New Guidance for Privately-Owned Firearms Aboard Marine CorpsInstallations

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.