JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Many people have seen significant increases in firearms and ammunition purchases over the last several weeks in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those with privately owned weapons must keep a few things in mind to prevent mishaps or misconduct on Joint Base Andrews and in the surrounding National Capital Region. The following are some expectations from Joint Base Andrews Instruction 31-101 and laws from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.:
While on the installation or its satellites, it is unlawful to use, or carry on one’s person or in their vehicle, any other firearm/weapon/instrument from which a projectile or missile (i.e., bullet, BB, pellet, arrow, spear, etc.) is ejected by a propellant or propulsion device, unless engaged in performing official government duties or traveling to or from an authorized sporting event requiring the use of the item or other circumstances as described below. NOTE: When a privately owned weapon is carried in a vehicle by a non-Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act (LEOSA) qualified and credentialed person, it must be carried unloaded and secured in a trunk or other area of the vehicle not within arm’s reach of the driver or any passengers. Additionally, no stops will be made between the base gate and the final destination on the installation (either base housing residence or the 11th Security Support Squadron (11 SSPTS) Armory).
All installation personnel who reside in family housing will store their privately owned weapons and/or munitions in their quarters.
Personnel who maintain privately owned weapons in family housing must register their weapons with the 11 SSPTS Armory within 72 hours of arrival on the installation, regardless of LEOSA status.
Privately owned weapons of personnel residing in unaccompanied housing (dormitories/billeting) must be immediately secured in the 11 SSPTS Armory upon arrival to the base with full registration completed within 72 hours, regardless of LEOSA status.
Privately owned weapons of any military/civilian personnel attached to the installation may not be carried or stored at their work areas, regardless of LEOSA status.
As for carrying, transporting and storing firearms in Maryland (for areas outside of Joint Base Andrews), the following requirements apply:
- Maryland’s concealed carry gun laws only authorize Maryland Wear and Carry Handgun permit holders. Maryland does not honor permits from any other states.
- You must have a valid carry permit if you carry, wear, or transport a handgun in Maryland.
- Weapons may be transported but must be in a container and the ammunition must be separated for non-permit holders.
- Magazine capacity will not exceed 10 rounds.
If carrying, transporting and storing firearms in Virginia, the following requirements apply:
- Concealed carry is legal with a license/permit. Virginia honors all out-of-state concealed carry permits provided the individual is at least 21 years of age, carries a photo ID issued by a government agency, displays his/her permit or license upon demand by a law enforcement officer, and the holder has not previously had a Virginia concealed handgun permit revoked.
- While transporting weapons in a private motor vehicle or vessel they will be secured in a container or compartment, but it is not required to be locked.
- Magazine capacity will not exceed 20 rounds for pistols in certain cities or jurisdictions.
If carrying, transporting and storing firearms in Washington, D.C., the following requirements apply:
- Concealed carry is legal with a D.C. permit only.
- If you do not have a permit, the firearm must be unloaded, stored in a locked container
, other than the glove compartment or console, and ammunition stored separately.
- Magazine capacity will not exceed 10 rounds.
We hope this information is helpful as you continue to travel regularly around the base and the surrounding region. Stay safe out there.
Handgun Wear and Carry Permit - https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Organization/Pages/CriminalInvestigationBureau/LicensingDivision/Firearms/WearandCarryPermit.aspx
Maryland Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws - https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/md-gun-laws/
Maryland Code, Criminal Law § 4-203 - https://codes.findlaw.com/md/criminal-law/md-code-crim-law-sect-4-203.html
Maryland Code, Criminal Law § 4-305 - https://codes.findlaw.com/md/criminal-law/md-code-crim-law-sect-4-305.html
Virginia Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws - https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/va-gun-laws/
Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit Reciprocity and Recognition - https://www.vsp.virginia.gov/Firearms_Reciprocity.shtm
Virginia §18.2-287.4. Carrying loaded firearms in public areas prohibited; penalty. - https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter7/section18.2-287.4/
District of Columbia Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws - https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/dc-gun-laws/