Base housing residents must register privately owned weapons Published Feb. 6, 2013 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE. Neb. -- As a result of changes to Air Force policy in early 2012, all Offutt base housing residents, to include privatized housing, are now required to register their privately owned weapons with the 55th Security Forces Squadron. The policy change had been in the works for almost a year and is part of an update to Air Force Instruction 31-101 Integrated Defense. "This change did not come about due to recent events and had been in the works for many months," said Maj. Thomas Segars, 55th SFS commander. "After the AFI was updated the base policy change was approved earlier this month during an Integrated Defense Council meeting by the 55th Wing commander." The policy for personnel residing in dormitories, bachelor living quarters, temporary living facilities or billeting or lodging facilities hasn't changed; they must continue to register any firearm they possess and store the firearm and ammunition within the 55th SFS armory. "Actually, nothing changed procedurally for dorm residents and lodging guests as they've always been required to register and store weapons with us," Segars said. By registering the firearms the hope is that this will create a safer environment for all Team Offutt personnel and provide enhanced situational awareness for first responders. "Everyone should understand they can still continue to own and store their weapons at their base housing residence," Segars said. "They just need to administratively register them with us now." The registration focal point for personnel assigned to the 55th Wing will be the individual's group commanders support staff. For all other organizations, the unit orderly room is the focal point for registration.