Whiteman firearm storage, transporting procedures

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Keenan Berry
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Airmen and their families are valuable assets to the mission and must not be put in harm's way.

Adhering to weapon procedures maintains safety and the well-being of everyone on the installation. It's important for Team Whiteman to know the specific guidelines for firearm registration and transportation procedures while on base.

"The security forces (SF) armory will provide mandatory storage for the following personnel: overnight transient personnel, military retirees in transient status, temporary duty personnel, dormitory residents and those that have been first sergeant or commander directed," said Staff Sgt. Steven Romero, 509th Security Forces Squadron assistant NCO in charge of the armory. "Those personnel who live in base housing may keep their weapons at their home. However, the weapons must be registered with the 509th SFS. We also service Wildlife Services and Federal, state, county or local law enforcement. These personnel are authorized to bring departmental firearms onto the installation in direct support of their duties. All personnel will declare firearms to SF personnel if stopped for any reason." 
There are two types of storage services provided by the armory: temporary and permanent storage.

"The temporary storage service is used for weapons stored for less than 10 duty days," said Staff Sgt. Matthew Birenbaum, 509th SFS NCO in charge of the armory. "A photo ID is required prior to completion of AF Form 1297, which will include the make, model, serial number condition of the weapon and contact information for the owner. Any ammunition will also be annotated on the form. A copy of the completed form will be made and the owner will retain the original." 

Permanent weapon storage is used for weapons stored longer than 10 duty days and requires additional paper work. 

"The armorer completes the applicable portions of the AF Form 1314," said Birenbaum. "A copy of the AF Form 1314 will be made. The owner will take the original copy to their unit for completion before returning it to the SF armory. Once the AF Form 1314 is signed by commanders and designated representatives, the owner will provide the armory with a copy for the armory files and the weapon will be considered permanently stored." 

The SF armory is open 24/7 and individuals can remove their weapons at any time. However, arming of security forces for duty will take precedence. The on-duty armorer completes a private firearms temporary removal request letter in two copies and retains a copy for the entire checkout period. The owner retains the original on their person while transporting the firearm on the installation.  If the checkout period exceeds 72 hours, the owner must validate the request by producing a leave form, TDY orders, etc.  If the owner fails to return the firearm on the date specified on the private firearms temporary removal request letter, the owner's commander will be notified immediately.

If the owner moves off the installation and would like to store the weapon elsewhere, they will present a completed private firearms permanent removal letter, a copy of the AF form 1314 and photo identification. The original form is then returned to the owner.  A copy of the permanent removal request letter is kept for armory files and the firearm must be removed from the installation or moved to another approved storage location.
Regardless of where a firearm is being stored, certain procedures must be followed when transporting the item onto base.

The weapon will be in the unloaded configuration, the ammunition and weapon will be in different areas of the vehicle and individuals must declare the firearm to security forces gate personnel for safety purposes.  All weapons that are courtesy stored inside the SF armory are safeguarded by the armory.

Following these set guidelines will help ensure a safe environment for the firearm owner and others while on the installation. Safety is a top priority in the Air Force and Airmen are responsible for upholding this standard. Exercise sound judgment and be safe.