Gavin Howe
In the wake of mass shootings, including multiple active-shooter incidents on military installations, the question of whether law enforcement can carry weapons on military bases has become a pressing issue. While there is no federal law prohibiting firearms on military bases, individual bases have their own regulations. Typically, only on-duty military police are permitted to carry weapons on base, with some exceptions for on-duty local or state police officers on official business. However, in 2016, the Pentagon issued a directive allowing base commanders to grant concealed carry authorizations to troops, and some bases allow active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA). The Marine Corps also recently authorized military police to bring their privately-owned firearms onto bases. The debate continues, with some, like President Donald Trump, supporting troops' right to carry concealed weapons, while others, like Lt. Gen. Mark Milley, disagree.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Law enforcement officers carrying weapons on military bases | In 2016, the Pentagon issued a directive that allowed base commanders to permit troops to apply to carry concealed weapons on base. |
| The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) allows qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms on military bases. | |
| Military police are permitted to carry guns on base. | |
| Some bases allow active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons if they are authorized under LEOSA. | |
| On-duty local or state police officers who come to the base on official business are generally allowed to carry weapons. | |
| The base commander can make exceptions for individuals to carry weapons on base. | |
| The Marine Corps authorized military police officers to bring their privately owned firearms onto bases in 2020, following fatal shootings at Navy installations. | |
| Military bases are federal property, and there is no federal law prohibiting the carry of firearms in national parks. |
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What You'll Learn
Military police can carry personal firearms on Marine Corps bases
In 2020, the United States Marine Corps authorized military police officers to bring their privately owned firearms onto bases. This rule change was expedited due to fatal shootings at two Navy installations in the preceding month. Around 3,200 qualified law enforcement officers are now eligible to arm themselves for personal protection, but not in the performance of their official duties. They are required to have a concealed carry permit for their firearms.
Previously, only service weapons could be carried by members of the group, including military police, criminal investigators, and civilian law enforcement officers who work for the Marines at some bases, solely as part of their duties. The Marine Corps had been working on the rule change before the shootings, but the tragic events hastened its implementation.
The Department of Defense had been reviewing concealed carry rules for several years. In 2016, the Pentagon issued an "arming and use of force" directive to develop a concealed carry policy for base personnel. The following year, the secretary of the Navy gave Navy and Marine Corps commanders the authority to grant concealed carry authorizations.
While post commanders determine their own regulations for acceptable behavior on the base, many locations do not allow any personal firearms to be brought onto the installation or stored in base housing or barracks. Troops living in barracks or similar quarters who own personal weapons usually must register and store them in a base firearms storage facility. Some bases permit weapons to be stored in on-base housing, while others require all personal weapons to be registered and stored in locked safes.
The new rule allows active-duty military police, criminal investigators, and Marine Corps law enforcement program police officers to carry personally owned weapons while on base while off-duty, as long as they comply with the 2016 Department of Defense Directive, titled "Arming and the Use of Force." It is important to note that the relatively narrow requirements do not extend to Marine reservists who are members of law enforcement when not on Marine orders or to active-duty law enforcement officers from different military branches. The personal weapons carried by the approved Marines must meet all local, state, and federal laws for caliber, ammunition, capacity, and design.
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Military members can carry concealed weapons on base
In 2016, President Donald Trump suggested that troops should be permitted to carry concealed weapons on base. However, this suggestion was not supported by the then-Lt. Gen. Mark Milley, who was the Army chief of staff at the time. He stated, "I don't think soldiers should have concealed weapons on base."
Despite this debate, some military bases do allow active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA). On these bases, officers must obtain a LEOSA carrying card and register with the base's security office. Additionally, base commanders can permit troops to apply to carry concealed personal weapons, and some bases allow this for active and retired law enforcement officers.
Military police officers are now authorized to bring their privately owned firearms onto Marine Corps bases, a rule change that followed fatal shootings at Navy installations. This rule change was initially directed by the Pentagon in 2016, which issued an "arming and use of force" directive to develop a concealed carry policy for base personnel.
It is important to note that each base may have its own regulations, and it is recommended to check with the local base for specific rules. For example, some bases may permit weapons to be stored in on-base housing, while others require troops to register and store their personal weapons in a base firearms storage facility.
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Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA)
The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) was enacted in 2004 and amended in 2013. LEOSA allows qualified active, retired, or separated law enforcement officers to carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the U.S. or U.S. Territories, regardless of state or local laws. The Act defines a "qualified law enforcement officer" as an employee of a governmental agency who is authorized by law to engage in or supervise the prevention, detection, investigation, or prosecution of any violation of law, and has statutory powers of arrest or apprehension. The officer must also be authorized by the agency to carry a firearm, meet the agency's standards for regular qualification in the use of a firearm, and not be under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances.
LEOSA has been a source of excitement and frustration since its inception, with some law enforcement officers celebrating the freedom it grants them to carry concealed firearms for personal protection. However, it's important to note that there are areas that are off-limits to LEOSA, and understanding these restrictions is crucial to avoid unknowingly violating the law. For example, military bases have their own regulations regarding the carrying of firearms, and while some bases allow active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons under LEOSA, it's not a blanket rule and specific permissions may be required.
In 2016, the Pentagon issued an "arming and use of force" directive, aiming to develop a concealed carry policy for base personnel. This led to discussions around whether military members should be permitted to carry concealed weapons on base. While President Donald Trump supported the idea, it faced opposition from then-Lt. Gen. Mark Milley, who was the Army chief of staff at the time. The Marine Corps also authorized military police officers to bring their privately owned firearms onto bases, but specified that it was for personal protection and not for use in their official duties.
To carry a concealed weapon on a military base under LEOSA, current and retired officers must obtain a LEOSA carrying card and register with the base's security office. It's important to check with the specific base to understand its policies and any additional requirements they may have for individuals seeking to carry firearms on their premises. While LEOSA provides a broad framework, each base has the autonomy to implement and adapt policies to their specific needs, ensuring the safety and security of all individuals on the base remains the top priority.
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Pentagon rule allows troops to apply to carry personal weapons on base
In 2016, the Pentagon issued a rule that allows troops to apply to carry personal weapons on base. This rule came about following President Donald Trump's suggestion that troops should be permitted to carry concealed weapons on base. The rule was also influenced by the “arming and use of force” directive, which aimed to develop a concealed carry policy for base personnel.
The Pentagon's rule permits base commanders to authorise troops to carry personal weapons on base for self-defence. This authorisation is not automatic, and troops must apply for this privilege. To be eligible, applicants should be over 21 and should not have any history of disciplinary action. Additionally, they should not be under the influence of any intoxicating or impairing substances when carrying a firearm.
The rule applies only to designated service members and does not extend to family members. It is important to note that the specific regulations regarding the carrying of personal weapons may vary depending on the base and its commanders. Some bases may require all personal weapons to be registered, while others may not. Troops living in barracks or similar quarters who own personal weapons typically must register and store them in a base firearms storage facility.
The Pentagon's rule also allows contractors to carry weapons on base for their official duties and, in limited cases, off-duty instances, provided they meet certain criteria. Some bases also permit active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons on base under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA). These officers must obtain a LEOSA carrying card and register with the base's security office.
The Marine Corps has also authorised military police officers to bring their privately owned firearms onto bases. This rule change was expedited following fatal shootings at Navy installations. The new rule allows eligible law enforcement officers to arm themselves for personal protection and not in the performance of their official duties.
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On-duty local or state police officers can carry on base
On-duty local or state police officers can carry on a military base. While there is no federal law that prohibits carrying in national parks, states have control over the carrying of firearms in national parks within their borders. Military bases are federal property, and there are some restrictions on carrying weapons on them.
The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) allows qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry a concealed firearm in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other US territories. However, there are some off-limit areas explicitly written into the statute, such as restrictions imposed on state or local government property, installations, buildings, and parks. Federal buildings located on military bases are also prohibited places per 18 U.S.C. § 930(a).
While LEOSA allows individuals to carry concealed firearms, they do not qualify for the same exemptions as state permit holders in carrying concealed firearms in federal parks and gun-free school zones (GFSZs). An individual carrying under LEOSA is doing so under federal law and not the laws of the state they are in. As such, they are not exempted from carrying a concealed firearm in these areas unless they are on official duty or possess a valid and qualifying state-issued concealed carry permit.
Some bases allow active and retired law enforcement officers to carry a concealed weapon on base under LEOSA. On these bases, current and retired officers must register for and receive a LEOSA carrying card and then register with the base's security office. It is important to check with the specific base to understand its policies on carrying weapons.
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Frequently asked questions
Military police can carry personally-owned firearms on Marine Corps bases. They are required to have a concealed carry permit.
Some bases allow active and retired law enforcement officers to carry a concealed weapon on base under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA). They must have a LEOSA carrying card and register with the base's security office.
In 2016, the Pentagon allowed base commanders to permit troops to apply to carry personal weapons on base. Commanders determine their own regulations, and many do not allow personal firearms. Troops typically must register and store their weapons in a base firearms storage facility.
All military bases are federal property, and it is illegal to possess a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a federal facility. However, there are exceptions for authorized officers, agents, and employees of the US, a state, or political subdivisions.
Yes, there are exceptions for on-duty local or state police officers who come to the base on official business. The base commander can make other exceptions.
