Following an incident in which an individual attempted to bring an improperly secured firearm onto Tinker Air Force Base, members of the 72nd Security Forces Squadron want to emphasize the protocol for personally owned firearms, weapons and ammunition.
While residents permanently stationed at Tinker AFB living in base housing can keep weapons at their residence, different rules apply for those visiting base or staying in base dorms.
Additionally, regulations on the installation differ from state laws.
“If you have state approved concealed carry, (it does not mean you’re) authorized on a federal installation to carry that weapon. That’s usually the biggest hang-up we run in to,” said Tech. Sgt. Major Sizemore, 72nd SFS Flight Sergeant.
Tinker AFB protocol applies to firearms and other weapons not issued by the federal government, including knives, swords, archery equipment and martial arts equipment.
Base housing residents must notify the 72nd SFS Airman at the gate when bringing a weapon on base, and register it at the 72nd SFS Armory, Bldg. 1036, within 24 hours.
For registration, individuals must fill out Form 2760, a qualification to possess firearms or ammunition and Form 1314, a weapons registration form.
The forms must be in the weapon holder’s possession wherever the weapon is held or transported.
Any change that may impact the individual’s ability to own the weapon, such as a criminal investigation, must be reported to 72nd SFS immediately.
When transporting a weapon on the installation, it must be in an approved container in the back of the vehicle or trunk, and firearms must be unloaded and stored separately form ammunition.
Additionally, those with a weapon in their vehicle must travel directly between their residence, the Security Forces Armory or the gate, whether it is to register their weapon, secure it at home or exit base with it.
Guests and those with a temporary duty assignment at Tinker AFB must turn in personally owned weapons to the Security Forces Armory while on base.
Those residing in privatized housing may store weapons in their residence, but all weapons must be unloaded and out of the reach of minors.
Additionally, when kept in the residence, all weapons must be double locked, meaning in a locked closet or container and secured with a trigger lock, chain lock or cable lock preventing it from being loaded or fired.
In a residence on base, firearms or weapons taken out of a locked container or closet must be in the possession of an adult.
Lt. Saroj Upreti, 72nd SFS flight manager, said in the event of a threat or active shooter situation on base, individuals on base should not intervene, allowing 72nd SFS to handle the situation, to limit confusion.
“We don’t want any unfortunate events happening… We don’t want anyone getting hurt, accidently,” Upreti said.
For more information about weapon policies, call 734-3737.