Posted on 04/03/2026 2:04:45 PM PDT by Twotone
War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Thursday that he was ending the policy that turned U.S. military installations into “gun-free zones,” declaring in a brief video statement, “That ends today.”
Hegseth signed a memorandum stating that base commanders should allow service members to request permission to carry their privately-owned firearms while off duty — regardless of any firearm regulations imposed by the states in which the bases were located — and shared video explaining the move.
WATCH:
“Our great republic is founded on a simple, yet bold idea,” Hegseth began, saying that the nation was built the idea that rights were given to the people by God rather than by the government. “250 years ago, the Revolutionary War was fought to secure our God-given rights. The Second Amendment to our Constitution enshrines the right of all citizens to carry weapons to protect themselves, their families, and their fellow countrymen.”
Hegseth went on to point out that America’s men and women in uniform were already well-trained in the use of firearms and should not be barred from exercising their rights simply because they were on a military installation.
“Our warfighters defend the right of others to carry; they should be able to carry themselves,” he added.
Hegseth went on to cite recent attacks on military installations, arguing that if trained service members were allowed to arm themselves, such threats could potentially be neutralized in shorter order.
“In these instances, minutes are a lifetime,” he explained. “And our service members have the courage and training to make those precious, short minutes count. Before today, 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. … 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,” he added.
The policy effectively turning military bases into gun-free zones — Department of Defense Directive 5210.56 — went into effect in February of 1992, and restricted on-base carrying to “DoD personnel regularly engaged in law-enforcement and security duties.”
President Donald Trump, during his first presidential campaign in 2015, spoke out against the policy and said that he would ensure that “America’s armed forces will be armed.”
Trump said at the time that the United States “never should have passed a ban on soldiers being able to protect themselves on bases … Our brave soldiers should not be at risk because of policy created by civilian leadership.”
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WISH WE COULD CLONE HIM
Just back him in ‘28. Don’t clone-no need.
And just like that, the nonsensical BS is eliminated.
The hoops we had to go to just to get to the range on the weekends was ridiculous.
The freaking 4 stars in charge of every Service should be relieved for stupidity.
About time.
Needs to be POTUS rather than the current VP who is some crybaby origin story and vague ex-hedge-fund-work-ethic smokescreen history, a kid trying to figure out his TV persona.
Hegseth-Rubio then Rubio Hedgseth.
Needs to be POTUS rather than some kid trying to figure out his TV persona and how cool he is to have nonwhite kids.
How stupid can military people be?
How many military people died unnecessarily? What the hell is wrong with the DOW?
The initial policy banning most personal firearms on military bases was enacted in 1992 by President George H.W. Bush. However, as of April 2026, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth signed a new directive to reverse this, aiming to end “gun-free zones” on military bases by allowing service members to request permission to carry personal firearms.
I remember everybody getting on the Muslim from Kenya on this exact subject. A billion posts on social media and FR, a million calls to talk radio… and it was all BS. When I was in the corps, 1981 1985 under Reagan, you were not allowed to even think about owning a private firearm, unless it was kept in the armory. Even in base housing at lejeune, you were not allowed a gun. I thought it was pansy ass crap.
Took my wife to Ft Hood to renew her ID the day before that POS Sand Uyghur shot up the place. Told myself I would never be without a weapon again.
We know 14 people died at Fort Hood in 2009 when a muzzie terrorist killed unarmed military personnel who were denied access to their weapons.
” and how cool he is to have nonwhite kids.”
And wear a dress to his wedding.
Right, the guns they have during training have been misused. Hate the 2nd, just admit it.
I like this guy more with each passing day.
When I was in Boot Camp, the Weathermen were going strong with terrorist killings and attacks on bases. We were intructed that if the SOBs tried to come on our base, we would be issued M16s with orders to shoot to kill. They did not approach..
Certain soldiers of questionable allegience now frustratingly remaking fantasy plans.
Not actively overseeing your kid's education at this time amounts to child abuse.
Hegseth Tears Up Controversial Military Base Rule After 34 Years
cries out for the NY Times to rewrite:
Hegseth Tears Up: Tantrum While Erasing 34 Years of Progress
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