Among the realities of military life on Continental United States (CONUS) military installations is the disarmament of military members. The only service members allowed to carry arms are those whose Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) requires it. For the most part, that means only military police officers can carry arms, and even those troops are restricted as to time and place. They pick up their arms and ammunition just before going on duty, and return them to the armory immediately after going off duty. 

It's one of the ironies of military life that those trusted with military grade weapons to protect American liberty are not allowed to carry the common handguns civilians take for granted. They are, on our military installations, less safe than civilians shopping at WalMart. Military dependents are likewise prohibited from carrying arms on base and are equally vulnerable.

Attacks on military installations such as the Ft. Hood attack on November 5, 2009 where a Muslim Army psychiatrist—there's irony—killed 13, and the Washington Navy Yard attack of Sept. 16, 2013, where 12 were killed and more were injured have drawn attention to the vulnerability of our service members. We're currently seeing multiple attempts every week. 

During Donald Trump's presidency there was some talk of significantly expanding the numbers of armed service members, but little or nothing came of it. Even then, the Obama fundamental transformation of our military from war fighters to social justice warriors had done enormous damage, and the possibility of protecting our service members under the Biden Administration is nonexistent.

Security at US installations, many of which are huge, is lacking. Ft. Bragg is 254.6 square miles. Ft. Campbell is 164 square miles and Ft. Hood is 335 square miles. Most of our installations are protected primarily by chain link fencing, with several entry points manned by troops armed primarily with handguns. With few exceptions, the troops manning such entry points are the lowest ranking, least experienced military police officers. Few installations have rapid response forces equipped with heavier armament and armored vehicles.