Army Secretary Permits Personal Firearms on Bases

Army Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that service members will now be permitted to carry their own firearms on military installations. This decision was revealed on Thursday.

Historically, policies prohibiting personal weapons have faced backlash, particularly following incidents where unarmed military personnel were killed in shootings on bases.

“Today, I’m reaffirming our inherent right to self-defense, and I’m honored to do so,” Hegseth stated.

He shared a video on X-Platform, detailing how a long-standing policy would be repealed, allowing military personnel to request permission to carry their privately owned firearms, “if they’re necessary for personal safety.” Hegseth noted, “Essentially, bases nationwide have been off-limits for personal firearms.” Only military police or during training were exceptions, leaving many unable to protect themselves.

He referenced the tragic December 2019 shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, which resulted in three deaths and numerous injuries, along with other similar events.

Hegseth elaborated, “In dire situations, moments can feel eternal, and our service members, trained for these scenarios, know how to value those fleeting instances.”

“Until recently, it was nearly impossible for Army personnel to get permits to carry and store personal firearms in accordance with state laws,” he added. “That’s no longer the case.”

He also made it clear that if someone is denied the right to possess a firearm, the denial must be documented in writing with a complete explanation.

“Our uniformed personnel receive top-tier, unwavering training. Those responsible for our national security should have the same right to bear arms as any American,” Hegseth emphasized.

Previous gun control policies on military bases date back to regulations established under George H.W. Bush.