilous through the employment of asymmetric warfare. The fight is here.