Personal weapons on Keesler -- what's allowed Published Dec. 9, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Phillip Belle 81st Security Forces Squadron KEESLER AFB, Ms. -- In the aftermath of the shooting incident at Fort Hood, Texas, all military installations are reviewing their procedures associated with the control of firearms and ammunition. Federal law prohibits the possession of firearms or other dangerous weapons in federal facilities, including Keesler's confines, by all persons not specifically authorized by 18 U.S. Code 930. A firearm is defined as any weapon designed to expel a projectile through a barrel by the action of a propellant or one that you can readily convert for this purpose, such as airsoft, BB, paintball guns and similar devices. All personnel residing in billeting and dormitories must store privately-owned firearms and a maximum of 500 rounds of ammunition in the 81st Security Forces Squadron armory in Building 3501 on Larcher Boulevard. Base housing residents are authorized to store firearms and ammunition in their household, but must register the firearms with the 81st SFS armory. Personnel entering or leaving the installation with a firearm must take the most direct route to and from the armory or on-base housing residence. At no time are privately-owned firearms authorized to be unattended in a vehicle on base. Violators are subject to legal action of up to five years of imprisonment. To avoid any confusion, persons entering the base should declare all firearms. The armory only stores traditional firearms and ammunition. Commanders and first sergeants are responsible for ensuring the proper storage of other projectile weapons such as airsoft, BB, paintball guns and similar devices. Only traditional firearms require registration with the 81st SFS armory. For more information, call the armory, 377-2406, or the base defense operations center, 377-3040.