I wonder if the guy is referring to American base personnel who are not responsible for base security not being allowed to carry guns. I think that Clinton-era rule was dumb, but I wonder whether other armed forces do it differently.
When I was in Army in Germany I kept my privately owned .45 Commander in my quarters, and when I went on maneuvers, or performed Guard Mount, I carried it in preference to the old and lose issue weapon.
I also had an issue pistol in my office desk, as required by regulation.