Defense Secretary Hegseth Authorizes Personal Firearms on Military Bases

Personal Firearm Carry on Military Installations·April 2 – April 3, 2026

21 days ago

Defense Secretary Hegseth Authorizes Personal Firearms on Military Bases

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memo directing base commanders to allow service members to carry privately owned firearms on military installations Hegseth signs memo. This policy change aims to provide troops with personal protection and ends what Hegseth described as gun-free zones that left service members vulnerable vulnerable and exposed. Under the new guidelines, service members can request permission to carry personal weapons, including concealed carry, while on base request permission. The move lifts previous restrictions that generally prohibited service members from carrying personal firearms on U.S. military bases lifting the ban. Hegseth stated that the change is necessary for self-defense and personal protection. Base commanders will now oversee the process for troops seeking to carry their own firearms.

Hegseth social post on gun-free zonesHegseth signs memo on personal firearmsWashington Times report on firearms policyThe Hill report on lifting firearms ban

Key Statements

WWashington Times

“Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announces a policy change allowing service members to request permission to carry personal firearms on military installations, including concealed carry.”

This confirms the specific types of carry permitted under the new Department of Defense policy.

TThe Hill

“Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issues a memo lifting the ban on service members carrying personal firearms on U.S. military bases for personal protection.”

This article provides the primary evidence for the policy change regarding base security rules.

News

Hegseth says he will allow troops to take personal weapons onto military bases

PBS.orgCenter Left

Hegseth says he will let troops take personal firearms onto military bases

CBS NewsCenter Left

Pete Hegseth signs memo opening door for troops to carry personal firearms on bases

Fox NewsRight

Hegseth allows troops to carry personal firearms while on base

Washington TimesCenter Right

Hegseth lifts ban on service members carrying personal firearms on base

The HillCenter

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