Weapon security important during deployment

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Steven Dietz
  • 71st Security Forces Squadron
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Recently an Air Force member returning from deployment arrived at the airport, placed her bags and her assigned government weapon into her privately owned vehicle and went on leave out of state.
 
The weapon was left in the trunk of her car throughout the entire trip. When she returned to home base and attempted to turn in the weapon, it was gone and there were signs of recent tampering with the weapon case. 

Fortunately, the incident did not happen at Vance. And it is up to you to make sure it doesn't happen in the future. No matter which airport you fly into, you must immediately transport the government weapon back to Vance Air Force Base and turn it into the weapons supply vault. During non-duty hours and on weekends, the weapon should be turned in to the Security Forces armory in building 527. 

Do it before you go to dinner and before you go home. Contact the Security Forces Law Enforcement Desk at 213-7127 to make arrangements or if you have questions.
The same procedures apply when you deploy. Before leaving Vance, pick up your weapon from the vault, or the Security Forces armory during non-duty hours, and go straight to the airport to check in. Stopping for dinner en route or keeping the weapon at your house overnight is not authorized. 

Weapons should be transported in government vehicles. If your unit does not have a vehicle, the unit deployment manager is responsible for contacting vehicle dispatch to arrange for transportation to and from the airport. 

Remember, strict control of your weapon is essential at all times, especially when leaving and returning from deployments. Airmen are responsible for ensuring government weapons are not lost, or worst, end up in criminal hands.