Tennessee Army and Air National Guard allowed to carry guns

Nashville, TN (WDEF) – Tennessee Army and Air National Guard members can now carry handguns at State Armories and facilities.

That’s as long as they have a valid Tennessee State Handgun Carry Permit.

Major General Max Haston announced the change Thursday aimed at increasing security.

"We have been very deliberate in making the decision to arm our Tennessee National Guard," said Haston. "This is not a step that we take lightly, but it is apparent that military personnel have been targeted and the protection of our Soldiers and Airmen is of utmost importance. Physical security and risk assessment is something that we continually do as part of our day to day obligations."

Select Guard personnel will also be allowed to carry federally issued handguns.

These changes and others not detailed have been done at the directive from Governor Bill Haslam after the deadly shooting of 5 military members in Chattanooga.