Get the Training
As a former Army Officer, Pilot and now FED I never expected to see so many military types opposed to advocating a military officer owning a handgun. I do however, understand all the different perspectives. Bottom line is that you need the formal training; you have to have a plan; you have to have a way of storing the gun to prevent the theft of the gun itself (as mentioned before in the thread) which is expensive to do correctly. I own an 800lb safe with motion detection deafening alarm and 12 hatch 3inch x 3inch bolt locks with electronic key pad and key lock. Of course, I've always owned guns since I was able to shoot one, and I'm very comfortable handling most kinds of rifles, shotguns and pistols. The Education is of utmost importance and I am simply reiterating what was already said there. Just some things to think about if you've never owned a gun before.
As a former Army Officer, Pilot and now FED I never expected to see so many military types opposed to advocating a military officer owning a handgun. I do however, understand all the different perspectives. Bottom line is that you need the formal training; you have to have a plan; you have to have a way of storing the gun to prevent the theft of the gun itself (as mentioned before in the thread) which is expensive to do correctly. I own an 800lb safe with motion detection deafening alarm and 12 hatch 3inch x 3inch bolt locks with electronic key pad and key lock. Of course, I've always owned guns since I was able to shoot one, and I'm very comfortable handling most kinds of rifles, shotguns and pistols. The Education is of utmost importance and I am simply reiterating what was already said there. Just some things to think about if you've never owned a gun before.