Weapon Safety: Knowing your responsibilities

Published Nov. 22, 2016
By Lt. Col. Jenelle Walden
5th Bomb Wing Judge Advocate Office

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Firearms helped found this nation and are an integral part of both our constitution and the lives of many in the military. Whether for work, recreation or for protection, the safe use of firearms is critical.

The Center for Injury Research and Prevention reports there are more than 310 million guns in circulation in the United States, which is approximately 90 guns for every 100 people. While gun ownership is a constitutional right, it’s also imperative that owners act responsibly in the care and ownership of their weapons.

In 2013, 1,670 children, age 0 to 18, died from a gunshot and another 9,718 were injured.

While we are required to have specialized training to drive a car, states vary on their requirements for gun purchase and ownership. Some states require safety training and a license, some only require a license and others require neither. It’s incumbent upon all Airmen to learn and practice gun safety, even if not required by law.

There are four basic rules to follow to help keep safety paramount:
First, treat every gun as if it was loaded. Never assume a gun isn’t loaded or handle it in a careless fashion.

Second, be sure of your target and what is beyond it. It goes without saying that you should have a clear view of what you intend to shoot, nothing should be nearby.

Third, keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction. Never point a gun at anything you are not willing to shoot. We all know the devastating consequences of an errant bullet. Do not play with guns by pointing them at any living thing.

Finally, keep your finger off the trigger until the gun is lined up on target. Typically a gun will not fire unless the trigger is depressed. Keeping your finger off the trigger until you have safely determined your target can help prevent accidental shootings, injuries and possibly death.

All Airmen residing in dorms, billeting, temporary lodging facilities and housing must register their firearms with a point of contact in their orderly rooms. The individual will fill out the Air Force form 1314 Firearm Registration and Department of Defense form 2760 Qualification to Possess Firearms or Ammunition. Non-military personnel renting on base housing will register their firearms through Balfour Beatty Communities using the AF form 1314.

Once a firearm has been registered, dorm and billeting residents will store it in the security forces armory. Base housing residents can keep their firearms in their home, preferably stored unloaded and in a locked container separate from ammunition.

When transporting a firearm on base, it must be unloaded, placed in the trunk or rear most compartment of the vehicle. The firearm must be cleared, on safe and a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device is recommended. They cannot be stowed as to appear concealed. Firearms may not be stored in a vehicle overnight.

Additionally, even if you have a state-issued permit, concealed carry is prohibited on base except for federal, state, or local law enforcement for official duty purposes.

Also, Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act credentialed personnel may carry concealed firearms except in the workplace, Rockers Grill and Bar and Jimmy Doolittle Center, any controlled, restricted, limited, and exclusion areas and the 5th Medical Group facility.