Guns don't kill people

  • Published
  • 3rd Security Forces
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The irresponsible use of firearms has been a contributing factor in many tragic accidents.

To prevent death and serious injury, firearm owners have the inherent responsibility to ensure weapons are not improperly used. 3 WGI 31-107 Weapons Registration and Child Weapons Safety Program provides guidance for storing and transporting privately owned weapons on Elmendorf Air Force Base. These rules are established to ensure maximum safety for our community while allowing responsible gun ownership and use.

Firearms and ammunition are not allowed in dormitories or lodging units. These residents must store their weapons in the Security Forces Armory.

All base housing residents must register their privately owned firearms with their units, who in turn will pass the information on to the Security Forces. Firearms must be secured in a tamper-resistant locked container. When stored in cabinets with glass windows, there must be an additional level of security, such as a trigger lock or wire mesh to prevent the removal or use of the firearm.

The owner must closely control the keys and combinations for mechanical locks and other safety devices to prevent access by children and unauthorized persons.

Ammunition should be stored in a locked drawer of a gun cabinet or in a gun safe. Place ammunition not stored in a locked drawer of a gun cabinet or a gun safe in another location separate from the gun This place should be secure from children and other unauthorized individuals.

There are also rules for transporting your firearm in your vehicle.

You may not store weapons in your vehicle and you may not leave children under 18 unattended in a vehicle containing firearms. Firearms may only be transported to and from their place of storage, to authorized sporting events and venues on or off base.

Weapons may be transported in plain view, secured in the trunk, or secured in the rear storage compartment of the vehicle. Weapons should also be secured in a carrying case, holster, or suitable container. Firearms must be transported unloaded with the ammunition separated from the weapon. When contacted by Security Forces for a traffic stop or random vehicle inspection, advise them you have a firearm and of its location. Do not attempt to reach for it or hand it to them unless asked to do so.

US Army personnel living on post, and anyone, bringing weapons onto the post must register their weapons with the Military Police. Barracks residents must store their weapons in their unit's Arms Room. The rules for transporting firearms are the same on Fort Richardson and Elmendorf AFB.

For more information or clarification of the regulations, you call Senior Master Sgt. Karl Heidelberg, 3rd Security Forces Squadron at 552-4029 or Mr. Patrick Ray, Fort Richardson Physical Security Office at 384-3883. 

(Editor's note: Although the State of Alaska allows firearms to be carried both openly and concealed, this rule does not apply on federal installations and military bases. Army members are prohibited from concealed carry on or off the installation.)