Active-shooter concerns prompt Hegseth to allow off-duty firearms on bases
Newsy
Pentagon policy now allows service members to carry personal firearms on bases while off duty, citing recent active‑shooter incidents.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced Friday that service members will now be allowed to carry personal firearms on military bases while off duty.
The new policy rescinds a long-standing Defense Department rule that restricted most troops from carrying personal weapons on base. Previously, troops were required to register firearms before bringing them onto an installation, and only military police could carry them outside training or guard duty. Concealed carry permits were not valid on military property.
“Before today, it was virtually impossible … for War Department personnel to get permission to carry and store their own personal weapons aligned with the state laws where we operate our installations,” Hegseth said.
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Under the new rules, service members must still register their firearms, but installation commanders will be directed to presume approval for requests made for personal protection.
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