Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Thursday signed a memorandum directing commanders to allow uniformed service members to request to carry privately owned firearms on military installations.

Pentagon policy now allows service members to carry personal firearms on bases while off duty, citing recent active‑shooter incidents.

Under a 2024 gun law, many Massachusetts residents applying or renewing a firearms permit are now required to take a revised basic firearms safety course with updated material. However, advocates for gun owners say they were left waiting until the last minute to hear which specific courses were acceptable.

The new firearms safety law in Massachusetts introduces updated training requirements, digital certification, and impacts military personnel and hunters.