Defense Secretary to Allow Troops to Carry Personal Weapons on Bases

Hegseth cites Second Amendment and recent shootings as reasons for policy change.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:07pm

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that he will allow service members to carry personal weapons onto military installations, citing the Second Amendment and recent shootings at bases across the country. The current policy has prohibited military personnel from carrying personal weapons on base without permission from a senior commander.

Why it matters

This policy change is a significant shift from the long-standing military policy that has prohibited most troops from carrying personal firearms on bases, which were often considered 'gun-free zones.' Supporters argue it will allow troops to better protect themselves, while critics warn it could lead to an increase in gun violence and suicides.

The details

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

  • On April 6, 2026, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the new policy allowing troops to carry personal weapons on military bases.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The current U.S. Secretary of Defense who announced the new policy allowing troops to carry personal weapons on military bases.

Tanya Schardt

Senior counsel at the Brady gun violence prevention organization, who criticized the policy change and warned it could lead to an increase in gun violence and suicides.

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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 policy change will go into effect immediately, with base commanders directed to allow requests from troops to carry personal firearms. The military will monitor the impact of the new policy on base security and safety.

The takeaway

This decision by the Defense Secretary represents a significant shift in military policy, reflecting a growing debate over the balance between personal protection and base security. While supporters argue it will empower troops, critics warn it could increase risks of gun violence and suicide on military installations.