Ready, Aim, Fire!

Staff Sgt. Alaina Howard, 49th Security Forces Squadron, stan evaluation, non-commissioned officer loads her magazine to prepare for class at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., March 5. Howard was one of four Security Forces members taking the M-9 pistol Air Force Qualification Course at Holloman’s Combat Arms Training and Maintenance site. This course is designed to help Airmen become mission effective as well as combat ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Leah Ferrante/Released)

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Ready, Aim, Fire!

Members from the 49th Security Forces squadron prepare their targets to begin their weapon’s qualification course at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., March 5. Four Security Forces members took the M-9 pistol Air Force Qualification Course at Holloman’s Combat Arms Training and Maintenance site. This course is designed to help Airmen become mission effective as well as combat ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Leah Ferrante/Released)

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Ready, Aim, Fire!

Members from the 49th Security Forces Squadron begin their weapons qualification course at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., March 5. Four Security Forces members took the M-9 pistol Air Force Qualification Course at Holloman’s Combat Arms Training and Maintenance site. This course is designed to help Airmen become mission effective as well as combat ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Leah Ferrante/Released)

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Ready, Aim, Fire!

Staff Sgt. Aisha Mcclain, 49th Security Forces Squadron combat arms instructor, reviews gun safety with Chief Master Sgt. Gay Veale, 49th Wing command chief, before shooting at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., March 5. Veale visited the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance site with Col. Andrew Croft, 49th Wing commander, to learn a day’s work as a combat arms instructor. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Leah Ferrante/Released)

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Ready, Aim, Fire!

Chief Master Sgt. Gay Veale, 49th Wing command chief, and Col. Andrew Croft, 49th Wing commander, fire rounds of ammunition at the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance site at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., March 5. Croft and Veale visited the CATM site to learn a day’s work as a combat arms instructor. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Leah Ferrante/Released)

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Ready, Aim, Fire!

Published March 6, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Leah Ferrante
49th Wing Public Affairs Office

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- With summer just around the corner it's time to start thinking about activities to enjoy in the sun. However, let's not forget the most important part of having fun: Safety.

Firing weapons is a popular activity for Team Holloman members but we have to remember to proceed with caution.

"In the past several years at Holloman I have had a number of gun mishaps and injuries," said Dan Salinas 49th Wing Ground Safety. "The biggest thing people forget is that even an unloaded gun isn't safe."

When handling a weapon it's best if you have proper knowledge of the gun you're handling and the safety procedures to remember.

"Just remember a few important steps to being ready to shoot: Know your target and what is beyond. Know how to use the gun safely. Be sure the gun is safe to operate. Use only the correct ammunition for your gun. Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate. Never use alcohol or over-the-counter prescriptions or other drugs before or while shooting. Store guns so they aren't accessible to unauthorized persons. Be aware that certain types of guns and many shooting activities require additional safety precautions, and proper cleaning." said Salinas.

Local ranges in the Alamogordo area offer gun safety courses that teach proper weapon handling, safe shooting techniques, correct ammunition usage and weapon cleaning.

"Carelessness and lack of knowledge are the biggest issues with guns,said Salinas. "People get comfortable with the weapon instead of respecting it."

Along with gun safety, it is also important to remember to protect your body as well. Always wear the proper protective equipment when firing your weapon.

For more information about gun safety and New Mexico gun laws contact the 49th Security Forces Squadron at 575-572-7171.