Officials emphasize Holloman weapons requirements

  • Published
  • From 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Officials with the 49th Fighter Wing would like to remind base personnel of the rules and regulations governing privately owned firearms, or POFs, on base, in light of the Base Exchange now selling firearms and ammunition.

Holloman Air Force Base Instruction 31-102, Installation Physical Security Program, states the policy in place for all members of Team Holloman and compliance to these instructions is mandatory.

"The Air Force strictly limits the carrying of firearms in-garrison to on-duty law enforcement, security and Integrated Defense Force personnel," said Maj. Chris DeGuelle, 49th Security Forces Squadron commander. "This limitation is in place to reduce the possibility of blue-on-blue shootings in the event of an incident."

In a memorandum for Army and Air Force Exchange Service customers, Major DeGuelle explains weapon requirements and states that failure to comply with the regulations will result in disciplinary action.

The memorandum states all weapons and ammunition will be taken directly from the place of purchase to the place of storage -- convenience stops are not authorized. Personnel storing privately owned firearms in base housing will report to the 49th Security Forces Squadron armory and complete the Air Force Form 1314, Firearms Registration.

All personnel assigned, attached or on temporary duty to Holloman must register their POF with the 49th SFS armory within 24 hours of being brought on the installation.

It also states that personnel residing in base dormitories, bachelor and family transient quarters are not authorized to store weapons or ammunition within these areas. In these situations, POFs and privately owned ammunition, or POA, must be stored off base or in the 49th SFS armory, however, no more than 100 rounds of rifle or handgun ammunition and 50 rounds of shotgun ammunition per weapon caliber may be stored in the armory by any person.

Additionally, under no circumstances will POFs or POA be stored in privately owned vehicles on the installation, as stated by the 49th SFS commander. When transporting weapons on base, owners must store the POF out of reach of the vehicle occupants and separate from ammunition.

POFs are not allowed to be handled or used on base under any circumstances except at authorized firing locations, he stated. Misuse of POFs on the installation is cause for confiscation of the weapons and command action.

"Failure to comply can result in (Uniform Code of Military Justice) action for military personnel or federal magistrate court convictions for civilians," said Major DeGuelle.

AAFES firearms and ammunition employees said that a copy of the 49th SFS commander's memorandum will be given and explained to all customers making a purchasing. It's also posted in front of the check-out counter at firearms and ammunition as well as the age limits and requirements for purchasing firearms.

"The memorandum provided when purchasing a weapon through AAFES clearly spells out (Air Force) requirements for transporting and securing weapons on Holloman," he said.

For more information, contact the 49th SFS Resource Protection staff at 575-572-0196.