JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Joint Base Charleston leadership recently updated their policy on privately owned firearms and personnel authorized to carry concealed weapons on the Air Base and Naval Weapons Station.
The policy, originally implemented on March 1, 2019, now states there are “No Concealable Weapons Allowed” on Joint Base Charleston. The only 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. In order to carry a concealed weapon on base, law enforcement personnel must verify they are qualified (go to www.leosaonline.com to see if you qualify) and apply for the LEOSA carrying card (Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers will use their issued credentials). Once the LEOSA card is issued, members have to register with the 628th Security Forces Squadron.
There are several places on base where concealed firearms are not authorized – even with a LEOSA card – including restricted areas, controlled areas, Commissary, BX, NEX and medical/dental/vision 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.” Before entering one of these facilities, members will have to store their weapon in a vehicle using the following procedures.
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 off the installation when commuting to and from Joint Base Charleston. Personnel must “double lock” POFs in their vehicle when they enter the base. This means the vehicle must be locked and the POF will be secured with trigger lock, stored in a locked container or stored within a locked compartment in the vehicle.
BEFORE arriving at the gate, weapons must be secured/configured in the following manner: must be completely unloaded (no magazine or ammunition in the weapon) and must be in a locked container. Additionally, weapons must be secured in a completely enclosed vehicle (no motorcycles or convertibles with top down).
For further information and to register your LEOSA credentials on Joint Base Charleston, contact the 628 SFS, 963-3623/5134.