Military installations that allow firearms

[K.Mooneyham]

I put this in "Other" because I wasn't sure where else it might fit.

I'm an Air Force "retiree", and as such, have the privilege to access a large number of military installations, to use the common facilities such as billeting (hotel), commissary (grocery store), The Exchange (base department store/convenience store/gas station), etc. I found out that Dyess AFB in Abilene allows firearms to be brought on base by LTC holders as long as the firearm is secured in a locked container while on the base, and remains in the vehicle. I searched for others, but all I could find was that Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM also allows this, with similar stipulations. I know there are others on here who are able to access military installations. Does anyone else have information regarding which other installations might also allow this?

[Mike S]

I've never heard of accommodations specific to LTC holders on a military installation. That's good to hear.

Every post (CONUS, at least) that I've ever been stationed at allowed unloaded firearms in a locked container provided (1) they were registered with the Provost Marshall, & (2) you went directly to either the range, or your house if living on post. (If living in the barracks, it had to be stored in the arms room).

I retired in 2012, so things may have changed. I do frequent Ft Polk quite a bit, & they still have a big sign at each gate warning that concealed carry permits are not valid on post.

[2farnorth]

I put this in "Other" because I wasn't sure where else it might fit.

I'm an Air Force "retiree", and as such, have the privilege to access a large number of military installations, to use the common facilities such as billeting (hotel), commissary (grocery store), The Exchange (base department store/convenience store/gas station), etc. I found out that Dyess AFB in Abilene allows firearms to be brought on base by LTC holders as long as the firearm is secured in a locked container while on the base, and remains in the vehicle. I searched for others, but all I could find was that Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM also allows this, with similar stipulations. I know there are others on here who are able to access military installations. Does anyone else have information regarding which other installations might also allow this?

Dyess then needs to update their website: From their base security website:

"Firearms and other weapons may not be stored in vehicles. Transportation of firearms is allowed from an authorized storage location directly off the base and then back on the base directly to the storage location upon return. Transported firearms must be unloaded, separated from their ammunition and out of easy access of vehicle occupants. Concealed carry permits are not valid while on the military installation. Privately owned firearms of visitors to the base will be courtesy stored at the 7 SFS armory during their visit. Visitors should present their firearms immediately upon arrival to the 7 SFS armory for storage. For more information, contact the 7 SFS armory at 696-2728."

Haven't been able to find much different on Shepard AFB site either.

[Dragonfighter]

I know that NAS Key West and NAS Whiting Field both have a policy of report, surrender, retrieve when you leave.

[2farnorth]

I know that NAS Key West and NAS Whiting Field both have a policy of report, surrender, retrieve when you leave.

I got a retirees newsletter from Shepard AFB today and it said basically the same thing with a lot more words.

[williamkevin]

I'm an AGR (Full-time Air National Guard), and I know that the Air Force has left it up to the installation Commander whether or not they will allow firearms on base, and in what form that would take (locked in the vehicle while on base, etc....). Ellington Field where I am stationed has not yet allowed it.

[The Annoyed Man]

I'm an AGR (Full-time Air National Guard), and I know that the Air Force has left it up to the installation Commander whether or not they will allow firearms on base, and in what form that would take (locked in the vehicle while on base, etc....). Ellington Field where I am stationed has not yet allowed it.

I could be wrong, but I remember reading somewhere in the last couple of years that, regardless of service branch, the decision is left up to the base commander as to whether or not firearms will be allowed on base, and under what conditions.

[Pawpaw]

I'm an AGR (Full-time Air National Guard), and I know that the Air Force has left it up to the installation Commander whether or not they will allow firearms on base, and in what form that would take (locked in the vehicle while on base, etc....). Ellington Field where I am stationed has not yet allowed it.

I could be wrong, but I remember reading somewhere in the last couple of years that, regardless of service branch, the decision is left up to the base commander as to whether or not firearms will be allowed on base, and under what conditions.

It was just the Air Force and installation commanders have technically always had that discretion. I suspect nothing has changed. They may authorize it, but if there is an incident, that commander can kiss his career goodbye.

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2016 ... -base.html

[miljet]

I was reading about this a few weeks ago. I think that the article was in the "Afterburner", but my link has gone dead and I can no longer access it to be sure. Anyway, I remember for sure that Dyess AFB in Abilene was included. There were two bases in New Mexico and it seems there was one other one in Texas but I don't remember which one.

[gljjt]

I'm an AGR (Full-time Air National Guard), and I know that the Air Force has left it up to the installation Commander whether or not they will allow firearms on base, and in what form that would take (locked in the vehicle while on base, etc....). Ellington Field where I am stationed has not yet allowed it.

On state NG facilities, cc and oc is permitted (it's allowed by state law as they are state property). Camp Mabry, Camp Bowie, etc., as well NG Armories. CC only while in uniform.

[Dragonfighter]

I'm an AGR (Full-time Air National Guard), and I know that the Air Force has left it up to the installation Commander whether or not they will allow firearms on base, and in what form that would take (locked in the vehicle while on base, etc....). Ellington Field where I am stationed has not yet allowed it.

I could be wrong, but I remember reading somewhere in the last couple of years that, regardless of service branch, the decision is left up to the base commander as to whether or not firearms will be allowed on base, and under what conditions.

To a large measure that is correct. NAS JRB Fort Worth for example has the sale of firearms at the BX, but you aren't allowed to keep it on base. The SPs have to come and escort you off base.

Now Space A (space available flight on military a/c) regulations state, in effect, that firearms may be taken in accordance with TSA guidelines. When I flew to Andrews AFB in gun friendly Maryland I had to notify Carswell ahead of time and stop at the gate and have the SPs escort me all the way and hang around until the load master took control of the weapon. AND I was informed that despite the general orders that ammo would not be taken and the final go/no-go was up to the load master.

So I get to Andrews and deplane next to the presidential 747 and I am told by the terminal commander that MY bags were going to be taken around front for my pick up. That was it. I guess they assumed I would obey the laws from that point.

When I returned to Texas it was just as easy and casual, both at Andrews and Kelly (they handed me my bag on the flight line) in San Antonio. Considering the ease at which I was able to include and retrieve my weapon in Maryland while I experienced rolls of red tape in Texas, it definitely is up to the base commanders.

[TxRVer]

You guys are bringing back memories since I was stationed at Dyess in the mid 70s in the 96th Bomb Wing.

[Pawpaw]

In 1972 and 73 I went through technical school at Sheppard AFB. One classmate that lived near Nocona invited several of us to go squirrel hunting one weekend. The weekend before the hunt, I brought my 20ga shotgun from home and put it in my locker. Of course, we had a surprise "open locker" inspection during that week.

When the squadron commander and first sergeant opened my locker, there stood my shotgun in it's green plastic case with two boxes of #6 birdshot plainly visible on the shelf. There was no panic, dirty looks, or even any concern. They asked why it was there and i told them. The first sergeant wanted to see and handle it, so I pulled it out, opened the bolt, and handed it over.

They told me to be sure to take it home after the hunt. I replied that it would have to wait one more week, until I went home again. "Good enough."

So, for two weeks, I had a shotgun and ammunition in my locker and nobody cared. My how times have changed.

[The Annoyed Man]

In 1972 and 73 I went through technical school at Sheppard AFB. One classmate that lived near Nocona invited several of us to go squirrel hunting one weekend. The weekend before the hunt, I brought my 20ga shotgun from home and put it in my locker. Of course, we had a surprise "open locker" inspection during that week.

When the squadron commander and first sergeant opened my locker, there stood my shotgun in it's green plastic case with two boxes of #6 birdshot plainly visible on the shelf. There was no panic, dirty looks, or even any concern. They asked why it was there and i told them. The first sergeant wanted to see and handle it, so I pulled it out, opened the bolt, and handed it over.

They told me to be sure to take it home after the hunt. I replied that it would have to wait one more week, until I went home again. "Good enough."

So, for two weeks, I had a shotgun and ammunition in my locker and nobody cared. My how times have changed.

I think they were just afraid you'd make that googely-eye face you make if they challenged you over the gun. That face is 180 proof, and there is no antidote.

[Pawpaw]

Well... You asked for it!