Hegseth order allows troops to carry personal firearms on military bases

Published April 2, 2026 10:40pm ET



Off-duty service members will now be allowed to carry privately owned firearms for their personal protection on U.S. military property, per an order War Secretary Pete Hegseth signed Thursday.

“The memo I’m signing today directs installation commanders to allow requests for personal protection to carry a privately owned firearm with the presumption that it is necessary for personal protection,” Hegseth said.

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