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NEWS | Aug. 23, 2023

JBC implements new policy on LEOSA and privately owned firearms

By Staff Sgt. Joseph Johnson Jr. 628th Security Forces Squadron

The policy on personnel authorized to carry concealed weapons on Joint Base Charleston—as well as the ability for anyone to transport privately owned weapons in a vehicle while on the base—was set in place Mar. 1, 2019.

The language in the policy had changed to “No Concealable Weapons Allowed” on Joint Base Charleston, with an exception.  That exception is for personnel who are authorized to carry a concealed weapon under the Law Enforcement Officer’s Safety Act. 

LEOSA applies to active and retired law enforcement officers, to include military policemen, and authorizes the carry of concealed weapons in any jurisdiction in the United States.  LEOSA is not an automatic right though, as you first have to be qualified (go to www.leosaonline.com to see if you qualify) and then you have to apply for the LEOSA carrying card (Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers will use their issued credentials).  Once you have the LEOSA card, you then have to be registered with the 628 Security Forces Squadron Reports and Analysis Section. 

There are some off-limit areas to carrying a concealed firearm on to the installation.  There are several places on base that firearms are not allowed, to include restricted areas, controlled areas, Commissary, Exchange, NEX and medical facilities.  There are other facilities on base that have elected to not allow firearms inside, and they have been designated with a sign at the entrance stating, “No Concealable Weapons Allowed.”  If you happen to enter one of these facilities, you will have to store your weapon in your vehicle, following the same procedures as other firearm owners. (See below.)

Personnel who own a lawful firearm are allowed to transport their weapon on base, but cannot carry it on their person.  This will effectively provide an opportunity for lawful carry on and off the installation when commuting to and from Joint Base Charleston.  With no exceptions, the weapon must be completely unloaded (no magazine or ammunition in the weapon) and must be in a locked container, which can include a lockable glove box or center console, the trunk of a car, a locked firearm carrying box, locked shipping box or other locked container.  Additionally, weapons must be secured in a completely enclosed vehicle (no motorcycles or convertibles with top down). Personnel residing on Joint Base Charleston Military Family Housing must register their firearm with the 628 Security Forces Squadron Reports and Analysis section.

For further information on the new policy updates and to register your LEOSA credentials on Joint Base Charleston, contact the 628 SFS at 963-3638/3625 or email 628sfs.sfar@us.af.mil