Policy outlined for transporting, safeguarding weapons on Kirtland

  • Published
  • By 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Base officials are re-emphasizing the importance of safeguarding privately owned firearms.

"It is critical that we all place the highest emphasis on the proper safety, handling, transportation, and required registration of firearms," said Col. Tom Miller, 377th Air Base Wing commander. "The proper handling of firearms is imperative for the safety of all."

Firearms may not be carried or transported on base except for new purchases from the Exchange, when authorized to store the weapon in a private residence in base housing or when transporting to the Law Enforcement Armory for storage. 

When transporting a privately-owned weapon onto Kirtland, gate security personnel must be notified.  The weapon must be cleared and have the safety on and the breech opened and unloaded.  It must be placed in the trunk or secured in a locked container.  In all cases, ammunition must be separated from the firearm during transport. Firearms can never be left in a vehicle unattended. Transporting firearms in an open vehicle is prohibited, as is transporting or carrying a concealed weapon.

Privately owned weapon registration is required for all residents of Kirtland Family Housing, Fam­Camp, base dormitories, lodging facilities and government owned or operated facilities.  Firearms registration is accomplished by completing an AF IMT 1314, Firearms Registration, and delivering that form to the Law Enforcement Armory.

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.

Base residents should always keep authorized firearms safely secured, preferably in a lock box and inaccessible to others, especially children. All firearms registered to owners residing in the dormitories must be stored in the Law Enforcement Armory.

"Safety is everyone's responsibility," Miller said. "If you encounter others failing to meet these requirements, it is your responsibility to address it with them immediately and if necessary, involve their chain of command." 

For more information, contact the Law Enforcement Armory at 846-7161.  To review the weapons policy, click here.