Hegseth says he will allow troops to take personal weapons onto military bases
PBS • • nation
Key Points:
- Military bases have been effectively gun-free zones for service members, who are generally prohibited from carrying personal firearms on post unless authorized for training or as military police.
- The policy aims to prevent incidents like the 2009 Fort Hood shooting and a 2023 Fort Stewart shooting, where personal firearms were used in attacks on base.
- Defense Department regulations require strict control and storage of personal weapons, with firearms only allowed for approved activities such as hunting or range use.
- Gun violence prevention advocates warn that loosening restrictions could increase suicides and other gun-related incidents, noting most military suicides involve personally owned firearms.
- Despite ongoing concerns, military and Defense Department leaders have maintained opposition to relaxing firearm restrictions on bases, emphasizing security and crime prevention measures.
