Hegseth Signs Memo Allowing Soldiers to Carry Personal Sidearms on DOW Property

Summary

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth signed a memo on April 2, 2026, reversing previous policy to allow uniformed service members to carry privately owned firearms in their nonofficial duty capacity on War Department property within the United States. This change aims to eliminate 'gun-free zones' on military installations, with denials of carry requests requiring written explanation. The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) voiced strong support for the decision.