Mike, not meant as a critisim, but, when our military personnel are in garrison, i.e., at their homebase, they do not walk around with their weapons at the ready. All munitions are accounted for and reside in armories or other types of lock-up and are generally under very strict control. If not, there would be many more on-base shooting incidents.

Also, the troops there are trained in combat roles, not SWAT tactics. That is left to the professional law enforcement types and many military bases have mutual aide agreements in-place to cover fires, rescues, shooters, etc. with the local municipalities. While I am certain Ft. Hood has a Military Police presence, there may or may not have been a trained and skilled SWAT element from there and for many bases, even though they are on Federal land, the first responders, and often times the best trained responders, are the local municipalities.

It would not surprise me to learn that rehersals for events such as this tragedy (active shooter) have been conducted in the past and that the response provided was timely, measured and effective, in comparison to everyone trying to draw down and bag the shooter 1st.

I'm sure all of us extend out sympathies to the families of those who died and wish the wounded speedy recoveries. Just as I'm sure we all express our support to the men and women of the military and to those of the first responders.

Jim