Owning, firing BB guns gets Airmen into trouble Published Aug. 31, 2006 By Senior Airman Jessica Switzer 21st Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- An investigation into windshield damage to a vehicle parked at Voyager Hall on Aug. 11 led 21st Security Forces Squadron members to a BB gun improperly stored in a dormitory room. Airmen are not allowed to keep any weapons in their rooms according to the Peterson Unaccompanied Housing Brochure. Dorm residents may own weapons but must keep them in the base armory. "All they have to do is bring them (to the armory) and fill out Air Force Form 1314, Firearms Registration," said Senior Airman Michael Grady, 21st SFS Armory assistant NCO in charge. "We're open 24 hours a day." Airmen may then check out their weapons for up to three days at a time by filling out Form 1297 and bringing their ID card to Building 1376 to check out their weapon. "If they want to check it out for a longer period, like if they're going on leave and want to take it with them, all they have to do is get a letter from their commander telling us he knows this person is checking out their weapon for an extended period." People may be able to check out their BB guns from the armory but they still can't fire it on base. "Everyone on Peterson needs to know that the base is within city limits," said Staff Sgt. Shawn Benjamin, 21st Security Forces Squadron member. "According to Colorado Springs ordinance 9.7.104, it is illegal to discharge a BB gun inside city limits. If you are caught doing this you will have to go to court." Since the incident on Aug. 11, first shirts are cracking down on firearms in the dorms. 21st Space Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. James Moody has asked all first sergeants to begin looking specifically for these and other weapons during their room inspections, and to make sure troops know the regulations about BB guns and all other weapons in the dorms.