Security Forces Sqadron issues firearms registration reminder

  • Published
  • By Mike Joseph
  • Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas --  The Joint Base San Antonio Integrated Defense Plan mandates all personnel who live in base housing, a dormitory or stay in base lodging, to register privately-owned firearms at Pass and Registration. Additional requirements apply for those personnel utilizing JBSA recreational vehicle campgrounds.
 
Security forces has established Feb. 28 as the firearms registration deadline. After that date, failure to comply with the JBSA policy will result in violators being prosecuted.
JBSA Security Forces Squadrons have started a campaign to remind JBSA personnel who live or stay in base government-owned facilities or privatized housing to register privately-owned firearms.

The registration program is a requirement based on Air Force Instructions. Privately-owned firearms requiring registration include any item capable of firing a projectile excluding pellet and airsoft guns.

"The registration program is a valuable decision-making tool for commanders at all levels when dealing with issues concerning their personnel," said Lisa Frantz, JBSA-Lackland installation security chief. "Recent incidents involving firearms on JBSA installations revealed unregistered firearms were located in living quarters, exposing first responders and the installation to unnecessary risk."

Up to five firearms can be registered on Air Force Form 1314, Firearms Registration. The form must be signed by the personnel's unit commander. The commander must also verify a properly completed Department of Defense Form 2760, Qualification to Possess Firearms or Ammunition. The forms are available at http://www.e-publishing.af.mil.

"The commander has to sign Form 1314 and validate Form 2760," Frantz said. "Both forms must be turned in at Pass and Registration before we will register any privately-owned firearms."

In addition to registration, privately-owned firearms stored in base housing facilities are required to be kept in locked storage or the firearm must be equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device.

Frantz also said JBSA personnel who register privately-owned firearms are responsible for removing those firearms from the system at Pass and Registration during out-processing or if the firearms have been disposed of.

Newly-arrived personnel living on base must register their firearms within three duty days of arrival.

As a side note:
  • The 4-1-1 on Texas gun laws
  • Federal statutes supersede state law on premises owned by the federal government or its agencies for the purpose of any official government business, such as military installations.
  • In general, it is illegal under federal and state statutes to possess a firearm, including Texas residents with a concealed handgun license, on government premises. It is also illegal to carry a concealed handgun on Army Corps of Engineers properties, including all reservoir lakes and included park areas.
  • State law does not require a permit or registration to purchase firearms but does specify age restrictions. A person must be 18 or older to purchase a long gun, such as a shotgun or rifle, from a dealer or private seller; 21 or older to purchase a handgun from a dealer; and 18 to generally own and possess a firearm.
  • Eligible Texas residents can apply for a concealed handgun license through the Department of Public Safety. Persons are first required to take a state-set instruction course taught by a licensed instructor before applying to DPS for a permit.
For more information or questions on registering privately-owned firearms, contact security forces on JBSA-Lackland at 210-671-9162, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis at 210-221-0213 or JBSA-Randolph at 210-652-4365.