In a September presentation, Gen. James Amos, commandant of the United States Marine Corps, called for several changes to institutional policies for the USMC.
Among them: arming all on-duty marines, all the time.
This would be a departure from the current protocols established under the Clinton administration, followed by all of the military branches which limits access to firearms to most service men and women while they are on duty unless firearms are part of performing their duty, such as for military police officers.
The Commandant’s presentation came about a week after numerous people were killed by a lone gunman at the Washington, DC, Navy Yard. It is unknown if the Navy Yard incident prompted the suggestion.
The arming of on duty marines was just one of several suggestions made by the Commandant according to Military Times.
The plan stretches well beyond improving safety, however. Amos’ briefing slides say that while the Corps has been successful fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, “we are now seeing signs that our institutional fabric is fraying.” He cites sexual assault, hazing, drunken driving, fraternization and failure to maintain personal appearance standards among the issues he wants addressed.
Amos also wants security cameras installed in barracks, more non-commissioned officers and officers on duty, especially at night, and a better focus on leadership, personal appearance, and physical conditioning.
His presentation to general officers came six months after the Officer Candidates School at Quantico was put on lock-down late March 21 following an apparent murder-suicide. Marine officials said Sgt. Eusebio Lopez, 25, shot and killed Cpl. Jacob Wooley, 23, and Lance Cpl. Sara Castro Mata, 19, before turning his gun on himself. All three Marines were staff members at the school, considered a revered proving ground for prospective Marine officers.
