The civilian guards should stand down

“Operation Hero Guard” certainly has a nice ring to it.

But the impromptu effort by a group to help defend members of the military working in a local recruiting center is a flawed solution to a problem that requires the attention of Washington, not the protection of well-intended civilians.

Beginning Monday, a handful of armed men began standing guard outside the U.S. armed forces recruiting stations in Cleburne and Burleson. Their mission, as they see it, is to protect uniformed men and women who are not permitted to arm and protect themselves.

In Texas, gun owners are permitted to carry long guns in most public places. Those with licenses may carry concealed handguns now and can carry openly under a law taking effect Jan. 1.

But because of long-held restrictions on U.S. service members arming themselves while at military facilities, soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen — in Texas or any other state — must check their weapons at the door.

That policy has been in effect for more than two decades, and it hasn’t always been a problem. But in recent years, attacks on uniformed military, both on bases and at recruiting stations, have increased dramatically.

The most recent assault was last week in Chattanooga, Tenn., and cost the lives of four Marines and a sailor.

The security of military recruiters should not depend on hastily assembled civilians with guns. If they need protection before Washington can re-examine its policies, it should come from people who are specifically trained to provide it.

One volunteer told the Star-Telegram’s Robert Cadwallader it is unacceptable for soldiers who risked their lives overseas to face gunfire at their home duty stations.

Those sentiments seem earnest, but the tactic being used in support is wrong, not to mention impractical.

And it’s unlikely the civilian guard, which must be intimidating to some, is doing much to help recruitment efforts.

Appropriately, leaders in Washington are reviewing the weapons policy. While they do, civilian forces would best serve our soldiers by standing down.

This story was originally published July 22, 2015 at 5:31 PM with the headline "The civilian guards should stand down."