DOD DIRECTIVE 5210.56
A
RMING AND THE USE OF FORCE
Originating Component: Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence
Effective: November 18, 2016
Releasability: Cleared for public release. Available on the DoD Issuances Website at
http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives.
Reissues and Cancels: DoD Directive 5210.56, “Carrying of Firearms and the Use of Force by
DoD Personnel Engaged in Security, Law and Order, or
Counterintelligence Activities,” April 1, 2011
Approved by: Robert O. Work, Deputy Secretary of Defense
Purpose: This issuance:
• Establishes policy and standards and assigns responsibilities for arming, carrying of firearms, and
the use of force by DoD personnel performing security and protection, law and order, investigative, or
counterintelligence duties; and for personal protection when related to the performance of official duties.
• Establishes policy and standards and assigns responsibilities for contractor personnel required to
carry a firearm in accordance with applicable DoD contracts.
• Implements Section 1585 of Title 10, United States Code (U.S.C.), which authorizes civilian officers
and employees of the DoD to carry firearms or other appropriate weapons while assigned investigative
duties or such other duties as prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.
• Provides requirements, authorizations, and restrictions on carrying firearms and the use of force to
protect DoD installations, property, and personnel, and to enforce law and order in accordance with DoD
Instruction (DoDI) 5200.08 and DoD 5200.08-R.
• Implements Section 2672 of Title 10, U.S.C., Section 926A of Title 18, U.S.C., and Section 526 of
Public Law 114-92 (“the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016”), and authorizes
DoD Components to arm DoD personnel qualified under Sections 926B and 926C of Title 18, U.S.C.,
when related to the performance of official duties.
