Did you check your weapon before coming on base?

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ty-Rico Lea and Airman 1st Class Tammie Ramsouer
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARSON, Alaska --  It's easy to forget to unload your weapon after a long day of fishing, hunting or simply just carrying your weapon on a hike. Nonetheless, it is important to unload your weapon before entering the base.

Firearms related accidents happen and can cause serious harm or even death if not handled properly. Not only that, but bringing a loaded weapon on base violates Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Instruction 31-107 and therefore becomes a threat the JBER Security Forces have to take seriously.

"Weapon safety is very important because any gun owner could potentially take an innocent bystanders life in the blink of an eye if not practiced correctly," said Tech. Sgt. Rogelio Diaz, 673d Security Forces Squadron training noncommissioned officer.

"Complacency is a vicious monster even in the law enforcement world."

Negligent discharges can result in a variety of potentially fatal injuries, but knowing weapon safety precautions can help protect a person's life.

Gun safety is a collection of rules and recommendations that can be applied when possessing, storing or handling firearms. The purpose of gun safety is to eliminate or minimize the risks of unintentional death, injury or damage caused by improper possession, storage or handling of firearms, Diaz stated.

"Here at the 673d SFS, we practice exactly what the instructors at Combat Arms Training and Maintenance declare the safest," Diaz stated.

Security forces and JBER leaders implore those new to owning a firearm to seek out gun safety training. Second, they say it is essential to instill a certain mindset and appropriate habits by following specific rules.

Gun owners are taught to treat firearms with respect for their destructive capabilities, and strongly discouraged from playing or toying with firearms, a common cause of accidents.
"People really need to know their weapon before they decide to go out and use it on the range or carry it off post for any reason," Diaz said. "The best way to become familiar with your weapon is to read the manual and do some research."

Owners can take measures such as placing cable locks on their firearms to prevent any type of misfire from occurring. Owners can also research the JBER Weapons Registration and Child Weapons Safety Program, which provides guidance for storing and transporting privately owned weapons. The base access office has copies available.

"Please read all applicable Air Force [and Army] Instructions, especially JBER Instruction 31-107, which is the weapon registration and child access prevention policy for JBER," said Tech. Sgt. David Jensen, 673d Security Forces noncommissioned officer in charge of CATM.

Weapons should also be secured in a carrying case, holster or suitable container.
When entering through the base gates, members must have their registration forms out to show SF members the list of firearms they have and are currently carrying. By regulation firearms must be transported in a case, unloaded and separated from the ammunition and magazine or clip in the trunk or back seat of the vehicle. JBER officials have also prohibited keeping weapons in the dormitories and barracks. Airmen and Soldiers living in the barracks and dormitories are required to keep their weapons in one of the two Security Forces armories on JBER or their unit armories.

Also, all base housing residents must register their privately owned firearms with their units, who in turn will pass the information on to security forces. When contacted by on or off-base police for a traffic stop or random vehicle inspection, gun owners should advise them they have a firearm and disclose its location. Do not attempt to reach for it or hand it to them unless asked to do so.

Though firearms and their ammunition are made to exacting specifications and tolerances, malfunctions of firearms and ammunition do happen.

For more information about JBER gun registration contact Base Access at 552-5251 or weapon safety, contact the SFS training office at 552-4163.

Top Ten Gun Rules
1. Treat all firearms as if they are loaded.
2. Always be aware of where your firearms is pointed.
3. Unload firearms when not in use.
4. Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions
5. Properly identify your target before you pull the trigger.
6. Never point at anything you don't intend to shoot.
7. Never climb a tree, fence, or jump anything with a loaded weapon.
8. Never shoot at a flat or hard surface or water.
9. Store guns and ammunition separately
10. Avoid alcoholic beverages while handling firearm