I grew up near a SAC Base in Orlando,Fl. in the late 50's early 60's. I don't exactly remember when they stopped doing it but as part of the Base protection policy a certain number of their officers were required to be armed with a handgun at all times regardless of their actual assignment for that day. Reason being was if the Commies (a real threat back then) tried to infiltrate the Base and take it over there would some means to slow them down until a proper response could be mounted. Maybe a better policy would be to bring back something along those lines? Just thinking out loud.