As an official member of the U.S. Military, you are licensed to be armed, man, and carry certain weapons. But can you openly carry these weapons when you have your Military uniform on?
You can only open carry in your military uniform if it is an authorized weapon issued by the military. You must also have authorization to carry a weapon in general, regardless of whether or nor you are on or off base, and regardless of whether or not you have received a CWP.
There are several things to consider when debating if your weapon can be openly carried or not. From what weapon you carry, to what license you have to carry it. These are all necessary things to consider.
Being authorized to carry military weapons
You must have received the proper authorization to be able to carry military weapons off base. Without special authorization and military approval, you cannot openly carry a weapon of any kind, especially not in Military uniform.
For example; A CWP (A type of handgun) is not allowed or authorized to be carried in military uniform. Any weapon carried by a member of U.S. Military in Military uniform, MUST be authorized by the U.S. Military.
Warning: You MUST have a license to carry weapons. In any other case it will still retain the danger of going against, or breaking the law.
Currently authorized military weapons
As a member of the U.S. Military with a license to open carry, it is necessary to know which, of all weapons, are considered to be Military approved weapons. If the weapons, which you are openly carrying, are not recommended and or approved by the Military, then you cannot carry them with your Military uniform on.
Each of the following weapons, are currently approved and or listed as Military approved weapons in current use. Verify with the current Military weapons list before deciding whether or not your weapon is safe to be openly carried in U.S. Military uniform.
- Aircrew Survival Egress Knife (US Army Aircrew and USMC Aircrew)
- M9 bayonet (M16 series compatible)
- M7 bayonet (M16 series compatible)
- M11 knife (EOD)
- OKC-3S bayonet (USMC)
- Ka-Bar combat knife (USMC)
- Gerber Mark II dagger
- Mk 3 knife (USN SEALs)
- Mission Knives MPK Knife (USN SEALs, USN EOD, and USMC)[1]
- Strider SMF (USMC)
- SEAL Knife 2000 (USN SEALs)
- Tomahawk (VTAC)
- Entrenching tool
Having a CWP
A CWP is a small hand gun that can be carried as an authorized citizen when you have a specific license to carry it. However, even though a CWP is authorized in a normal open carry license, it is not considered to be an authorized military weapon. And as such, it still cannot be openly carried when you are dressed in your U.S. Military uniform.
Warning: As a member of the U.S Military, you MUST be authorized by the Military or a similar higher power, to be able to openly carry a weapon in uniform. And that weapon MUST be authorized by the U.S. Military.
Tip: If you are unsure which weapons are currently considered as authorized Military weapons, then you may refer to the previous list of authorized weapons for confirmation on what can be openly carried as a member of the U.S. Military in uniform.
Carrying on and off base
According to military rules and regulations, only base law enforcement officers and the military police, can carry and conceal their weapons on base. Any other member of the U.S. military, or any other person, will not be able to carry a weapon on base. All other members of the U.S. military, or any other person for that matter, may only carry their weapons off base.
Fun fact: Active and retired law enforcement officers may also be specially authorized to carry a concealed weapon on some bases that allow them under a law known as the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA).
Tip: Retired, and or current officers, must register to be able to receive a Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act carrying card. Followed by an official registration with the base’s security office as a necessary precaution.
Warning: Not all military bases will accept this rule and may fault you for carrying a concealed weapon, even if you have a Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act carrying card. Verify which rules of authorization currently apply to your local base.
When carrying weapons off base, members of the military may be allowed to move stateside with their guns when they are permitted to have a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). This may also include;
- Assault weapons
- machine guns
- short-barrel shotguns
- short-barrel rifles
- silencers
Warning: Ammunition cannot be shipped by movers as this is dangerous and against current regulations.
tip: It is important to always verify with your individual transport office for what rules will apply to you and your transport to another area.
Fun fact: The Pentagon allow contractors to carry weapons on base.
(Source: Can You Carry a Gun on a Military Base? | Military.com)
Conceal carry versus open carry
It is considered to be highly abnormal that a conceal carry permit will be issued to you by the U.S. Military. Under normal conditions, a conceal carry permit or license, will only be able to be offered by counties, municipal authorities, and in other areas of state government.
As a member of the U.S. military, wearing your uniform off base, you will most likely not be allowed to conceal and carry any U.S. military designated weapons.
However, you will most likely be able to openly carry the previously mentioned designated U.S. military weapons with an authorized Military weapons license. As long as you have a license to carry military weapons, then you should be able to openly carry U.S. Military weapons off base.
Warning: By attempting to conceal carry in any way, without any proper license an approval, even when in Military uniform, you may find yourself in more trouble than carrying your weapon is worth.
(Source: Can I carry a personal weapon in military uniform with my concealed weapon permit? | Yahoo Answers)
(Source: Open Carry for active duty military | OpenCarry.org – A Right Unexercised is a Right Lost)