Safety reminders given for gun registration, helmet use at Malmstrom

  • Published
  • By Valerie Mullett
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, MONT. --  Privately owned weapons on Malmstrom are authorized providing the guidance that follows is adhered to.

Newly assigned personnel have 10 duty days upon in-processing their squadrons to report to their commanders support staff to register all privately owned weapons.

Once there, personnel will be asked to review the base policy on privately owned weapons, complete an Air Force Form 1314, Firearms Registration, sign a letter on safe storage of privately owned weapons and complete a registration information letter.
Under no circumstances will privately owned weapons be temporarily stored on-base in privately owned vehicles or in unaccompanied quarters.

Paperwork completed at the CSS will become a part of the member's personnel information file and will also be maintained by the Security Forces pass and registration section.

Once registered, personnel need to abide by the following procedures for safe storage of POWs in military housing:

 Military sponsors responsible for government housing units will ensure all POWs stored in that unit are secured in an appropriately constructed locked container or they are equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device. The 341st Space Wing Safety Office has a limited number of gun locks for military members, free of charge. The Cascade County Sherriff's Office also issues free gun locks for anyone needing them.

 Mechanical locks or other safety devices will be properly engaged to ensure all weapons are rendered inoperable to unauthorized users.

 Military sponsors will ensure POWs stored in locking gun cabinets constructed with glass windows will have an additional level of security in place, such as trigger locks, wire, mesh, etc., to prevent the removal or use of privately owned firearms if the glass is broken.

 Keys and combinations for mechanical locks or other safety devices must be closely controlled to prevent access to children and other unauthorized individuals.
There are also rules for transporting POWs that need to be adhered to.

 Transporting POWs on the installation is prohibited except to and from authorized storage areas to an authorized shooting activity.

 Firearms must be unloaded, cleared and safe, with breech open, and it is recommended they be equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device. Firearms can also be transported disassembled.

 Weapons should be placed in the trunk or closest to the rear of the vehicle. They should not be stowed in any such manner as to appear to be concealed, for example under seats or partially hidden.

Ammunition storage also has set requirements.
 Ammunition can be stored in a locked drawer or gun cabinet or gun safe.

 If not stored in a locked drawer, gun cabinet or gun safe, it will be stored in a location separated from the firearms and in a manner that a reasonable and prudent person would believe to be secured from a child or other unauthorized individuals.

For unaccompanied personnel temporarily residing in billeting or permanently residing in the dormitories, storage or introduction of firearms is prohibited in these areas per 341st Space Wing Instruction 31-101, para. 14.3.2. The authorized storage location is the Security Forces Armory located in building 500.

Armory personnel will issue an AF IMT 1297, Temporary Issue Receipt and personnel are also required to register their weapons in the same fashion as required by base housing residents, through their CSS.

Base housing residents also have the option of storing their weapons in the Armory.
Personnel found to be non-compliant with these procedures are subject to Article 92 punishment under the Uniformed Code of Military Justice.

Questions regarding firearms or ammunition storage can be directed to security forces personnel at 731-4946 or your squadron first sergeant.

There are also rules and regulations in place regarding the use of bicycle helmets by active-duty personnel on and off the installation, and for all personnel while on Malmstrom. That includes retirees, DOD civilian employees, family members of the above, contractors and visitors.

These directives are from DOD Instructions and command supplements to safety regulations that will be implemented under the local wing safety office.

"All personnel who ride bicycles on an installation must wear an approved (American National Standards Institute or Snell Memorial Foundation) bicycle helmet. Workers operating bicycles in areas that require the use of ANSI-approved hard hats for protection from falling and flying objects are allowed to use those helmets instead of approved bicycle helmets," according the Air Force Space Command Supplement to AFI 96-207. 

Call 731-6719 or 731-7008 with questions.