Military Times reported as part of the recent National Defense Authorization Act a provision that would relax regulations for the carry of weapons to include some personal weapons on military bases which are gun free zones.

The provision though was extremely weak and more of a “feel good” measure than a real change.  Additional flexibility in the carry of weapons would have been left to the initiative of military installation commanders.  Installation commanders already have this authority and the military has repeatedly stated it does not have a need to increase the freedom of troops to enjoy their second amendment rights while on base as the body count increases after incidents like Ft. Hood, the Washington Navy Yard and Chattanooga.

In any case, in a relatively rare move the NDAA was vetoed by the President.  Reasons he cited were restrictions in closing Gitmo and Congress’ unwillingness to increase social spending by eliminating ALL sequestration restrictions.  Congress has been using operational budgeting work arounds to make up some of the difference in budgeting caused by sequestration.

Troops continue to serve in the largest gun free zones in the US, military installations which restrict all state issued personal concealed carry licenses.  Military budgeting will also be held hostage to facilitate the closing of Gitmo and increase social spending.