WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) introduced the Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act on Thursday, legislation that would extend federal concealed carry authority to current and former members of the nation’s elite military units.
The bill amends 18 U.S.C. Section 926C, the same federal statute that currently grants nationwide concealed carry authority to qualified retired law enforcement officers. Under the proposal, qualifying special operations veterans would receive permanent, nationwide concealed carry authority with no annual firearms requalification requirement. They would remain fully subject to all existing federal firearm restrictions.
“Federal law already trusts retired police officers to carry concealed nationwide. That makes sense. But it makes no sense that an active or retired SEAL or Green Beret, someone who spent a career mastering firearms under the most demanding conditions in the world, has no equivalent recognition under federal law,” Harrigan said in a statement. “This bill fixes that. It does not create new rights or weaken any safeguard. It simply extends an existing, proven framework to the warriors who have earned it more than anyone.”
Who Qualifies Under the Bill
The legislation covers honorably discharged servicemembers in paygrades E5 through E9, W1 through W5, and O1 through O10 who served in specified special operations units.
Eligible units include Army Special Forces, the 75th Ranger Regiment, Delta Force, Navy SEALs, Marine Corps Scout Snipers, Reconnaissance Marines, and MARSOC operators. The bill also covers Air Force Combat Control, Pararescue, Special Reconnaissance, Tactical Air Control Party, and Special Operations Weather.
Identification and Law Enforcement Recognition
The bill directs the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a photographic identification program within 180 days of enactment. It also requires the Department of Justice to issue guidance to law enforcement agencies nationwide to ensure uniform recognition of qualifying credentials.
This addresses a practical concern that has affected some retired officers carrying under the current statute, where inconsistent credential recognition between jurisdictions has occasionally created friction during routine law enforcement contacts.
Endorsement from Atlas Rescue
Sean Williamson, Executive Director of Atlas Rescue, endorsed the bill. The organization deploys veterans on counter-trafficking missions.
“Atlas Rescue enthusiastically supports this legislation recognizing Special Operations veterans for their unique skills and service to our country,” Williamson said. “This recognition strengthens our ability to deploy highly trained operators in the fight against human trafficking, enabling us to more effectively bring that expertise to missions that protect the vulnerable and dismantle trafficking networks.”
A Pro-2A Perspective
The Second Amendment protects a fundamental civil right, and this bill reflects a straightforward principle. The federal government already recognizes that a specific class of Americans, retired law enforcement officers, have the training and demonstrated judgment to carry a concealed firearm across state lines. Special operations veterans meet or exceed that standard.
Extending the same authority to men and women who completed selection pipelines such as Ranger School, the Special Forces Qualification Course, and BUD/S is consistent with how the existing statute is structured. It is a narrow, earned recognition tied to documented training and honorable service, not a broad expansion of federal authority.
For the armed citizen, the bill also reinforces a useful principle. Serious firearms proficiency is a product of sustained training, not just access. The units covered by this legislation represent the highest end of that training curve, and lawful carriers at any skill level can take that as a reminder that continued practice and skill development matter long after a permit is issued.
Harrigan is urging his colleagues in the House to support the bill.
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