Yet another infringement on the 2nd Amendment

[Sedalia Dave]

I'm retiring in January and have been working on travel plans for the upcoming year. As a veteran I had planned on saving some money by utilizing the RV camping spaces run by the  Moral, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) departments that every military base has. I also wanted to utilize the PX and other privileges I earned.

Discovered today that the only way I can take advantage of this benefit is if I completely disarm myself. The two bases I contacted informed me that firearms are prohibited and if one was discovered in my vehicle or RV (even if locked in a case) while attempting to enter the base I would be arrested. Neither base has a provision for temporary storage.

 

The more I think about this the more it pisses me off. Going to fire off a message to my congressmen and let them know how unconstitutional this is.

 

Would appreciate it if some of the rest of you would do the same.

[Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770]

Unfortunately military bases have always been this way. Back when I was in, (80s) personal weapons were forbidden in Base Housing. 

The only way one could have a personal weapon on base was to check it into the Unit Armory. Even carrying a knife if you weren't going into The Field on an exercise was frowned upon.

[Sedalia Dave]

17 minutes ago, Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 said:

Unfortunately military bases have always been this way. Back when I was in, (80s) personal weapons were forbidden in Base Housing. 

The only way one could have a personal weapon on base was to check it into the Unit Armory. Even carrying a knife if you weren't going into The Field on an exercise was frowned upon.

 

That's the way it has always been is not a valid justification. Were I to get sick and want to utilize the medical facilities or pharmacy I couldn't simply because I have a firearm in my possession.

 

Would you leave home on a multi day trip and leave all your firearms at home?

[Sedalia Dave]

This is what I sent to Ted Cruz, John Cornyn, Keith Self, the DOJ, The President, and The Vice President. Only way to contact Pete Hegseth is via snail mail.

 

Quote

I am a Veteran. Served 20 years in the US Navy. Was planning a cross country trip and wanted to save some money by using the privileges I earned by staying in RV parks operated by the MWR departments of  a couple of bases along my planned route. Was informed that the only way I can do this is if I leave all my firearms at home as both bases expressly prohibit firearms on base. 
My question for you is why must I give up my Second Amendment rights to utilize military privileges I earned as a retiree. 
I could live with no concealed carry while on base (lock the firearms inside a case in my truck or RV) but to be denied my constitutional rights is wrong. 
The military is forcing me to choose between taking advantage of the privileges I earned or exercising my Second Amendment right.

Would appreciate it if you could address this injustice.

Respectfully,
 

 

[Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770]

16 minutes ago, Sedalia Dave said:

That's the way it has always been is not a valid justification. Were I to get sick and want to utilize the medical facilities or pharmacy I couldn't simply because I have a firearm in my possession.

Would you leave home on a multi day trip and leave all your firearms at home?

I'm not saying that it's a valid reason, I'm just saying that it's something that a few letters to our Congresscritters is going to change. Especially since it's the Military. Even if Congress were to change the Regulations to permit personally owned firearms on Base, the individual Commanders would still have the authority to forbid it. Not saying that it's right, it just is. 

I suppose if I were traveling like you plan to, I would choose the guns I would take with me carefully. Unless I were going to shooting matches, I would carry a small selection, and I would for darn sure have hiding places in my RV that the MPs wouldn't find without a dog. 

The only times I have been on a military base since I got out of The Corps was as a truck driver making deliveries. The truck was searched every time I went on Base, and none of the MPs, or in the case of Raytheon, civilian guards, ever found the 1911 that I routinely and very much against Company policy had with me.

You being a Veteran only wishing to utilize Base facilities, I don't know if they would search your vehicle. But I'd still have my hiding places.

[Sedalia Dave]

9 minutes ago, Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 said:

I'm not saying that it's a valid reason, I'm just saying that it's something that a few letters to our Congresscritters is going to change. Especially since it's the Military. Even if Congress were to change the Regulations to permit personally owned firearms on Base, the individual Commanders would still have the authority to forbid it. Not saying that it's right, it just is. 

I suppose if I were traveling like you plan to, I would choose the guns I would take with me carefully. Unless I were going to shooting matches, I would carry a small selection, and I would for darn sure have hiding places in my RV that the MPs wouldn't find without a dog. 

The only times I have been on a military base since I got out of The Corps was as a truck driver making deliveries. The truck was searched every time I went on Base, and none of the MPs, or in the case of Raytheon, civilian guards, ever found the 1911 that I routinely and very much against Company policy had with me.

You being a Veteran only wishing to utilize Base facilities, I don't know if they would search your vehicle. But I'd still have my hiding places.

 

The trip includes attending several matches along the way. Way too many guns to hide.  When I contacted security at Red Stone Arsenal about temp storage I was told that it wasn't an option. Was also informed that if firearms were found during a random search that I would be arrested and the firearms confiscated.

As much as I hate the policy I'm not willing to be the guinea pig for a court battle.  

[Rye Miles #13621]

4 hours ago, Sedalia Dave said:

 

The trip includes attending several matches along the way. Way too many guns to hide.  When I contacted security at Red Stone Arsenal about temp storage I was told that it wasn't an option. Was also informed that if firearms were found during a random search that I would be arrested and the firearms confiscated.

As much as I hate the policy I'm not willing to be the guinea pig for a court battle.  

Looks like you’ll have to use regular campgrounds on your trip. Too bad you can’t take advantage of your benefits. Good luck.

[Chicken Rustler, SASS #26680]

I wonder if you could say you're going to the range or Rod & Gun Club? We never declared weapons at the gate or even told them we were going to the Rod & Gun Club at Air Force bases but maybe Army rules are different. 

[PowderRiverCowboy]

While it depends on base, Like local Air Farce base Security Forces didnt even know the M17 was a Sig or the M9 was a Berretta    I can go on if I declare it and ohh drop the Magazine.

I understand why as most know Military bases are soft targets

Warren AFB in Cheyenne Wyo has had alot of issues lately 4 dead including the murder/suicide a couple weeks ago in that last few months 

 

Washington Navy Yard, D.C. (2013): Military contractor Aaron Alexis killed 12 people and wounded 8 others. 

 

Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida (2019): A shooter killed three people before being killed by law enforcement. 

 

Fort Stewart, Georgia (2025): An active duty sergeant shot five fellow soldiers with a personal handgun, but he was quickly subdued by fellow service members. 

 

Fort Hood, Texas (2009): Army psychiatrist Nidal Malik Hasan opened fire, killing 13 people and wounding 32 others. 

 

[Sedalia Dave]

1 hour ago, PowderRiverCowboy said:

While it depends on base, Like local Air Farce base Security Forces didnt even know the M17 was a Sig or the M9 was a Berretta    I can go on if I declare it and ohh drop the Magazine.

I understand why as most know Military bases are soft targets

Warren AFB in Cheyenne Wyo has had alot of issues lately 4 dead including the murder/suicide a couple weeks ago in that last few months 

 

Washington Navy Yard, D.C. (2013): Military contractor Aaron Alexis killed 12 people and wounded 8 others. 

 

Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida (2019): A shooter killed three people before being killed by law enforcement. 

 

Fort Stewart, Georgia (2025): An active duty sergeant shot five fellow soldiers with a personal handgun, but he was quickly subdued by fellow service members. 

 

Fort Hood, Texas (2009): Army psychiatrist Nidal Malik Hasan opened fire, killing 13 people and wounding 32 others. 

 

 

Which is kinda my point.  Gun free zones are useless.

[Dantankerous]

12 hours ago, Sedalia Dave said:

...Would you leave home on a multi day trip and leave all your firearms at home?

 

Well, I can’t travel all of them but I never travel without a few. Driving or flying. 

 

I hope you find great alternative camping for your travels. 

[Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770]

2 hours ago, Sedalia Dave said:

Gun free zones are useless.

To those who would do harm, Gun Free Zones are simply a target rich environment.

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

Okinawa 1966-1968 i had my personal 1911 or Browning HighPower in reach around the clock.

 

Vietnam I had access to a number of "unregistered" weapons from M-1 and M-2 carbines, M-3A1 "grease guns", AK 47 and 74, 1928A1 and M-1A1 Tommy guns, and a bunch of various handguns.

 

P. I. I had a .357 SAA in my desk drawer or brief case all the time.  There was a Colt 1903 pistol in my car.

 

At Seal beach I had a 1911 or a .45 SAA all the time. 

 

I didn't flaunt them and no one knew I was carrying except for the guns I had in 'Nam.

Edited October 10, 2025 by Forty Rod SASS 3935

[Barry Sloe]

It's best to check each base for their specific rules. The Air Force Base here in Tucson, I can have a firearm in my vehicle but it must be unloaded and ammo and firearm stowed separately while on the base.

I called the Air Force Base in Great Falls Montana. They have two campgrounds, one on the base and the other just outside the gate. Both are operated by Welfare & Rec.  If I went to the campground on base I would have to check the firearms in and out of the armory daily.  The campground outside the base doesn't care - as long as you are not waving your guns around. 

Last I knew both the Navy and Marines didn't allow any firearms at all.

 

Good luck,

BS

 

[Texas Joker]

Corp of Engineers often have campgrounds open to the public near or adjacent to Mliitary bases and major projects like dams.

 

[Texas Joker]

And maybe the rule is to prevent a Trojan horse style attack on the base not to infringe.

 

I always wondered why 1 day I had a rifle in the armory with a happy switch and after mustering out I wasn't allowed one like that anymore. 

[Kid Rich]

Same as Barry, same base. They told me lock it in my gunsafe and I was good to go.

kR