The recent shooting at a military recruiting station in Chattanooga, TN exposed a weakness within our nation’s military, leaving five soldiers dead because they were unarmed and unable to defend themselves. After heated national debate on how to best protect servicemen at recruiting stations and other military installations, the State of Florida has decided to make it easier for active military and veterans to get a concealed carry permit.
As long as service members meet existing requirements and are able to provide correct documentation, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs will expedite the applications of those service members on active duty or those veterans who have been honorably discharged. The department’s goal is to issue permits within 30 days, a third of the time allotted by law.
Currently, the military restricts who is allowed to carry firearms on bases and other installations, such as recruiting centers. This recent step by the State of Florida would do nothing to change existing military rules, however, it may encourage more military members and veterans to apply and receive a permit to carry firearms outside of these areas within the state, as well as within the 34 states that have a reciprocal permit agreement with Florida.
Just last week, the Pentagon issued a statement asking individuals to stand down from guarding recruiting stations, saying it would continue to rely on first responders for the safety of local communities. While the nation waits for Secretary of Defense Ash Carter to review safety recommendations, members of the military will be responsible for watching their own “six”.
For more information on this fast track program for active duty or honorably discharged veterans, please visit the State of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs.
Athena’s Armory, based in Fort Myers, Fl, offers basic and advanced firearms training and multi-state concealed carry permit courses via a network of local, regional and nationally recognized instructors.
