Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Department of Defense spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis reiterated the existing department policy of not supporting arming all military personnel.
Lawmakers and elected officials at the national, state and local levels have proposed changing the policy in the wake of a shooting at a Chatanooga recruiting station last week that left five servicemen killed.
“We do not support arming all military personnel,” Davis said.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Marine Corps put out a statement saying, “While we greatly appreciate the support of the American public during this tragedy, we ask that citizens do not stand guard at our recruiting offices. Our continued public trust lies among our trained first responders for the safety of the communities where we live and work.”