Final destination is a military base

[psychicmidget]

Visiting our kids next week who live on Bolling AFB in DC. Does anyone know if I have to check my weapon when I check in? Or would it just be a 'forget it' proposition? Any help appreciated.

 

[Treo]

Your best bet is to call the (Airforce equivelent of) the Post Provost Marshall's office and find out exactly what they require. Make sure you get the name of the person you speak to, an email from them would be better

The very last thing you want to do is get caught "trying" to "sneak" a gun on base.

 

[Felix]

From the base web site:

Washington, D.C., has the most stringent gun laws in the nation. A recent Supreme Court ruling has struck down the existing law and it is currently under revision. Prior to shipping or bringing any weapons to Washington, D.C., or Bolling AFB please contact your sponsor or the 11th Security Forces Squadron at DSN 297-5587 or (202) 767-5587 for the most current guidance.

 

[psychicmidget]

Excellent idea. Will call them Monday and let you know what they say.
Thank you both.

 

[vettefreak]

Either way, you cannot bring your firearm on the base with you. As federal property, it does not fall under civil laws. If you were stationed there, you could register it with the PMO and be allowed to bring it on post, unloaded and locked in your trunk.

 

[Felix]

If you were stationed there, you could register it with the PMO and be allowed to bring it on post, unloaded and locked in your trunk.

OTOH, we already know the OP isn't stationed there.

So why don't we just leave it to the OP to call the Security Forces number on the base web site for the most current guidance? Obviously the reference to PMO (Provost Marshall's Office) is Army talk and the OP is asking about an Air Force Base (with no PMO) so that guidance wouldn't fit the situation anyway, even if the OP was stationed there. I'd suspect the two services don't have overlapping regulations regarding civilians bringing privately-owned weapons on their installations.

I'm on BAFB occasionally for work-related reasons but I don't even bother to carry when I'm headed into the District or adjacent Maryland. Just too many convoluted carry restrictions and power crazy cops in those two areas to risk the encounter and possible revocation of my VA CHP. Sorry I can't be more help other than providing the SF phone number, psychicmidget. I've just never had the need to determine what the BAFB procedures for transport of a weapon on base might be. Will be interested to read what you find out although it won't surprise me to hear that you'll have to store the weapon in the SF armory for the duration of your on-base stay.

 

[psychicmidget]

So here is what I found out. S-I-L is former MP and so called the security squadron and all you do at the base is check your weapon (in the armory). And then check it out when you leave. 24-7. Anytime...however, in DC you need a "special approval" to even transport.

Plan B.

 

[Felix]

...in DC you need a "special approval" to even transport.

So are you going to pursue that or just forget the whole thing and not enter the District with a handgun? As I said before, I don't...even though I don't live that far away. Too much of a hassle for the slight risk incurred by not carrying. I know a lot of folks, especially the OC crowd, will think it's just blasphemous of me to say that but I only have a finite amount of time to devote to researching regs and getting up to speed on the local laws and peculiarities. I prefer to carry for personal protection reasons and try to do my part to enhance education and awareness of 2A issues among those who don't carry but I still have a "day job" to do.

 

[Seapup]

Visiting our kids next week who live on Bolling AFB in DC. Does anyone know if I have to check my weapon when I check in? Or would it just be a 'forget it' proposition? Any help appreciated.

I am currently assigned to the former Bolling AFB. The base is now "Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB)" thanks to BRAC. The 11th Wing is no longer the host. The 11th Security Forces Squadron no longer manages security. Traffic, parking and civil matters are handled by the DC police. All other security matters are handled by the USN. Even if you have a DoD base decal and/or CAC card for base access, if you plan on parking overnight, you'll need to check in and register with the Force Protection Joint Visitor Center located at the South Gate. While DC still enforces their archaic gun laws, you can transport firearms through DC and on base. I do and also shoot at the range on base. Call the Force Protection Joint Visitor Center Customer Support @ 202-767-8958 for the latest vehicle registration and firearms information. If you get the run-around from that number, call the Law Enforcement Desk @ 202-767-5000 or the base operator @ 703-545-6700. The new URL to the base is: Link Removed