USCCA Rolls Out Free Gun Training for Military After New DoD Policy

WEST BEND, WI – April 13, 2026 – In a direct response to a landmark shift in Pentagon policy, the U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) has announced a nationwide initiative to provide free concealed carry permit classes to U.S. service members, their families, and veterans. The move follows a recent directive from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth authorizing off-duty military personnel to carry privately owned firearms on military installations.

This initiative by the USCCA, a prominent self-defense education and training organization with over 870,000 members, aims to equip the military community with state-certified training ahead of a major policy implementation. The organization plans to offer at least 250 free classes near major military bases before Independence Day, which this year marks the nation's 250th anniversary.

“This is a meaningful step forward for the men and women who serve our country,” said Mike Lowney, President of Delta Defense, the service provider for the USCCA. “These are individuals who have sworn to defend our freedoms, and they deserve the ability to protect themselves and their families when they are off duty.”

A New Era for Firearms on Military Bases

The USCCA's program comes on the heels of an April 2, 2026, memorandum from Secretary Hegseth that fundamentally alters long-standing firearm regulations on military property. The new policy instructs installation commanders to operate with a “presumption of approval” when active-duty personnel request permission to carry a personal firearm for self-protection. Any denial of a request must now be justified in writing, placing a new burden of proof on command leadership.

Hegseth, who assumed office in January 2025 and sometimes uses the historic secondary title of “Secretary of War,” framed the policy change as both a constitutional right and a practical security measure. Citing past active-shooter incidents on bases, he declared that military installations would no longer be “gun-free zones.” The directive builds upon authority granted by the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) but represents a significant expansion in its application, shifting the Pentagon’s focus from narrow force protection to a broader interpretation of Second Amendment rights for service members.

The policy has been met with a mix of praise and alarm. Proponents argue it empowers highly trained personnel to defend themselves, while critics and safety advocates raise serious concerns about its potential impact on base security, accidents, and military suicide rates.

Bridging the Training Gap

The USCCA aims to address the training component of this new reality. The organization’s free classes are designed to meet the specific requirements for obtaining a concealed carry permit in the state where the training is held. Attendees will receive the necessary certificate and documentation to complete their state application.

The curriculum extends beyond basic firearm handling, focusing on legal considerations, responsible storage practices, and the development of situational awareness. The initiative is being led in part by Gavin Glasenapp, a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Four with over two decades of service, including numerous combat deployments.

“In the military, you’re trained extensively for high-risk environments, but that doesn’t always translate directly to civilian life or off-duty scenarios,” said Glasenapp. “Our goal is to help bridge that gap… This isn’t just about carrying, it’s about responsibility, awareness, and preparation.”

The program also includes a career-path component, with the USCCA aiming to identify and develop at least one new certified instructor from each class. This creates an opportunity for transitioning service members to build careers in the firearms training industry, leveraging the USCCA’s extensive network of over 10,000 certified instructors.

Empowerment, Safety, and Strategy

For the USCCA and its parent service provider, Delta Defense, the initiative is a powerful demonstration of support for the military community, a demographic that aligns closely with its core mission. With approximately 7% of its workforce comprised of veterans—a figure above the national average—the company has long cultivated ties to those who have served.

However, the move is also a significant strategic undertaking. By offering free, high-demand training to a large and influential community, the organization is positioning itself as the premier resource for self-defense education in this new policy environment. This can drive future membership, build powerful brand loyalty, and expand its instructor base, solidifying its role as a leader in the multi-billion-dollar self-defense industry.

While proponents celebrate the policy as an overdue restoration of rights, gun safety organizations have voiced strong opposition. Groups like Everytown for Gun Safety have called the idea of allowing more personal firearms on bases “dangerous,” pointing to the potential for an increased risk of suicide, which is already a critical issue within the military and veteran communities. Research has consistently shown that access to firearms is a significant risk factor in suicide deaths. These groups argue that any effective firearm policy must be coupled with robust suicide prevention efforts, de-escalation training, and education on the risks of firearm access for individuals in crisis.

As the USCCA prepares to roll out its classes across the country, military commanders are left to navigate the logistical and security challenges of implementing Secretary Hegseth’s directive. The policy raises complex questions about the integration of armed off-duty personnel with military police, alignment with varying state laws, and the establishment of clear rules of engagement. While the USCCA’s training initiative seeks to promote responsible ownership, the broader debate over the presence and prevalence of personal firearms on military installations has just begun.