Blue Fox

Starting with the school shooter in Virginia, who stopped to reload in the classroom, why haven't students been trained to throw desks and chairs at these maniacs? And once having subdued the nut use the chairs and desks to beat the hell of of him.

Desks, chairs ,books, marble book ends, brief cases, etc. are all potential weapons and should be used to unbalance and overpower these insane assailants.

While the above deals with the immediate problem a longer term solution might be to re-institute the draft.

Had this been in place this shooter might have been identified as a potential menace as early as the reception center or certainly during his tour of duty, given the extensive testing employed by all branches of the military.

Requiring all 18 year olds to serve 6 months or a year of military service would help to give them a sense of 'giving back' to the nation; enhance their feelings of self respect; untie the mother's apron strings (see helicopter moms); self-reliance; experience the traditional mark of a free man (keeping and bearing arms); and lastly, learn about other peoples and disciplines as well as offering educational and career paths.

No law can prevent the next lunatic attack but recognizing that everyday objects can also serve as effective weapons coupled with real-life training in their use should help to mitigate the damage of the next attack.

proud republican Loc: RED CALIFORNIA

great idea on paper, but when you stare at the barrel of AR-15 i dont think chairs and tables are on my mind!!I think where can i hide,so i stay alive!!!..Besides,Blue,these are just kids 14-15 yrs old!!!!..If these were adults, then i probably would agree with you...

1ProudAmerican

"Desks, chairs ,books, marble book ends, brief cases, etc. are all potential weapons and should be used to unbalance and overpower these insane assailants."

I had always hear this was the thing to do...throw things as to rush the shooter. Yes, a couple may be shot but it's hard to aim while dodging books, etc.. Wasp spray might also work as it sprays around 20' ... if it doesn't blind them they'll probably be coughing really bad because it smells so bad. All rather primitive but better than nothing.

Blue Fox

Clearly, the students have to be trained. This is not a theoretical exercise. Devising scenarios and using dummy shooters and victims it is possible to create a defense reflex in the students.
If memory serves that shooting in Virginia was at a college.

Not only can this be done, I think it must be done.

PLT Sarge Loc: Alabama

Having spent thirty-eight years in the military, this is something that I have advocated for the last ten years. When a person turns eighteen if they are physical able should do at least a year Active Duty Training. We have so many young people at this age that have no idea where to go or what to do with their lives. These young people don't need to be trained in Drill, instead in basics. First Aid, the Army has three levels. Self aid, Buddy aid and MEDAVAC. Need to be trained in survival. Find out what these young people are good at and train them in that, give them something to take into the civilian world. Think, these kids grew up on Video Games, Cyber Warfare. Given the information there is no telling what these kids could come up. My great grandson amazes me with his knowledge and expertise. Another thing, there are so many jobs in the military that involve computers. I believe if a person has a handicap, in a wheel chair or any way being restricted and other than these limitations should be given the right to serve. What this will do. When we have another 9/11 and it's coming. We will have an army of young civilians, trained to support our Brave First Responders. Police and Firefighters.

mongo Loc: TEXAS

I agree with you Sarge, military service would help
form good character, and work ethics in our teens.
It would provide a useful trade when they discharged, and
they would respect what this country stands for as well!

SEMPER FI

boatbob2

Hi,Plt Sgt,After 21 years 9 months and 18 days,Retired US Army SFC E-7,I feel qualified,to post,,,,NO,NO,NO,75 % of American kids ,I would NOT want in MY US Military,they are ignorant,loud mouths,trouble makers. As A Plt Sgt nowadays,you cant even scream at these punks,Keep our Military,for the 25% good younguns,leave the trouble makers,stay out.

PLT Sarge Loc: Alabama

I have to disagree. I understand your sentiment. However, in the last maybe ten years, I saw the change in these young soldiers assigned to my platoon. Some of them were all that you noted. But I would get one on one with them. Asked questions about their lives, their family, birthdays, marriage, children. Keeped a notebook of all my troops. Keep a record of Counseling Statements. Good and bad. Got to know my new troops. If their Mom or Dad was ailing, from time to time ask them, How's your Mom doing ? And take the time to listen and care. Would always look for clicks. There will always be a leader. I had one young troop, pain in my ass. But she was leading a click, saw leadership. Talked with her, found out what she wanted to do with her life. Why she joined the Army. Started g***ming her, helped her advance in rank. When she gained confidence in herself, her click followed. She became one of my best Section Sargents, later became my First Sargent. The bad eggs we got rid of. As E7's that is part of the job. Weeding and growing.