So my attempt at humor (my first line) was off.
But your argument makes. No. Sense. So in that case, drop all handgun age limits to 18 and let all college kids, frat kids, have access? Cool. Cause that's what you have with barracks life. I say you're as much the problem with being so "back in my day..." that you've lost all semblance of understanding current sociology and policy.
Let's explore for the minute your assumption of "I dare say the military, a true disciplined military, would not have any abuses more so than those of us walking the streets." If they are so disciplined, and a base has law enforcement, then they don't need guns for protection, yes? And you are OK conceding that an 18 year-old is of as sound a mind with judgment as a 30 year-old? But a drafted military would be more disciplined than the current one?
Let's take the argument further: would it be "more OK" for an infantryman to have a weapon than, say, a data processor who goes to the range once a year for qual? Or is everyone on a base given equal rights? Then if a base is given equal rights to have guns for everyone who is in the military, how do you reconcile the law of being 21 to purchase a handgun? And what about civilians on base who would not be able to pass a background check for ownership? Or are bases subject to the states in which they reside for applicable gun laws?
For the record, please read my previous posts and tell me how I am like "any anti-gunner that shouts bloody murder at our usage of guns" because I don't believe in carte blanche application of "guns for all" for MAP on a base.