“Carry” safety with you – on or off duty

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
  • 90 Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  When serving the profession of arms, many Airmen are trained to use weapons in combat situations or in peacetime operations.

Servicemembers also have firearms for personal protection and recreational uses. State laws differ on possession, concealment and transporting specifications. Knowing these laws and understanding safety precautions is important to all Airmen, on or off duty.

"Even though Wyoming is an open-carry state, it is still unlawful to carry a firearm on any federal installation," said Tech. Sgt. Bob Powell, 90th Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned-officer-in-charge of Investigations.

In accordance with federal statutes 18 USC, 930, 922 (Chapter 44), concealed weapons are prohibited on F. E. Warren Air Force Base or any other military installation, except for those carried in an official law-enforcement capacity, Powell explained. There have been no changes to the current policies and laws enforced on the installation regarding concealed weapons and weapons violations.

The base policy can be found in the 90th Security Forces Group Operation Instruction 31-3 6.9. Personnel may transport privately-owned weapons on base only if they are traveling to and from an authorized base storage location, such as the armory or base accompanied housing.

On or off duty, weapons safety is paramount to protecting yourself, and the lives of those around you.

"We view weapons as tools," said Tech. Sgt. Steven Freeman, 90th Security Support Squadron NCOIC of Combat Arms. "Many people view them as something to be afraid of. Just remember - a weapon isn't going to do anything you don't want it to do."

Weapons Safety Tips

· Make sure the weapon is cleared before storing
· Keep weapons out of reach of children
· Keep your finger off the trigger unless you plan to fire
· Keep the weapon pointed toward your target
· Don't aim at anything you don't intend to shoot
· Be aware of what is behind your target
· Wear eye and ear protection