Hegseth Allows Troops to Carry Personal Firearms at Military Bases - The New York Times
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Pentagon policy now allows service members to carry personal firearms at military bases.
How This Affects You
This security protocol change could affect military base safety procedures and gun access for active-duty personnel.
AI Summary
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued a directive allowing service members to carry personal firearms at military installations, reversing decades of restrictions on armed personnel at bases. The policy marks a significant shift from long-standing Pentagon regulations that have limited firearms possession on base to authorized military weapons and designated personnel. Hegseth, appointed by President Trump, framed the change as enhancing security and empowering troops, though the move diverges sharply from post-Cold War military policy designed to reduce risks of accidental discharge or unauthorized use. The directive affects all active-duty, reserve, and National Guard personnel across the Department of Defense. Military leadership and some security experts have raised concerns about implementation challenges, including storage protocols and vetting procedures for personal weapons.
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