Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memo on Thursday allowing military service members to request permission to carry their personal firearms on U.S. military installations, including bases, naval yards, and recruitment centers. This policy change aims to enhance self-defense capabilities amid growing concerns about threats on these sites.
Key Takeaways
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memo allowing military service members to request permission to carry personal firearms on U.S. bases for self-defense amid growing security concerns.
- Service members can now request to carry privately owned firearms with presumption of approval
- Policy follows recent shootings at Fort Stewart, Holloman Air Force Base, and Pensacola Naval Air Station
- Critics warn of potential increase in gun suicides and violence
According to multiple reports, Hegseth's memo directs base commanders to allow requests for troops to carry privately owned firearms with the presumption that it is necessary for personal protection. Any denial of a service member's request must be explained in detail and in writing. The policy shift follows recent shootings on military bases, including incidents at Fort Stewart in Georgia, Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico, and Pensacola Naval Air Station.
Hegseth cited these events as examples of the dangers military members face, stating that 'in these instances, minutes are a lifetime,' and emphasizing the courage and training of service members to act quickly. The memo aligns with state gun laws and requires that any denial of a carry request be thoroughly explained in writing.
The policy change has drawn mixed reactions. Mayra Guillen, sister of Vanessa Guillen, a 20-year-old army specialist who was killed by fellow service members in 2020, reposted Hegseth’s statement and showed support for the move, according to The Guardian. However, critics like Tanya Schardt from the Brady gun violence prevention organization argue that relaxing current policies could lead to an increase in gun suicides and other gun violence.
According to PBS News, previous Defense Department policy prohibited military personnel from carrying personal weapons on base without permission from a senior commander, with strict protocols for how firearms must be stored. Military police were often the only armed personnel on base outside of shooting ranges or training areas where soldiers could wield their service weapons.
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