The policy for transportation of firearms and concealed carry has changed for personnel on Kirtland Air Force Base.
In March, 377th Air Base Wing Commander Col. Eric Froehlich approved changes to the plan on the transportation of personal firearms on base.
“We want to make people aware of the changes in the plan,” said Chief of Police Services Philip Barela.
Previously, personal firearms had to be stored at the Security Forces Squadron armory by non-base residents and base residents had to receive approval from their respective commander and register the weapons at the armory before storing the guns at their residence. Under the new change, most personnel don’t have to bring the weapon to the armory as long as the weapon is unloaded and locked away.
However, base residents are still required to register their firearms and dorm residents must continue to store their firearms at the Security Forces armory.
To transport a weapon on base, the firearm must be unloaded prior to entering the gate. The firearm does not have to be declared when entering the base, but must be declared during routine interactions with security forces, i.e., a traffic stop.
“If it’s still loaded and a routine traffic stop on base occurs, it’s already too late,” Barela said.
He also cautioned, “Never reach for the firearm, whether it’s loaded or not, unless directed to do so.”
Firearms are not allowed in work areas, billeting rooms or transient living facilities.
Another change is the limited ability for concealed carry.
Concealed carry is only authorized for law enforcement officers covered under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act. Law enforcement officers must be able to show proof of their credentials and be in compliance with their department’s policies.
Concealed-carry permits obtained by civilians or military personnel not in law enforcement aren’t valid on base at any time, Barela said.
No one may concealed-carry into the commissary, the 377th Medical Group facility, Raymond G. Murphy Veterans Affairs Medical Center or the dormitories.