Hegseth says he will let troops take personal firearms onto military bases
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new policy allowing service members to carry personal firearms on military installations, citing the Second Amendment and recent base shootings as justification.
- The policy directs base commanders to approve requests for carrying privately owned weapons with the presumption that it is necessary for personal protection, requiring detailed written explanations for any denials.
- Current rules restrict service members from carrying personal firearms on bases except during sanctioned activities, with military police typically being the only armed personnel outside training or ranges.
- Gun violence prevention advocates warn the policy could increase risks of suicide and gun violence among troops, noting that most military suicides involve personally owned weapons.
- Hegseth's decision aligns with his broader agenda of reversing what he calls "woke" policies in the military, including changes to equal opportunity programs, grooming standards, and military education affiliations.
