Hegseth says he will let troops take personal firearms onto military bases

CBS News
April 3, 2026
3 min read

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will allow service members to carry personal weapons onto military installations.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced he will permit service members to carry personal firearms onto military installations, a significant reversal of decades-old Pentagon policy that has generally restricted weapons on bases. The move reflects Hegseth's stated goal of enhancing military readiness and giving commanders greater discretion over base security measures. Military bases have maintained strict weapons restrictions since the 1990s, partly to prevent unauthorized access to firearms and reduce accident risks in confined quarters where thousands of personnel work and live. The policy change will require coordination with base commanders on implementation and may face scrutiny over potential safety and operational concerns. The decision aligns with the Trump administration's broader emphasis on military modernization and operational flexibility.

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