Tuesday, July 21, 2015
News from the Oklahoma Army National Guard ......................................................
July 21, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oklahoma National Guard finalizing plans to arm some Soldiers and Airmen
Oklahoma City - The Oklahoma National Guard (OKNG) is vigorously staffing guidelines and implementation measures for immediately arming certain military personnel at National Guard facilities across the state. Additionally, force protection and security measures for every facility under the control of the National Guard are being reevaluated and enhanced, if necessary.
The OKNG is taking these actions in accordance with Governor Mary Fallin's Executive Order issued Friday to the Adjutant General for Oklahoma, Maj. Gen. Robbie L. Asher, authorizing the use of weapons to protect personnel and property.
"Our Soldiers and Airmen greatly appreciated Governor Fallin's immediate response to better ensure their safety in the wake of the tragedy in Chattanooga," said Asher. "She was the first governor in the country to step up and authorize the Guard to arm personnel in an effort to protect our servicemen and women from those that wish to do them harm."
The National Guard is in a unique position to undertake additional security measures as directed by each state's governor, who are the commander in chief of the National Guard in each state.
Army and Air National Guard regulations allow for the arming of certain military personnel and the Oklahoma National Guard is currently determining which Soldiers and Airmen will begin routinely carrying firearms.
The OKNG expects those arming decisions will be made this week and rapidly implemented across the state.
The Guard operates eight storefront recruiting centers like the one in Chattanooga, Tenn., where four Marines and a Sailor were slain on Thursday.