Good job SD

[fightingquaker13]

You can enlist in the National guard at 16,(at least you could in 1990) if you are wind up in an MP unit you are carrying a handgun

Being an MP and a cop are very different though. You've got a whole lot more discretion as a cop, and a greater chance to ruin someone's life in a fit of immaturity. I'm not bashing cops here, I just want someone with a little bit of life experience under their belt making these calls.
FQ13

[nupe]

Isn't it FEDERAL law that you have to be 18 to own a firearm and 21 to own a handgun? I might be mistaken but if not why is SD issuing CCWs to those under 21? At least thats the implication I got from the post. Don't get me wrong, I think 18 is fine, if you're old enough to go to war or be executed, you should be old enough to buy a beer or own (and carry) a gun.
FQ13

Acctually here in SD if you are 18 you can own a handgun, but you cannot buy the gun or ammo.  Kind of messed up but I guess it is a nice loophole.

[tt11758]

If they've got the degree that's fine. I kind of agree with the army on this. You will generally not make E5 or better (barring battlefeild promotion) in your first enlistment. Not because you're dumb, just because you need some experience first. Its also why they commision 20 or 21 year olds as officers. They figure that 4 years of college and living on your own gives that perspective. I agree with this (mostly) and think if you've held down a job and gotten a degree you're ok. I was just responding to the idea of a cop that just graduated from HS, went to the academy and was out on patrol. I think we would all agree that that is "less than ideal" to put it mildly.
FQ13

And the point I was trying to make is that neither years nor education necessarily equals maturity.  By the same token, I know many LEOs who have had FAR more experience handling weapons by the time they were 18 than some of their LEO counterparts had by the time they had been on the job for 10 years.

In short, I think that the danger comes in painting with too broad a brush.  Afterall, much like not all college professors are knee-jerk liberal asshats, not all 20 year olds are inexperienced, immature mama's boys.   

Have a nice day.

[Erusen]

In short, I think that the danger comes in painting with too broad a brush. 

Did we wander into some thread tangent based on that old painting show with Bob Ross? "Sprinkle in a nice little tree over there."    Just kidding!  I actually agree. I think we need to be careful about not saying a minimum age preference for our peace officers to be carrying a gun. You know just how fast the anti's would turn it around and say that "untrained" civilians should not have a gun below that minimum either.

[tt11758]

Did we wander into some thread tangent based on that old painting show with Bob Ross? "Sprinkle in a nice little tree over there."    Just kidding!  I actually agree. I think we need to be careful about not saying a minimum age preference for our peace officers to be carrying a gun. You know just how fast the anti's would turn it around and say that "untrained" civilians should not have a gun below that minimum either.

And "Bingo" was his name-o.   

[Sponsor]

[tombogan03884]

Did we wander into some thread tangent based on that old painting show with Bob Ross? "Sprinkle in a nice little tree over there."    Just kidding!  I actually agree. I think we need to be careful about not saying a minimum age preference for our peace officers to be carrying a gun. You know just how fast the anti's would turn it around and say that "untrained" civilians should not have a gun below that minimum either.

After almost 2 pages it would be an absolute miracle if we hadn't. 

[Hazcat]

Did we wander into some thread tangent based on that old painting show with Bob Ross? "Sprinkle in a nice little tree over there."    Just kidding!  I actually agree. I think we need to be careful about not saying a minimum age preference for our peace officers to be carrying a gun. You know just how fast the anti's would turn it around and say that "untrained" civilians should not have a gun below that minimum either.

WOW! Haven't heard that name in a long time. I used to love to turn him on when I was sick in bed.  His voice would put me right to sleep!

[tt11758]

WOW! Haven't heard that name in a long time. I used to love to turn him on when I was sick in bed.  His voice would put me right to sleep!

I know I'm gonna regret asking this........but what, EXACTLY, did you do to "turn himi on", and WHY?!?     

[Timothy]

I know I'm gonna regret asking this........but what, EXACTLY, did you do to "turn him on", and WHY?!?     

Can't wait to hear this one!


 

[Hazcat]

I know I'm gonna regret asking this........but what, EXACTLY, did you do to "turn himi on", and WHY?!?     

Well................ I was just a little fella then and I would actually have to switch the TV on manually (back in the dark ages before 'remotes') and I think he would steal Miss Jones magic mirror from Romper Room and get turned on watching me walk back to bed!