April 3 (UPI) -- Off-duty military service members will be permitted to carry personal firearms on U.S. military installations, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, citing recent shootings on bases as evidence troops need to be able to defend themselves.
Hegseth announced the policy change in a video statement Thursday, explaining the memo he signed directs installation commanders to approve requests by soldiers to carry personal weapons.
"Uniformed service members are trained at the highest and unwavering standards. These war fighters entrusted with the safety of our nation are no less entitled to exercise their God-given right to keep and bear arms than any other American," he said.
"Our war fighters defend the right of others to carry, they should be able to carry themselves."
Our military installations have been turned into gun-free zones-leaving our service members vulnerable and exposed.
