Oklahoma National Guard Finalizing Plans To Arm Some Soldiers, Airmen

The Oklahoma National Guard is finalizing plans to arm some soldiers and airmen, following an attack that killed four Marines and a Navy officer in Chattanooga, Tennessee, last week.

According to officials, the Oklahoma National Guard 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 Guard 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.

7/17/2015 Related Story: Gov. Fallin Authorizes Arming Full-Time Military Personnel

"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.  

National Guard officials said they expect 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.