Fox News reports that the Air Force has told base commanders that they can authorize folks on their bases to carry weapons in order to enhance security on the military installations;
The military branch earlier this month sent out a letter to its base commanders around the nation reminding them that they can authorize subordinates to carry guns, even while off-duty and out of uniform. It also established three programs to help ensure that armed service members are in a position to protect their bases.
“None of these programs gives the installation commander authorizations they didn’t already have the authorization to do,” Maj. Keith Quick, the Air Force Security Forces Integrated Defense action officer, said in a statement according to Military.com. “We are now formalizing it and telling them how they can use these types of programs more effectively.”
The decision came as a result of the service’s examination of data available on the actual State of the Union, according to Military.com;
The Air Force also did not release the data showing how many active-shooter incidents were stopped by someone on the scene carrying a weapon. A spokeswoman said the data came from the FBI, and cannot be released by the Air Force.
The Air Force has three programs to prepare members of that service for carrying weapons on base.
Under the Unit Marshall Program, unit commanders can have airman to train under Security Forces personnel and open-carry an M9 pistol at their duty location.
Airmen selected for UMP would be instructed in use of force, weapons retention and weapons training. The role of these airmen would be to protect themselves, their immediate work space and the people within it, Quick said.
[…]
Commanders also can take advantage of the Security Forces Staff Arming program, which enables SF airmen working in staff billets at the squadron, group, wing or major command levels to carry a government-issued weapon while on duty, with the approval of the installation commander.
And, finally, there’s the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act;
[Major Keith Quick, the Air Force Security Forces Integrated Defense action officer] said the Air Force now allows its members to request LEOSA credentialing.
“This affects base personnel because we have given the option to the installation commander to allow security forces members to carry under LEOSA on the installation while they are off duty,” Quick said.
Comments
26 responses to “Air Force clarifies weapon policy”
Ermahgerd…weaponized airmen!
At least make sure they know which end to aim at the perp!
Lesson 1-
The pointy end of the bullet thingy goes in first
Lesson 2 –
Keep your booger hook off the bang switch until the dangerous end is pointing at what you want to hit!
Still doesn’t allow me as a citizen and soldier to exercise my 2d amend right.
“Air Force Security Forces Integrated Defense action officer”
Uhh…the fuck is that, exactly? And how many millions of tax dollars were expended on picking that guy’s job title?
Security Forces are what used to be called Security Police in the Air Force. We used to call them “sky cops”. So the “Air Force Security Forces” part is standard. As for the rest of it–it’s DoD. What did you expect?
well this is interesting
I don’t see how they can carry off-post and not be in violation of Posse Committatas. Their legal authority ends at the facility border.
At that point, they are simply armed citizens not acting in any official capacity. What’s the problem?
Those carrying off duty/off base are only those authorized to do so under the LEOSA, and they are primarily those engaged in law enforcement based AFSCs such as Security Forces or OSI.
As the AF is leaving it to installation commanders to decide, it will be interesting to see what bases allow carry. The unit marshall program is a major topic of conversation these days.
I cant see any AF Wg CC authorizing it any time soon…
An the Army said…?
“When pigs fly” I believe .
ain’t that the truth LMAO ! ! ! !
In that case, that should have been forever ago. Hey have been around for a long time.
Claw will back me on that….
Damn auto correct on new phone. HUEYs dammit!! HUEYs have been around forever.
‘Bout time. Waiting for the other services to follow suit. . .
I predict a looooong wait.
So, the most non-combat branch of the military is able to carry weapons, but the forces that actually train in ground-based combat with firearms are disarmed on their installations? Yeah, that makes sense.
Maybe it’s because USAF assets tend to cost more? Or something.
And some folks wonder why those of us who served selected USAF.
“Our most precious asset is our people.”
I don’t think an Airman is any more or less expensive than a Marine, Soldier, or Sailor. Or Coastie.
That is the standard line uttered by AF senior leaders. It is not a slam on any other service or their members.
Well, but, why would you need a gun when you’re afloat on a boat?
Zombies
I think it’s a great start, and something that should have always been on every post, base, station, camp. I hope every branch will follow the USAF with its tradition of non tradition.
I like the blog, enjoy the banter. I have thick skin and enough hair on my a** to weave an Indian blanket. Sometimes I just get tired of hearing stupid sh*t from all the “real” military types.
I’m USAF. You, of every branch, are my brothers and sisters. I would do anything for you.
It’s probably because Air Force bases actually have stuff that is worth attacking (aircraft, namely). On a Marine base all you have are expendable PFCs and a dilapidated barracks.