Veterans react to Hegseth memo expanding weapons access on military bases

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Secretary of War Pete Hegseth signed a memo this week expanding access for service members to bring personal weapons on military installations.

Veterans in the area near Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield shared mixed reactions to the decision. Some support the order, saying it gives service members the ability to defend themselves. Others believe the decision poses more harm than good, citing mental health concerns.

“It’s both good and bad,” said Joe Higgins, who served 10 years active duty with the Army.

Policy changes streamline approval process

Prior Defense Department policy prohibited service members form carrying personal weapons without permission from a senior commander. If permission was given, military personnel must follow strict guidelines for weapon storage and use.

In a video posted to social media, Hegseth called the previous process of approving a personal firearm “virtually impossible.” The memo streamlines the process, making it easier for service members to carry weapons for personal protection.

Veterans shared conflicting views on the memo and said the issue itself is complex. Some believe in light of recent acts of violence at military installations, protecting troops is a good thing.

“Am I glad that soldiers could potentially defend themselves in a situation like Fort Stewart experienced just not long ago, yes,” Higgins said.

Mental health concerns raised

While some believe the decision allows service members a better chance to defend themselves, others believe it creates more opportunity for harm. In August, a soldier allegedly shot four soldiers and a civilian worker at Fort Stewart. The suspect was in court this week and told the court he used the shooting as a way to provoke military police to shoot him because he was suicidal. The shooting was done with a personal firearm, according to leaders at the base.

Billy House, a 12-year Navy veteran, said he saw and experienced mental health issues while on duty. He believes Hegseth’s decision is a mistake.

“I don’t think this was a decision made for the health and wellbeing of anybody it is a decision that was made to earn political capital,” House said.

Mental health and suicide is an issue that has been long addressed by the military. In 2024, 471 service members died by suicide in the country. Some veterans believe mental health is what needs to be addressed, not increasing access to weapons.

“He’s not talking about, ‘oh wow we have a mental health issue at Fort Stewart’, he’s saying ‘oh wow we have a problem and I think more people need firearms to handle the mental health crisis themselves’, that’s not the answer,” said Corey Foreman, a U.S. Army veteran who was stationed at Fort Stewart and is currently running for District 1 state Senate.