US Military

New Guidance for Privately-Owned Firearms Aboard Marine CorpsInstallations

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NEW ORLEANS – Following the Washington Navy Yard shooting on Sept. 16, 2013, the Marine Corps has conducted a comprehensive review and identified in the policies related to the handling, storage and accountability of privately-owned firearms and ammunition aboard its installations.

According to Marine Administrative Message 176/14, all commanders will review and update their current local directives concerning privately-owned firearms to ensure good order, discipline, security and force protection remain constant aboard their respective installations.

Local directives will contain provisions that:

  • Prohibit privately-owned firearms in all federal facilities, to include government-leased spaces and government vehicles.

  • Prohibit carrying privately-owned firearms as concealed weapons aboard Marine Corps installations.

  • Ensure all privately-owned firearms stored aboard Marine Corps installations are registered and on file with the provost marshal?s office and the Marine Corps police department.

  • Prohibit storage of privately-owned firearms and ammunition in bachelor enlisted quarters for noncommissioned officers and below. Storage within bachelor officer or staff noncommissioned officer quarters is at the discretion of the installation commander.

  • Reemphasize compliance regarding storage of privately-owned firearms and ammunition in government family housing.

  • In all cases, privately-owned firearms will be stored in a fully-encased container that is capable of completely enclosing the firearm and must be locked with a key or combination lock. All firearms will be fitted with a trigger lock.

  • Ammunition must be stored separately from firearms and in a container capable of being locked with a key or combination lock.

  • Privately-owned firearms will not be stored in privately-owned vehicles.

  • All personnel will continue to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws for the purchase, registration, transportation and storage of privately-owned firearms and ammunition.

  • Transporting privately-owned firearms is authorized in POVs to and from an authorized storage area or to an off-base location consistent with federal, state and local laws.

    • Marines are expected to handle privately-owned firearms with the same level of safety and professionalism that is required when handling their individual issued weapons. For more information about the new policy, visit the MARADMIN.