Hegseth Ends Decades-Old Gun-Free Zone Policy On Military Bases

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a sweeping policy change allowing service members to carry privately owned firearms on U.S. military installations, reversing a rule that had been in place for more than three decades.

In a newly signed memorandum, Hegseth directed base commanders to permit requests from service members seeking to carry personal firearms for protection while off duty. The guidance establishes a presumption in favor of approval, significantly loosening prior restrictions.

The previous policy, outlined under Department of Defense Directive 5210.56, had largely limited firearm possession on bases to personnel in official law enforcement or security roles. The rule had been in effect since 1992 and effectively designated most military installations as gun-free zones.

Hegseth framed the change as a restoration of constitutional rights, arguing that service members, who are already trained in the use of weapons, should not be prevented from carrying firearms for personal defense while on base.

He also pointed to past attacks on military installations, suggesting that allowing trained personnel to carry weapons could reduce response times and improve on-base security during emergencies.

Under the updated policy, commanders will still oversee the approval process, but the new directive encourages broader authorization for qualified individuals seeking to carry privately owned firearms.

President Donald Trump has previously voiced support for arming service members on bases, arguing that restrictions placed them at unnecessary risk.

The change marks a major shift in military policy and is expected to prompt further discussion about security protocols, command discretion, and the role of personal firearms on U.S. installations.