America, it’s time for a real conversation. Let’s drop the pretenses and address the issues we’re facing without delusion. The truth is, we’re failing as a society, and it’s imperative that we do better. Lives are at stake. At this alarming rate, it’s not a matter of if your children or mine will be involved in a shooting, but when. These events occur every 60 hours on average in the United States. If you think you’re immune to this, think again. Let’s discuss.
I’ll begin. I am a veteran of the Army, and I have experience with M-4 rifles, which are essentially AR-15s with a few added features that are rarely utilized. About 70% of my weapons training revolved around that specific rifle, with the remainder split among various machine guns and grenade launchers. My experience mirrors that of many soldiers from my era. Most of us are proficient with the M-4, and we appreciate it for its effectiveness. I achieved the Expert badge every time I qualified at the range, starting from Basic Training.
This isn’t an uncommon scenario. I can name countless fellow soldiers and veterans who have had similar experiences. The M-4 is user-friendly, low-recoil, easy to maintain, and lightweight. I’m likely more accurate with it than with almost any other firearm. I genuinely enjoy marksmanship as a discipline, and during my service, I took every opportunity to practice both skills.
However, enough is enough. My instinct is to view firearms like the AR-15 as no big deal due to my background. It’s my default response, as my training makes it familiar. While I may have only fired at paper targets on ranges in Texas, Georgia, and Missouri, those weapons were not designed for sport. They were intended for use against people. At times, those targets were even given hats to resemble individuals.
Training taught me to aim for “center mass,” a larger target than the head, because injuring an enemy soldier rather than killing him immediately could lead to more casualties as his comrades attempt to assist him. This is how my Drill Sergeant explained it. While there may be various perspectives on this, the fact remains that my marksmanship training in the Army was about efficiency in combat, not competition shooting or hunting.
As a self-identified pacifist now, I find it unsettling to articulate these truths, but they are undeniable. Every weapon used by a U.S. Army soldier is designed with the sole purpose of killing. The rifles we are familiar with, like the AR-15, are not intended for hunting or target practice; they are designed for taking lives. Let’s stop pretending otherwise.
Is it any wonder that nearly all mass shooters in recent U.S. history have utilized AR-15s? These rifles are equipped for high-capacity magazines, easy handling, minimal recoil, and exceptional accuracy—attributes that make them ideal for such heinous acts. They are readily available at major retailers, and in many states, you only need to be 18 years old with valid ID to purchase one. If a young individual were to design a weapon for mass shootings, the AR-15 would be the prototype.
The lethality and accessibility of this rifle should preclude civilian ownership. Society has no need for such weapons. Interestingly, during my service, I never carried an M-4 outside of the range. Our rifles were stored in the arms room, maintained and readied for training or deployment. We didn’t carry them around for personal pride. In garrison, we relied on military police armed with 9 mm Berettas to ensure our safety. This system has proven effective, resulting in fewer incidents on military posts compared to civilian life. Perhaps it’s time for the largely untrained civilian population to adopt similar practices.
I understand the desire for gun ownership; that’s valid. However, we must consider how we regulate it. Just as we manage car ownership—requiring licenses and holding individuals accountable for driving without one—we should apply similar standards to firearms. We regulate potentially dangerous activities for the safety of others, and gun ownership should be no exception.
From cars to exotic pets, we have guidelines in place to minimize risks. Yet, gun ownership remains largely unregulated, leading to tragic consequences. I can’t drive a Formula One car to work, no matter how skilled I am behind the wheel. The risk is too high for society. But when it comes to owning an AR-15, the argument often shifts to “it’s my right.” This is flawed reasoning.
Yes, the Second Amendment exists, but it was designed to be adaptable. We can implement gun control measures without infringing on the right to bear arms. You can still own a hunting rifle or a shotgun for recreational shooting. But military-grade rifles? They are unnecessary.
Some argue that they need these weapons to guard against tyranny. Seriously? Do you really think an individual weapon could withstand government force? One grenade would be all it takes. It’s time to abandon these fantasies of armed resistance. Most likely, you just want a cool toy, and for many, that’s all an AR-15 is—a fun way to spend an afternoon at the range. While some individuals may handle these firearms responsibly, the potential for danger remains.
Military-style rifles have been involved in the mass shootings that have made the United States the leading country for such tragedies. It’s time to acknowledge that we don’t need these weapons in civilian life. Children are dying. We must take action.
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Summary:
As a military veteran, I argue against the mindset of “F*ck you, I like guns.” In light of the rising gun violence and mass shootings in the U.S., it’s essential to recognize the dangers of military-grade rifles like the AR-15 and advocate for responsible gun ownership regulations. Society has a responsibility to protect its citizens, especially children, from firearm-related tragedies.