re: There is a local deputy walking around the entrance to Augusta National with an M4 rifle

1. Did you walk up to the LEO and ask if his rifle was full select fire (Ie capable of multiple round bursts, or semi-auto). I ask because if it is just safe/fire semi-auto it would in FACT be an AR-15 (sporting rifle) and NOT and M4 as you suggested to the previous poster. Most local/state departments do not issue full select fire (full auto) rifles. So the previous poster would be accurate in calling it an AR-15.

2. clearly you have not watched the news in the last several years with mass casualty incidents and shootings. Major events such as the masters are a constant target. If the LEO was not armed with that "M4" and was out gunned and people died as a result, would it not be called upon to properly arm officers.

*I doubt a deputy who puts his life on the line everyday was "playing soldier". Most combat veterans (meaning veterans of actual combat) respect LEO because they are constantly under the extreme dangers of patrolling most city streets these days or conducting enforcement activities. See Chicago, New Orleans, Atlanta, Border towns, etc. Most literally get shot at weekly. I have Marine, Army, and Navy buddies who never took fire on multiple deployments. EASY with the negative comments.