Why “privately owned”? Shouldn’t all service personnel be issued a sidearm just like police?
I would think so. If personnel aren't stable enough to carry - then why are in the "Armed Service"?
I think some of the leaders are afraid of retaliation for disciplinary actions, therefore, everyone must be unarmed. That's exactly what the left wants to do more broadly, and will do if given a single inch of wiggle room.
“Shouldn’t all service personnel be issued a sidearm just like police?”
They don’t get squat until a war or some serious training is happening.