“She’s a Vet, was working as a civilian contractor, was required to carry a sidearm at all times.”
GD’s policy, based on Iraq’s laws and the laws of every Arab country was a contractor could never carry a gun. In Iraq they were often the only unarmed people. Even kids carry guns. (I understand that Arab countries will arrest you for having a gun. Penalties are severe.)
You’re assuming my friend was stationed in Iraq.