BLUF: Take weapons and ammunition security to heart. Don’t be the one whose weapon is lost or stolen.
A recent article on
Military.com,
“US Military Guns Keep Vanishing, Some Used in Street Crimes,” put a spotlight on weapons and ammunition security. You can help prevent stolen weapons if you follow all security guidelines as stated in these Army regulations.
AR 190-11, Physical Security of Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives
AR 190-13, The Army Physical Security Program
AR 190-45, Law Enforcement Reporting
AR 190-51, Security of Unclassified Army Resources (Sensitive and Nonsensitive)
Here are some pointers to help you keep weapons and ammunition secure:
- Make sure the primary and secondary arms room keys are stored separately in locked metal containers. If possible, store the secondary keys at the next higher command. If that’s not possible, secure the secondary keys at a separate secure location. (Para 3-8.f. of AR 190-11).
- Limit the number of personnel with unaccompanied access to the arms room. The commander can also use a two-person rule. This rule recommends using two authorized persons to open and access the arms room and stay together while it is open (Para 4-19, AR 190-11).
- It’s important to keep track of weapons whenever they’re issued and leave the arms room. Follow the guidance in Para 4-19.d. of AR 190-11 for proper issue and turn-in procedures to maintain accountability. Follow the commander’s written guidance on safeguarding arms, ammunition and explosives (AA&E) at all times, according to Para 1-16.b. of AR 190-11.
- If your tank, vehicle or aircraft has a weapon or weapons mounted on it, then it needs to be parked inside a secure motor pool or aircraft parking area. If you don’t have access to secure parking, it may be necessary to make the weapon(s) inoperative by removing the barrels or other essential firing components. See Table 4-1 of AR 190-11 for details.
Individuals who are issued or are in possession of weapons or ammunition or both are responsible for securing them. It doesn’t matter if it’s an individual weapon or the complete contents of an arms room, make sure to follow all security regulations and safeguard all weapons. You don’t want to be the one responsible for any lost or stolen weapons.
Always report the loss, suspected loss or accountability discrepancy of AA&E immediately in accordance with commander’s guidance. Lost, missing or stolen AA&E must be reported to Army law enforcement within the first two (2) hours of discovery and serious incident reporting to the Army Operations Center within 24 hours. DA Form 3056 follow-up is required within 72 hours.
If you need information on securing weapon racks with the right locks and chains, the following PS article will help:
Maintain good weapon accountability...because lives depend on it!