The Lautenberg Amendment and Its Impact on the U.S. Army

In 1996, Senator Frank Lautenberg introduced an amendment to the-Gun Control Act of 1968, which makes it a crime for any person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence to ship, transport, possess or receive firearms or ammunition. This law also makes it a felony for another person to sell or otherwise dispose of a firearm to any person who qualifies as a convicted domestic violence misdemeanant. What strategic impact does this amendment have on the Army The amendment does not give government employees an exemption to perform-official duties. Therefore, all military personnel, including the reserve components and DoD civilian personnel are prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition if they have a qualifying domestic violence conviction. This paper will discuss the DoD reaction and guidance on this matter and enumerate the possible impact on personnel policies and readiness in the U.S. Army.