Stressing weapons safety provides security

  • Published
  • By Aiman 1st Class J. Zuriel Lee
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Policies are in place to ensure the safety of base residents, employees and visitors by enforcing proper transportation and storage standards for personally owned weapons.

It is illegal for anyone to carry a weapon on any federal installation or in a federal building. There are regulations in place for Airmen to safely store their personal weapons on base.

Weapons of base residents must be registered through the 97th Security Forces Squadron armory within 72 hours of the owner's arrival. This is done by completing the Air Force Form 1314. Copies of the Form 1314 are filed with the owner's unit and the armory.

Following the completion of AF Form 1314, Airmen in base housing may store registered weapons in their homes, but Airmen living in the dorms or in lodging must store registered weapons in the armory.

"The registration of the weapon allows a unit commander to be aware of Airmen who have weapons and ensure they are fit to have those weapons," said Capt. Joshua Frizzell, 97th Security Forces Squadron operations officer.

The individual will need an ID and a Form 1314 to withdraw a privately owned weapon and can possess the weapon for up to three days. Weapons registration is a law enforcement-sensitive item and information will not be released except to the proper authority on a need-to-know basis.

When transporting a weapon off or on base, inform the gate guard of a weapon in your possession. Regulations require the weapon to be unloaded with the ammunition stored separately. While the storage of firearms is allowed on base, prohibited weapons include: switchblades, knives with blades exceeding 3.5 inches, striking weapons, and weapons that are explosive or incendiary in nature. Small cans of pepper spray are allowed on base for personal defense.

Violations of these rules can result in arrest, the charge of an Article 92 and the individual's leadership will be notified for potential disciplinary actions.

These policies are in place to provide "transparancy in the officer safety perspective and the safety of every individual on the installation," said Frizzell.

For more information on policies regarding personal weapons, ask your unit leadership or the armory.