A retired Army special operations veteran is advocating for Congress to extend nationwide concealed carry privileges to qualified former special operators, similar to those granted to retired U.S. law enforcement officers. The argument is that these elite troops, trained extensively, are well-suited to defend both themselves and other Americans.
Gavin Glasenapp served 20 years in the Army, participating in 12 combat deployments. He expressed the necessity of this change to Fox News Digital, emphasizing the unique training of these veterans. Last week, Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., introduced the Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act. This followed a similar bill introduced in April by Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-N.C.
Glasenapp, also the training operations manager at Delta Defense for the U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), noted, “These are proven men and women. They’re specially selected, uniquely trained.” He highlighted their suitability to carry firearms responsibly, aligning with Delta Defense’s belief in Americans’ right to self-defense.
Proponents of the Second Amendment argue that having more well-trained individuals with firearms could make America safer. A notable incident involved an armed bystander in Idaho who stopped a mass shooter using a concealed carry pistol. This incident, among others, underscores the potential benefits of having trained individuals with firearms in public settings.
The nationwide concealed carry reciprocity initiative has faced challenges from gun-control advocates. Expanding the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) to include special ops veterans could allow more responsible firearm owners to counteract threats across state lines.
Glasenapp explained that while retired law enforcement officers can carry concealed firearms nationwide thanks to LEOSA, the same opportunity isn’t available for special operations veterans. Glasenapp emphasized the convenience of this provision, especially for those traveling between states with varying gun laws.
“Our Special Operations Forces spend their careers protecting the American people with unmatched discipline, judgment, and professionalism,” said Sen. Sheehy.
Sen. Sheehy’s proposal includes yearly certification requirements for special ops veterans, requiring state-standard firearms qualifications and a Justice Department-certified course on concealed carry use of force. On the other hand, Rep. Harrigan’s bill simply extends LEOSA standards without additional firearm training certifications.
Glasenapp voiced his opposition to annual recertification, stressing the extensive training special operations veterans already undergo. These veterans are accustomed to dealing with different regulations across jurisdictions, a skill honed from their military experience.
Special operators possess firearms proficiency as part of their core training. An Army infantryman, for example, would be thoroughly conversant with various small arms. Glasenapp highlighted the need for ongoing training to maintain proficiency.
Furthermore, Glasenapp challenged concerns that special operations veterans may handle civilian concealed carry as a combat scenario. He emphasized the importance of understanding different legal responsibilities when carrying as a civilian compared to a combat zone.
Ultimately, Glasenapp supports nationwide concealed carry reciprocity to simplify the varied state laws gun owners face. He strongly hopes for Congress to pass the current proposal, believing it recognizes the skills and judgment of special operators.
“I certainly hope this passes and becomes U.S. code,” Glasenapp concluded.
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