Veterans join gun debate with #VetsForGunReform

Still reeling from the aftermath of the shooting at a South Florida high school that left 17 dead, there’ve been reactions from all over the political spectrum.

Many have offered “thoughts and prayers,” while others are calling for lawmakers to “do something”—although specifics are unclear. And, some are using their status and experience in the military to call for stricter gun laws.

#VetsForGunReform has emerged on twitter with scores of veterans adding their two cents in a national conversation surrounding the prospect of more gun control.

Some have taken an authoritative stance, citing their combat experience, and calling for changes in gun laws. 

I've been a victim of gun violence here in the US.

I've carried arms for this nation in Afghanistan.

I am a gun owner.

And it's past time for us to institute common sense gun reform.#VetsForGunReform

— Angry Staff Officer (@pptsapper) February 19, 2018

I’m pro 2A. Hell, I’m pro gun ownership, but I’ve also seen first-hand what a rifle round does to a body while serving as a medic in Afghanistan. It makes me sick to know American students have seen it in their schools. Don’t tell me this is the best we can do. #VetsForGunReform pic.twitter.com/2sP7QlfLre

— Dennis Magnasco (@Dennis_Magnasco) February 19, 2018

Others want to shape the discussion surrounding the very tools of war they've handled, before lesser qualified (but louder) voices elbow their way into the discourse. 

Hey Vets. If we stay quiet on this issue a bunch of YouTube gun experts and weekend operators are going to be the loudest and most confident voices. We can argue about gun control, but let’s be clear on the lethality of the weapons. #VetsForGunReform

— Todd Branch (@ToddBranchUS) February 18, 2018

Some are challening the notion that civilians need these types of weapons. 

As a soldier, I wielded a rifle that could hit targets out to 500m. Its sole purpose was/is to take as many human lives as efficiently as possible. As a civilian now, I see no need for any of my fellow citizens to have unfettered access to similar weaponry. #VetsForGunReform

— Dan Kim (@danielmkim) February 19, 2018

One even went so far as to pen an op-ed outlining specific steps lawmakers could take to reduce gun violence. 

I qualified with a M-16A1 over 30 years ago in the Cold War-era Army. I don’t need an #AR15 for home defense. Here are my suggestions for congressional and state action that could help reduce #gunviolence, from my @indystar column. #VetsForGunReform https://t.co/26dFN302hI

— Pierre Atlas (@PierreAtlas) February 20, 2018

And this one used the hashtag in a thread to offer some clarity surrounding the often misunderstood concept of an "assault rifle." 

Look, there is a lot of nonsense being pushed about "assault rifles" and how AR-15's aren't similar to military weapons. So here's a thread from a combat vet to explain this once and for all. Please RT 1/

— Nate Watkins (@NateWatkins) February 18, 2018

But, not every veteran who's waded into these waters is on the side of stricter firearm regulations. Of course, there are proud gun-owning veterans who are uncomfortable with this hashtag,  and see it as some vets with a particular political bent using their military experience to weigh in on a touchy subject. 

I love it when the veteran community gets lumped together like we're some monolithic Borg by some hashtag campaign. Awesome. Thanks for speaking on my behalf.

— Chuck Porter (@SheepdogsInc) February 21, 2018

What do you think? Tell us if you support this hashtag in the comments.