Register those firearms

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shawn Nickel
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Rules are in place for a reason and registering firearms for on base residence is no exception. Brig. Gen. Mark Kelly, 354th Fighter Wing commander, contacted all base personnel Oct. 8 to remind them to register all types of firearms.

An amnesty period has been put in place to allow all firearms to be registered with the 354th Security Forces Squadron Visitor Control Center by Oct. 24 to avoid administrative action.

"One of the reasons many of us love living in Alaska is the opportunities it presents for outdoor activities," Kelly said. "In part to take full advantage of the opportunities provided, many of us choose to own firearms."

The registration requirement is outlined in Air Force Instruction and Kelly said the rules are being enforced to protect base residence and keep the security forces Airmen who defend the installation as safe as possible.

"Some residents may be unaware of these policies," he said. "So I have authorized an amnesty period from now through Oct. 24 to allow the base populace to register firearms and become compliant. No one is an exception; not even me."

To register firearms residents must fill out two forms available online and receive a Lautenberg Amendment briefing from their squadron's leadership. The Air Force Form 1314 is available here and the Department of Defense Form 2760 is available here.

After forms are complete, they are turned in at the Visitor Control Center located at the Hursey Gate.

Here are a few things to remember about possessing a firearm on base:

-All privately owned weapons must be properly registered with security forces within 30 days of arrival, or the next duty day upon purchase.

-Firearms are not authorized in vehicles for long-term storage.

-Firearms are not authorized in dorms. If a dorm resident is storing a weapon at a supervisor or friend's home on base, the occupier of the residence must register the firearm under their name.

-Personnel who are authorized by law to possess or own firearms may transport them through the gate; however, all firearms must be in plain view with the action in the open position and ammunition separate. Firearms may be secured in firearms cases with the action open and ammunition separate.

-Firearms may be loaded only while being used for authorized purposes such as hunting or target shooting in designated areas and ranges.

-Firearms must be unloaded prior to transport to and from a residence or the security forces armory for dormitory residents.

-Failure to register weapons will be grounds for administrative action.

For more information, contact the 354th Security Force Squadron Visitors Control Center at 377-3807.