Clearing Barrel Requirements.pdf

AFMAN31-129 02 JANUARY 2020 11

1.5.2.1. The designated clearing area will be an open area, where in the event a round is discharged, the impact of the round(s) will cause minimal damage or chances of injury.

Note: This requirement does not apply to real-world responses to imminent threats.

1.5.2.2. Commanders should consider the maximum range of the ammunition used, as well as the terminal effect and or high explosives of munitions when selecting a designated clearing area.

1.5.3. Commanders will ensure that the current Air Force approved operator’s manuals for each model weapon maintained are available in each SA/LW handling area or armory when the handling area is adjacent to the armory (may be electronic). (T-3).

1.5.4. Special considerations for armed aircrew members. Aircrew members and others on a military aircraft required to be armed for duty will load their SA/LW at an approved clearing area before boarding the aircraft. (T-2). Individuals will not unload their weapons until they return to a DoD installation and are able to use an approved clearing area and barrel, unless this option becomes available at en-route stops. (T-2). If the aircraft makes en-route stops where SA/LW cannot be removed from the aircraft to be cleared as required in this manual, the aircraft commander may authorize temporary weapon storage in a loaded configuration in a locked container attached to the aircraft. If stored in a weapons case, the case will be locked and chained/secured to the aircraft. The aircraft commander will ensure all doors are locked and sealed prior to departing the aircraft and that weapons and ammunition are inventoried and accounted for upon return. (T-2). Individuals will store handguns in the holster, without removing the weapon from the holster and magazine fed rifles/carbines (e.g., M4, M4A1, M16A2) with the magazine removed before storing, with the loaded magazine(s) placed in a separate, locked container. (T-2). At no time will any personnel attempt to clear, load or operate SA/LW onboard the aircraft unless it becomes necessary to employ deadly force, as authorized in AFI 31-117. (T-2).

1.6. Clearing Zone. The clearing zone is the space inside the “red lines” within the weapons handling area, immediately surrounding the clearing barrel. The clearing zone must have red lines on the floor for easy identification. (T-2). Field environments may use expedient measures like ropes or cones. Only the clearing barrel attendant and the individual clearing their weapon are allowed within the clearing zone during loading and clearing operations. All other persons waiting to enter the clearing zone will form a line outside the clearing zone. Clearing zones are constructed as follows:

1.6.1. A red line identifying the clearing zone is at least 4-inches wide. (T-3). The line can be painted, taped or incorporated into the floor tile pattern.

1.6.2. The line identifying the front of the clearing zone is at least 6 feet from the front of the clearing barrel. (T-3).

1.6.3. The clearing zone is at least 6 feet wide (3 feet on either side of the clearing barrel’s centerline). (T-3). If the clearing barrel is positioned against a wall, the clearing zone is extended to the wall and the wall must be constructed of a material that will prevent all calibers and types of ammunition loaded and unloaded at the clearing barrel from penetrating the wall or the guidance in paragraph 1.6.5 must be followed. (T-2). Additionally, it is recommended that the wall be covered with a one-sheet layer of 3/4 inch and a one-sheet layer of 1/2 inch plywood or similar material to reduce the possibility of splashback from any projectiles that

12 AFMAN31-129 02 JANUARY 2020

may strike the wall. Note: Work with local civil engineers and you may use the criteria in

Engineering Technical Letter (ETL) 11-18, Small Arms Range Design and Construction, for overhead baffles and sidewalls as a starting point.

1.6.4. The clearing zone is illuminated to provide sufficient lighting to view the chamber area of all SA/LW loaded and cleared at the location.

1.6.5. The location of the clearing barrel cannot permit movement behind (to the rear of) the barrel. If the area behind the clearing zone is occupied, a barrier is put in place to the rear of the barrel constructed of material that will prevent all calibers and types of ammunition loaded and unloaded at the clearing barrel from penetrating the barrier. Additionally, it is recommended that the barrier be covered with a one-sheet layer of 3/4 inch and a one-sheet layer of one 1/2 inch plywood or similar material to reduce the possibility of splash back from any projectiles that may strike the barrier. Note: Work with local civil engineers and you may use the criteria in Engineering Technical Letter (ETL) 11-18, for overhead baffles and sidewalls as a starting point.

1.7. Waiver requests for this publication (AFMAN 31-129).

1.7.1. Routing Tier-1 waiver requests. As required by AFI 33-360, units obtain concurrence from AF/A4S for Tier-1 waiver requests to this publication prior to seeking MAJCOM/CC approval. After completing installation coordination, as required by local guidance, submit

Tier-1 waiver requests using AF Form 679, Air Force Publication Compliance Item Waiver

Request/Approval, to the MAJCOM/SF. The MAJCOM/SF provides review and comment (if needed) and submits the request to AFSFC/S3TW. AFSFC/S3TW provides review and any comments and forwards the request to AF/A4S. AF/A4S provides concurrence/non-concurrence and returns the request to the MAJCOM/SF. The MAJCOM/SF either routes the request to the MAJCOM/CC for approval, disapproval or returns it to the unit (if AF/A4S non-concurred).

1.7.2. Routing non-tiered waiver requests. Units follow procedures outlined in AFI 33-360, and provide final copy of the approved waiver to the OPR at usaf.pentagon.af-a4.mbx.a4s-workflow@mail.mil.

1.8. Exceptions. Using units will coordinate unit-developed, loading, clearing, and handling procedures for weapons not addressed in this publication with the MAJCOM/SF, AFSFC/S3TW for review and AF/A4SF for approval. (T-1).

1.9. Reports. Submit copies of any SA/LW discharge reports (accidental, negligent, unintentional, in-garrison, peacetime or deliberate) generated as a requirement of AFI 31-117 or

AFI 91-204, Safety Investigations and Reports, to AFSFC/S3TW. AFSFC/S3TW will review all reports and coordinate with AF/A4SF for generation of safety messages or changes in procedures if warranted.