Legislation introduced in both the House and Senate aims to extend concealed carry privileges to qualified former special operations veterans, mirroring rights currently held by retired law enforcement officers. The proposed bills, known as the Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act, seek to grant these elite service members the ability to carry firearms nationwide, arguing their rigorous selection and training make them exceptionally suited for such responsibilities.
Gavin Glasenapp, a retired 20-year Army special operations veteran and training operations manager at the U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), is a vocal advocate for the legislation. He argues that these individuals are "proven men and women" who are "specially selected and uniquely trained," making them ideal candidates for nationwide concealed carry permissions. Glasenapp stated, "I can think of no better group of people to be equipped to defend themselves and others around them."
Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., introduced the Senate version of the bill, while Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-N.C., introduced a companion bill in the House. The proposed legislation expands upon the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), which allows retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms across state lines. Supporters argue that this expansion is a logical step, recognizing the comparable training and judgment of special operations personnel.
Distinctions in Proposed Legislation
While both bills share the goal of extending concealed carry rights, they differ in their requirements. Senator Sheehy's version mandates annual firearms qualification at the individual's expense, along with completion of a Justice Department-certified "Concealed Carry Use of Force in Society" course. Representative Harrigan's bill, conversely, proposes to simply extend LEOSA standards to special operations veterans without requiring separate firearms training certifications, asserting that their existing military qualifications are sufficient.
Glasenapp expressed a preference against mandatory annual recertification for special operations veterans, noting that both communities have extensive, ongoing training with firearms throughout their careers. He believes that the inherent proficiency developed during special operations service should be recognized without additional, potentially redundant, certification requirements.
Training and Judgment of Special Operators
Supporters of the legislation emphasize that special operations veterans possess a unique skillset that includes intense firearms proficiency and a deep understanding of situational awareness, often referred to as the OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act). Glasenapp highlighted that these individuals are accustomed to operating under evolving rules and regulations in diverse environments, both domestically and internationally, enabling them to adapt quickly.
Glasenapp also addressed concerns that military experience might lead special operators to treat civilian concealed carry as a combat operation. He stressed that carrying a firearm as a civilian involves distinct legal responsibilities and requires different decision-making processes than operating in a combat zone. He stated that carrying a concealed firearm in civilian life is "going to be different than when you’re in a combat zone" and emphasized the importance of understanding local, state, and federal laws.
Special operations forces undergo a rigorous selection process and specialized training, including continuous qualification with various small arms. The proposed legislation defines a qualified special operator as a former service member who completed a special operations assessment, underwent qualification training, and held a recognized special warfare or special operations occupational specialty.
Advocates believe that affording special operations veterans the same concealed carry privileges as retired law enforcement officers is a matter of recognizing their lifelong commitment to service and their demonstrated capabilities. Glasenapp concluded, "I think it needs to happen."