Rules outlined for transporting, safeguarding firearms

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. John Facemire
  • 377th Security Forces Squadron
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The new Exchange opened today, and military and civilian employees at Kirtland are able to purchase firearms at the Exchange's gun department. Anyone planning to purchase a new firearm should be aware of the rules for transporting and safeguarding firearms on base.

In accordance with the Air Force Materiel Command supplement to Air Force Instruction 31-101, a firearm may be transported on base when it's a new purchase from AAFES or when the owner is authorized to store the weapon in a private residence in base housing.

In the case of a new purchase, the weapon must be transported immediately off base, directly to a Kirtland Family Housing residence or to the Law Enforcement Armory for storage. For weapons approved for storage, owners may transport the weapons from housing to the gates to depart for off-base destinations, such as shooting ranges. Firearms may not be stored in such a manner as to appear to be concealed, and can never be left unattended in any vehicle.

At all times, firearms must be cleared and safed, with the breech open. While being transported, firearms will be in the trunk or in a locked container, and the ammunition must be stored separately. Transporting firearms on an open vehicle, such as a bicycle, motorcycle, horseback, or on any other two- or three-wheeled vehicle, is prohibited.

Privately owned weapon registration is mandatory for residents of Kirtland Family Housing, Family Camp, base dormitories, temporary lodging facilities, visiting airman or officer quarters, and any other transient, government-owned or operated facility. Firearm registration is accomplished by completing an AF IMT 1314, Firearms Registration, and DD Form 2760, Qualification to Possess Firearms or Ammunition, and delivering the forms to the Law Enforcement Armory in Building 20221.

The forms must be properly filled out and signed by the weapon owner and unit commander or designated representative before delivering them to the armory. Employees have 72 hours to process requests and return approved documentation to the armory. Failure to properly process approval to store weapons may result in administrative action. All firearms registered to owners residing in the dormitories must be stored in the armory.

Firearms control is necessary to sustain a safe and secure environment for the employees and residents of Kirtland. For more information about transporting and safeguarding firearms on base, call the Law Enforcement Armory at 846-7161.