• Though military members may have special training with firearms, they must still abide by all state gun laws in Maryland.military image by T.Tulic from Fotolia.com
  
  Despite the fact that military personnel are often better trained to use firearms than most citizens, active members of the military are generally not given special privileges regarding state gun restrictions. In Maryland, service persons are usually subject to the same laws regarding firearms as every other state resident, with one major exception.
  
  

On Duty

• While on duty, an active member of the military may use any guns issued to him for the completion of his service in Maryland. This includes the use all types of firearms (including assault weapons, which are generally prohibited in the state). These weapons may be used during training on base and on missions completed in other parts of the state. Military personnel are not allowed to carry or use weapons that are not issued by the military while on duty.
  
  

Off Duty

• When military personnel are off duty, they must abide by the same gun laws that restrict all citizens in Maryland. This law includes any military-issued weapons, and it even restricts military members while on base. If a service person is not on duty while on a military base, then he must abide by both federal gun laws and Maryland state laws.
  
  

Maryland Long Gun Laws

• Most members of the military, who generally must be 18 or older to enlist, may purchase and use long guns (rifles and shotguns) in Maryland. Neither citizens nor military personnel need a permit to purchase or carry long guns. Residents do not even need to register the guns with the state, and any person over the age of 18 may purchase these guns and any corresponding ammunition.
  
  

Handgun Laws in Maryland

• Handguns must be registered in the state and a permit is required for owners to conceal and carry these guns. Additionally, the guns may not be sold to certain individuals, including those with a history of drunkenness, former felons, or those with mental illnesses. Since military personnel are unlikely to be restricted for these reasons, most members of the military can register for and be approved to conceal and carry handguns. However, because the state of Maryland requires handgun users to be at least 21 years of age, any active duty member of the military who is younger than 21 may not purchase or use handguns in the state. Even if that service person is trained to use handguns and has been issued one by the military, she may not use it while off duty.