Defense Secretary Hegseth to Allow Troops to Carry Personal Firearms on Bases

New policy aims to address security concerns following recent shootings on military installations.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:48am

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A solitary military service member standing alone in the shadows of a dimly lit military base entrance, holding a holstered handgun and looking out into the distance with a contemplative expression. The muted earth tones and warm, diagonal lighting create a sense of quiet tension.The new policy allowing troops to carry personal firearms on military bases aims to address security concerns, but raises questions about the potential impact on gun violence and suicide rates.Fort Stewart Today

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that he will sign a memo allowing service members to carry personal weapons onto military bases, citing the Second Amendment and recent shootings at bases across the country. Hegseth said any denial of a service member's request to carry a personal firearm must be explained in detail and in writing.

Why it matters

This policy change marks a significant shift in the military's stance on personal firearms on bases, which have traditionally been 'gun-free zones' outside of specific training or law enforcement roles. Supporters argue it will empower troops to protect themselves, while critics warn it could lead to an increase in gun violence and suicides.

The details

Hegseth said the new policy will direct base commanders to allow requests from troops to carry privately owned firearms 'with the presumption that it is necessary for personal protection.' He cited recent shootings on military installations, including an incident at Fort Stewart in Georgia last year where an Army sergeant used his personal handgun to injure five soldiers before being tackled.

  • On April 3, 2026, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the new policy allowing troops to carry personal firearms on military bases.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The current U.S. Secretary of Defense, who is implementing this policy change to allow service members to carry personal firearms on military installations.

Tanya Schardt

Senior counsel at the Brady gun violence prevention organization, who criticized the policy change and warned it could lead to increased gun violence and suicides among active duty troops.

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What they’re saying

“Effectively, our bases across the country were gun-free zones. Unless you're training or unless you are a military policeman, you couldn't carry, you couldn't bring your own firearm for your own personal protection onto post.”

— Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense

“If there is a problem with violent crime on these installations, then the Secretary of Defense has an obligation to alert the American people and describe how he's working to prevent that crime.”

— Tanya Schardt, Senior Counsel, Brady gun violence prevention organization

What’s next

The new policy allowing troops to carry personal firearms on military bases will go into effect immediately, with base commanders required to establish procedures for service members to request and receive approval to do so.

The takeaway

This policy change reflects the ongoing debate over gun rights and security on U.S. military installations. While supporters argue it will empower troops to protect themselves, critics warn it could lead to increased gun violence and suicides among active duty personnel. The implementation and impact of this new policy will likely be closely watched in the coming months and years.