I spent more than 20 years in the Army, mainly Special Forces, and I am now retired. I was in Vietnam in 1966-69; The weapon that I carried for the four years was the AR-15.

I can say unequivocally that it shouldn’t be in the hands of civilians — especially teenagers.

If civilians want an assault weapon, let them join the military. It is not a good deer rifle. As you are holding it, it gives you a “power feeling.” I see no use for it in the civilian sector, period.

Of course the gun factories want to sell the AR-15s, but it should be for military use only. I don’t know where the NRA stands on this, but I’m sure it comes down to money.

Richard Brackett

Gardiner