I was a Army Medic, we are armed, but only with a defensive weapon (handgun and/or rifle (yes M-16/AR-15 are defensive weapons, even with their scary black color)) to protect ourselves and out patients. When it becomes a crime is if we used offensive weapons like the S.A.W., 50 cal, or MK-19 grenade launcher. (many other examples those are just the ones I saw the most overseas)

That's how I understood it at least.