Weapons Safety Course, Party of 3

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, GA, UNITED STATES

06.25.2019

Story by Airman 1st Class Eugene Oliver  

23rd Wing

Gun Violence is one of the most scrutinized topics in the United States. In 2019 the Gun Violence Archive has reported approximately 26,000 gun-related incidents. These numbers, which were produced in the first half of the year, can be attributed to the lack of awareness and respect people have for learning proper and safe firearm practices and techniques. I say that because recently I attended a weapons safety course here and was amazed that out of approximately 5,000 personnel stationed at Moody Air Force Base--ONLY THREE, including myself, attended the class.

Weapons safety courses teach safe habits with firearms that are essential to your own safety and the security of those around you.

One of the most popular excuses as to why people don’t attend firearm safety classes is because they’ve been around guns their entire life and believe they already know how to be safe.

Because you may have such a long history with firearms, you may be more complacent with your handling techniques which could lead to an accident. Although you may believe you’re already an expert on weapons, you may have been taught incorrect habits when it comes to weapons safety and may eventually lead to a mishap. Regardless of your experience, treating all weapons, as if they’re loaded, significantly decreases your chances of an accidental discharge. According to studies conducted by the National Rifle Association, individuals who handle firearms as if they were loaded at all times have decreased chances for inadvertent discharges.

Another common argument from military members who don’t attend firearm safety courses is that they are in a profession of arms and therefore have a superior knowledge on how to safely handle firearms.

According to the 23d Wing Safety Office, there have been approximately 21 firearm incidents across the Air Force since the beginning of 2018. Many military members believe that because they have received tactical training or have had to use them in a combat situation, there’s no reason they should attend a class on how to be safe with their personal firearms. Unfortunately, all guns are not built the same. The firearm you own at home could be built completely different and have unique functions from the one you use at work. Having a comprehensive knowledge on how to safely operate and disarm different types of firearms is integral.

Lastly, and the argument that most hits home for me personally, if you don’t own a firearm, there’s no need to learn how to safely operate one.

Even though we may choose not to own a firearm, we could all be put in a situation where knowing how to safely use or disarm one could be critical to our safety. According to the U.S. Census there are over 393 million civilian-owned firearms in the United States. That’s enough for every man, woman and child to own one and still have 67 million left over. With these numbers it is probable that you will be put in a social situation where firearms are present and knowing basic safety skills such as: how to put a gun on safe mode, not pointing a weapon at anything you don’t intend to shoot, and knowing how to ensure a gun isn’t loaded, can be crucial to not only your own safety, but the safety of those around you.

Weapons Safety classes teach safe firearm habits and practices that will help keep you and everyone else around you safe. If you are interested in attending a weapons safety class please contact the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance range at 229-257-4000.

Firearm incidents can occur in less than a second and the effects can alter someone’s life forever; or even end it. Take some time out to learn gun safety habits; it can truly be the best precaution you ever take.

• Date Taken: 06.25.2019
• Date Posted: 06.25.2019 13:20
• Story ID: 329078
• Location: MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, GA, US