Displaying items by tag: Major General Mark Bartman

It's taken nearly half a year -- but the Ohio National Guard is now allowing it's soldiers to carry firearms at all facilities, a response to the attacks this past summer on a Chattanooga, Tennessee Naval recruiting office that killed five,  including the gunman. The FBI declared the shootings "inspired by terrorism."

 

The updated security policies come after a review ordered by Governor John Kasich after heavy criticism that members of the military were not permitted to carry firearms for their own self-protection.

 

Four storefront recruiting centers in Ohio have been closed since the July attack. They were scheduled to reopen yesterday.

 

- - -

 

(Ohio National Guard) The Ohio National Guard has taken steps to increase security at all of its facilities. 

 

At the instruction of Gov. John R. Kasich, in July, the Adjutant General of Ohio, Maj. Gen. Mark E. Bartman, began updating policies and training requirements for personnel at Ohio National Guard facilities and reviewing all security measures at these facilities. 

 

After the completion of this extensive review, Bartman updated the Guard’s policy to authorize Guard members to carry firearms at Ohio National Guard facilities. 

 

"We must take the necessary action to protect our members," Bartman said. "These updated policies will ensure our service men and women may protect themselves in the event of a threat. Their safety is paramount and our first priority." 

 

The four store front recruitment offices that were temporarily closed this July in response to the Chattanooga, Tenn. shootings will be reopened on Dec. 18, 2015.