Check it at the gate Published Oct. 10, 2012 By 99th Security Forces Squadron NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. - -- Due to several requests for information regarding on base firearms policies as well as those off base, we want to better educate our military and civilian members and their families about Local, State, and Federal firearms laws. It is important to know and understand the Installation Commander's policy on firearms. Privately owned firearms are exclusively prohibited on base except as otherwise directed by the installation commander, and concealed carry of firearms is prohibited on the installation regardless of whether or not the individual has a concealed carry permit. "It's a delicate process because you have on the one hand the right to bare arms with the second amendment and on the other we have a responsibility to protect people and resources on the base," said Senior Master Sgt. Barrett Walling 99th Security Forces Squadron security forces manager and unit senior enlisted advisor. Airmen living in the dormitories or staying in temporary lodging facilities must take privately owned weapons to the 99th Security Forces Squadron Armory, Building 1110. There the weapon(s) will be stored and the member will be given an Air Force Form 1314, which must be signed by their commander within 72 hours. In addition, they will need to get a copy of their DD Form 2760. This is a qualification to possess firearms or ammunition. Both of these forms will then need to be returned to the Armory. "The base is secured," Walling said. "We have a level of security and a mindset of security that the typical city does not have. We have a perimeter boundary that is controlled. We have armed security forces members on the perimeter making sure only authorized personnel are inside. We have responding patrols that are armed and can be anywhere within the base within a few minutes. We have many policies and procedures in place for not only deterring the enemy, but denying them access and eliminating them if they need to be. The procedures and policies are in place for the security forces members to take care of the security and safety of the patrons and the resources on the base, and anybody who may have a concern for personal protection, especially when they're outside the walls, my advice to them would be to check it at the gate and let the experts take care of the security and protection of the base." Aside from firearms, there are also many other types of weapons that are not allowed in dormitories. The items excluded from the dormitories become the particular unit's responsibility, not Security Forces. Therefore, each unit should have a storage area for items such as swords, knives, martial arts weapons and other non-projectile based weapons. Creech Air Force Base does not have a courtesy storage program for privately owned weapons. Because of that all weapons should be left at home or stored in the armory at Nellis AFB. If a weapon is brought to Creech AFB, the owner will be denied entry while in possession of the firearm and can be subject to arrest or apprehension. "It is ultimately on the person to know the rules and to follow them," Walling said. All Clark County residents are required to register their privately owned handgun or pistol with the County, this includes all military members regardless of their home of record. A handgun registration card, commonly known as a "blue card" because of its light blue color, is issued for each registered handgun, and must stay with the gun. The handgun owner must bring their Drivers License, any state, or State Identification Card along with the handgun unloaded to the nearest police station during business hours. There is no registration fee for "open carry". In Nev., you may carry a loaded or unloaded firearm on your person without a permit as long as the firearm is fully exposed, known as "open carry". An example of open carry is when a handgun is carried in an "outside the pants" hip holster. Full or partial concealment is considered concealed carry. Please Note: The gun registration card is not a permit to carry a firearm concealed. Carrying a firearm concealed without a permit is unlawful and punishable as a felony. Without a Concealed Carry Weapon permit, a firearm may be concealed in your home or vehicle as long as it is not on your person, concealed by your person, or in a personal item carried by you i.e. purse or backpack. For Concealed permits the sheriff shall issue or renew a permit to carry a concealed firearm for no more than two specific firearms to any person who is qualified to possess a firearm under state and federal law. Any person who meets the following criteria may submit an application to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for a concealed firearm permit: A Nev. resident of Clark County or an out-of-state resident, who received firearms training in Clark County, 21 years of age or older, not prohibited from possessing a firearm by State or Federal law. Individuals also must successfully complete an approved firearms course in Clark County, paid for by applicant, and pay the appropriate fees ranging from $98 for a new permit, $63 for a renewal, and $15 for a duplicate or address change. For more information: http://www.lvmpd.com/Permits/FirearmsRegistration.aspx; http://www.lvmpd.com/Permits/ConcealedFirearms.aspx ; http://www.lvmpd.com/Portals/0/pdf/CCWInstructorsList080912.pdf or call 702-828-327.
