Representative Hunter Investigates Navy SEALs Shortage of Rifles

By Staff Writer | Mar 08, 2016 04:38 AM EST

Navy SEALs' shortage of rifles is a big question for the lawmakers.  An unidentified SEALs revealed that they are running out of combat rifles they need to carry out their confidential missions and counterterrorism operations.

The news was confided by a SEALs member to Representative Duncan Hunter, who was a previous Marine and had been assigned to Iraq and Afghanistan.  Hunter said that after SEALs return from a mission, their rifles were handed down to other commandos. This process reportedly changes the train like you fight belief of the SEALs, ABC News claims.  The lawmaker added that several SEALs contacted him to reveal more information on the issue. The Navy SEALs' shortage of rifles is now being investigated by U.S. military officials.

"They want their rifles," Hunter said. "It's their lifeline. So let them keep their guns until they're assigned desk jobs at the Pentagon."

Hunter revealed that the Navy SEALs' shortage of rifles isn't caused by a lack of fund. According to him, the Congress has often supported the budget for special operation forces since the 9/11 attack, Ledger Enquirer reports.  He also argued that rifles are one of the cheapest items needed in the military.  For this fact, the lawmaker questioned the priorities of the Naval Special Warfare Command, the organization in-charge of the SEALs.

"There is so much wasteful spending," he said. "Money is not reaching the people it needs to reach."

The weapons the SEALs use are customized with telescopic targeting sights and laser pointers. The rifles are outfitted to distinct specifications and eventually are more personalized for each member, according to Fox News.  Last month, Hunter wrote to Naval Special Warfare Command's leader, Rear Adm. Brian Losey to examine the Navy SEALs' shortage of rifles. The legislator asked Losey a full account of the budget spent for the weapons in the previous month.

At present there is $10.4 billion budget for Special Operations Command.  An additional $400 million into the budget was proposed by the Obama administration which would be taking effect on Oct. 1. Losey is set to make a response on the investigation over the Navy SEALs' shortage of rifles on Wednesday.

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