Pentagon softens rules on carrying of firearms in US

The Pentagon has softened rules on US troops carrying firearms while at government facilities, an action prompted by a series of deadly attacks on uniformed personnel. Commanders may grant permission to Department of Defense "personnel requesting to carry a privately owned firearm (concealed or open carry) on DoD property for a personal protection purpose not related to performance of an official duty or status," the directive states. The rampage prompted Congress to ask President Barack Obama's