National Guard Force Protection Act of 2016 Improves Security at Armories

Thursday, June 30, 2016 | 12:53pm

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The National Guard Force Protection Act of 2016 was signed into law on June 10th in a ceremony at the War Memorial Building in Nashville. The Act provides 1.5 million dollars to improve the security of National Guard facilities throughout the state. This bill requires the department of military to implement force protection enhancements at national guard facilities to include AI Phones, shatter resistant film, cameras, magnetic locks, barriers and mobile ballistic shields among other security enhancements.

The bill was initiated following the tragic shootings in Chattanooga at military Recruiting Stations and the Naval Reserve Center, leaving 4 Marines and 1 Sailor dead in 2015.

"We are very pleased that the Legislature took action to better protect our Tennessee Soldiers and Airmen", said Maj. Gen. Max Haston. "This will give us the resources to bolster the security at our armories, bases and maintenance and training facilities across the state."

“It is vitally important that we provide adequate protection to the men and women who serve in the Tennessee National Guard," said Sen. Jack Johnson. "I am extremely thankful to Maj. Gen. Haston and Rep. Charles Sargent for their hard work in passing this important bill."

“I was honored to work with Maj. Gen. Haston and sponsor this important legislation securing our National Guard facilities," said Rep. Charles Sargent.

The Tennessee National Guard has units in 76 of the state's 95 counties composed of more than 13,000 Soldiers and Airmen throughout the state.


Governor Bill Haslam signs the National Guard Force Protection Act of 2016 on June 10th in a ceremony at the War Memorial Building in Nashville. Pictured from left are:  Rep. John Ragan, Sen. Mark Green, Rep. Charles Sargent, Leader Mark Norris, Gov. Haslam, Maj. Gen. Max Haston, Leader Gerald McCormick and Sen. Janice Bowling.