Military Access to Assault Weapons: Legalities and Rankings

When it comes to the acquisition and ownership of assault weapons by military personnel, various aspects of legal regulation come into play. This article will delve into the specifics, addressing common myths and providing a comprehensive understanding of the rules surrounding the military and assault weapons.

Overview of Military Purchasing Regulations

Under U.S. military procurement regulations, any item to be purchased must be specified in a Request for Bids (RFP) or Request for Proposals (RFP). Due to the lack of an accepted military definition for an "assault weapon," the military cannot legally specify such a weapon for purchase. Instead, they must adhere to established weapon designations.

Proper Channel for Weapon Acquisition

Military personnel may not acquire assault weapons without a proper license and paying the necessary transfer tax. Even if they are in active service, military personnel do not receive any special permissions, despite their extensive training and knowledge in handling weapons. After service, they must relinquish their weapons according to existing regulations.

Weapon Specifications for Military Contracts

Weapon specifications used for military contracts are based on factual and defined criteria. Under military designations, weapons are categorized into various types, such as personnel weapons, which include pistols, bayonets, grenades, and assault rifles. Consequently, assault rifles can be a part of military purchasing contracts, provided they meet the specified requirements and are included in the RFP.

The U.S. arms acquisition framework allows for the procurement of assault rifles as part of military contracts. For instance, the military often purchases anti-materiel rifles, designated marksman rifles, automatic rifles, assault rifles, submachine guns, machine pistols, and machine guns. These weapons are usually purchased using tax dollars.

Private Ownership for the Unorganized Militia

Private citizens within the unorganized militia, such as civilians, must use their own personal funds to purchase their own weapons, including assault weapons. This includes hunting rifles and other types of firearms that are commonly used in civilian settings.

Regulatory Compliance for Military Personnel

Military personnel are subject to the same laws as all citizens when it comes to owning assault weapons. Any individual, including military personnel, who has paid the tax, passed background checks, and submitted the necessary documentation can legally purchase an automatic weapon. Military personnel are not exempt from following the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) regulations, and they must possess the appropriate funds to meet the minimum required for the purchase.

Reflection on Gun Control Legislation

The discussion of military and assault weapons regulations brings to light the broader issue of gun control in the U.S. Despite the claims of some advocates for stricter gun control measures, the reality is that military personnel, due to their rigorous training and background checks, are not exempt from following the same gun laws as the general public. This suggests that the underlying motive behind many gun control measures may not be safety or common sense, but rather a desire for broader gun prohibition.

Military personnel, with their extensive training and discipline, represent a highly trained group that could be an example of the type of individuals who should have the ability to own and use weapons responsibly. However, current gun control measures do not make sufficient allowances for such groups, which highlights the gap between governmental rhetoric and practical application.

In conclusion, while there are specific restrictions and regulations governing military access to assault weapons, it is important to consider the broader implications of these laws and the underlying motivations.