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Copy & paste if 1992 directive

Feb 25, 92
5210.56
D. POLICY

It is DoD Policy:

1. To limit and control the carrying of firearms by DoD
military and civilian personnel. The authorization to carry
firearms shall be issued only to qualified personnel when there
is a reasonable expectation that life or DoD assets will be
jeopardized if firearms are not carried. Evaluation of the
necessity to carry a firearm shall be made considering this
expectation weighed apainst the possible consequences of
accidental or indiscriminate use of firearms. DoD personnel
regularly engaged in law enforcement or security duties shall be
armed. Procedures on authorization to carry and the carrying of
firearms are in enclosure 1.

2. That DoD military and civilian personnel engaged in law
enforcement or security duties shall avoid the use of force
where they can carry out their duties without resorting to its
use. In such cases where the use of force is warranted, DoD
personnel shall use the minimum amount of force necessary to
reach their objective. Deadly force shall only be used as
described in enclosure 2.

3. That when personnel must carry firearms aboard aircraft,
either on their person or in baggage, commercial airline or
military passenger service representatives shall be notified
before the flight departure. Personnel shall carry written
authorization to carry the firearm and proper identification to
include a full-face photograph. If the firearm is carried in
baggage, the weapon shall be unloaded and securely locked in the
baggage. Procedures for the authorization and carrying of
firearms on commercial and/or military aircraft are in enclosure
3.

E. RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Command, Control,
Communications and Intelligence shall monitor compliance with
this Directive as it relates to counterintelligence, law
enforcement and security matters.

2. The Inspector General of the Department of Defense shall
monitor compliance with this Directive as it relates to criminal
investigative policy and law enforcement functions in the DCIOs.

3. The Heads of the DoD Components shall:
a. Authorize DoD personnel to carry firearms in
accordance with this Directive. This authority shall be
exercised by the Director of Administration and Management for
OSD; the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency; the Defense
Legal Services Agency; the Defense Security Assistance Agency;
and the DoD Field Activities.
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