War Secretary Hegseth Signs Memo Allowing Troops to Carry Personal Firearms on Bases

New policy aims to give service members more self-defense options amid security concerns.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:25am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, abstract painting of a soldier's combat boots and rifle in overlapping geometric shapes and waves of olive, charcoal, and crimson, conveying the motion and energy of a military base.A new military policy aims to give service members more options for self-defense on bases, but raises concerns about the risks of increased firearms.Pensacola Today

War Secretary Pete Hegseth has signed a memo directing military bases to allow service members to request permission to carry their personal firearms for self-defense. The policy change comes amid growing concerns about threats on U.S. installations, including recent incidents at Fort Stewart, Holloman Air Force Base, and Pensacola Naval Air Station.

Why it matters

This is a significant shift in military base security policy, as service members have previously been largely restricted from carrying personal weapons on federal sites. Hegseth argues that trained war fighters should have the same rights as other Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights for self-protection.

The details

The memo signed by Hegseth directs installation commanders to allow requests from service members to carry privately owned firearms, with the presumption that it is necessary for personal protection. If a request is denied, the reason must be provided in writing. However, details on any required training, certification, or regulations around storage and transport of weapons are still unclear.

  • Hegseth signed the memo on Thursday, April 3, 2026.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The current War Secretary who signed the memo allowing troops to carry personal firearms on military bases.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These war fighters, entrusted with the safety of our nation, are no less entitled to exercise their God-given right to keep and bear arms than any other American.”

— Pete Hegseth, War Secretary

“Again, the presumption is service members will be able to have their Second Amendment right on post. Not all enemies are foreign, nor are they all outside our borders. Some are domestic. Confirming your God-given right to self-protection is what I'm signing into action today, and I'm proud to do so.”

— Pete Hegseth, War Secretary

What’s next

It is unclear if there will be uniform rules across all military branches regarding the new policy, or if individual installation commanders will have discretion in how to implement the changes.

The takeaway

This policy shift reflects a broader debate around gun rights and self-defense, with the War Secretary arguing that service members should have the same protections as other Americans. However, the details around training, certification, and regulations remain to be seen, and there are concerns about the potential risks of increased firearms on military bases.