Retired Special Ops Advocate for Nationwide Concealed Carry Privileges

A retired Army special operations veteran is advocating for Congress to extend nationwide concealed carry privileges to qualified former special operators. This privilege is currently enjoyed by retired U.S. law enforcement officers. The veteran stresses that these elite troops have unique training to protect both themselves and others.

Gavin Glasenapp, who served 20 years with 12 combat deployments, emphasized to Fox News Digital that it ‘needs to happen’. The Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act was introduced by Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., and follows a similar bill presented in April by Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-N.C.

Glasenapp, now involved with Delta Defense for the U.S. Concealed Carry Association, believes these are ‘proven men and women’ with unique training. ‘They are specially selected and uniquely trained,’ Glasenapp noted.

**Proven Skills and Rights**

Glasenapp outlines that no better group exists to protect themselves and those around them. He cites the core value that every American has the inalienable right to self-defense. Second Amendment supporters argue that when more well-trained individuals have guns, it helps maintain safety.

President Donald Trump’s viral post highlighted the ongoing issue of gun violence, using Chicago as an example. Trump’s post mentioned over 273 Americans shot, raising awareness on the matter.

A notable incident in Idaho illustrated this point. An armed bystander in Twin Falls engaged a shooter, preventing further tragedy using his concealed carry training. The bystander, Jordan Salinas, utilized the ‘OODA loop’ protocol – Observe, Orient, Decide, Act – showcasing situational awareness and effective action.

**Extension of Rights to Special Ops Veterans**

Nationwide concealed carry reciprocity, aiming to simplify carrying state to state, often faces barriers. However, expanding the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) to include special ops veterans would enable more trained individuals to deter violence.

Glasenapp explains that LEOSA benefits retired law enforcement by simplifying legal carrying across states. He stresses that similar considerations should be extended to special operations veterans. ‘For example, on a cross-country trip, like retired law officers, veterans could carry without constantly verifying state laws,’ Glasenapp remarked.

**Proposed Legislation**

The proposed Senate and House bills have distinct components. Sheehy’s Senate bill includes yearly certification requirements for eligible veterans. This entails state-level firearm qualifications and completing a Justice Department-certified concealed carry course.

Harrigan’s House bill would extend LEOSA standards to special ops veterans without additional certification for firearms training. Glasenapp argues against mandatory re-certification, noting their extensive training and qualification throughout their careers.

The legislation targets veterans who have undergone special operations assessment, training, and carried specialized designations. Glasenapp emphasizes the advanced proficiency in firearms many operators have, ensuring their seamless adaptation to various regulations, even when traveling internationally.

He also disputes assumptions that veteran operations experience equates to civilians carrying firearms irresponsibly. Holding a Tennessee concealed carry permit, Glasenapp underscores the distinct legal obligations between civilian life and combat situations. ‘Become familiar with local, state, and federal laws,’ he advises.

Glasenapp advocates for broader concealed carry reciprocity, highlighting current complexities for gun owners traveling interstate. He expresses his hope that these legislative proposals succeed, affirming, ‘I certainly hope this passes and becomes U.S. code.’