A group of Minnesota lawmakers would like active-duty military to have the option of carrying firearms on or off duty.

“Men and women in uniform who are simply being attacked because they represent America and stand for America should have the right and the ability to defend themselves,” said Sen. Paul Gazelka, R-Nisswa.

He and several other Republican lawmakers said Monday that they plan to push legislation that would allow active-duty military to carry firearms without obtaining a permit. That legislation, Gazelka said, is only a first step and he is open to looking into other methods of providing safety for military members in the state.

The issue of military safety has received renewed attention this month after a man shot into a military recruiting center and a Navy Operational Support Center in Tennessee, killing five members of the military.

After that attack, several governors, including Wisconsin’s Scott Walker, moved to allow Guard members to be armed. The nation’s Department of Defense is reviewing its policy regarding arming members of the armed forces. The Defense Department currently does not support arming of all personnel, according to reports.

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton said earlier this month that he did not see the need for immediate changes but would study the issue and work with members of the military in Minnesota on needed safety.

But state lawmakers on Monday said changes are needed immediately.

“We need to respond differently,” Gazelka said. He said the governor and the Legislature could make changes to Guard policies but could not change policy for other troops.

Minnesota National Guard spokesman Col. Kevin Olson said the Guard has reviewed the safety of its facilities recently — before the Chattanooga shooting — and made changes.

“While we do not disclose specific security measures at our facilities, enhanced steps include increased patrols, heightened physical security, verification of visitors, a review of emergency action procedures and vehicle security,” he said. “Armed security officers are permanently stationed at the air bases in Duluth and Minneapolis.”

The statement also said: “At this time, our force protection measures will not include arming Soldiers and Airmen whose regular duties are not security-related.”

Heather Martens, executive director of the pro-gun-control group Protect Minnesota, said that allowing military members concealed weapons without going through the permit process would mean they would not have gone through the standard background checks needed for permit holders.

“Our permitting system protects the public,” Martens said. “That’s a threat to public safety.”

Follow Rachel E. Stassen-Berger at twitter.com/RachelSB.