“Our warfighters defend the right of others to carry. They should be able to carry themselves,” said Hegseth.
“Recent events like what happened at Fort Stewart, Holloman Air Force Base, or Pensacola Naval Air Station have made clear that some threats are closer to home than we would like.”
“In these instances, minutes are a lifetime, and our service members have the courage and training to make those precious short minutes count.”
“Before today, it was virtually impossible. Most people probably don’t know this. It was virtually impossible for War Department personnel to get permission to carry and store their own personal weapons aligned with the state laws where we operate our installations.”
“I mean, effectively, our bases across the country were gun-free zones!”
“Unless you’re training or unless you are a military policeman, you couldn’t carry.”
“You couldn’t bring your own firearm for your own personal protection on to post. Well, that’s no longer. The memo I’m signing today directs installation commanders to allow requests for personal protection to carry a privately owned firearm with the presumption that it is necessary for personal protection.”
“If a request is for some reason denied, the reason for that denial will be in writing and will explain in detail the basis for that direction.”
“Again, the presumption is service members will be able to have their amendment right on post. Not all enemies are foreign, nor are they all outside our borders.”
“Confirming your God-given right to self-protection is what I’m signing into action today, and I’m proud to do so.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth looked right into the camera and
