As on any Navy installation, the possession and use of weapons on board Naval Station Great Lakes is highly restricted. All persons entering the installation are required to follow and encouraged to learn the rules governing weapons here.
U.S. Navy Regulation 1159 prohibits the possession of any weapon, instrument, device, highly explosive article or compound on board any installation or vehicle under Naval jurisdiction, except when necessary for the proper performance of duty or when authorized by proper authority.
Weapons are defined as any instrument capable of causing bodily harm or death, including, but not limited to, firearms, sling shots, stun guns, knives with a blade at least three inches long, billy clubs, blackjacks, brass knuckles, throwing stars, nunchucks, swords, mace, crossbows, and blasting caps.
“Concealed carry permits are not valid on federal military installations,” said Scott Kaphingst, security director, Naval Security Force (NSF). “The Naval Station Great Lakes Commanding Officer is the sole authority for the carrying of concealed or loaded firearms on board the installation. This includes facilities located outside the perimeter of the fenceline such as the Navy Exchange, Commissary, Child Development Centers, etc.”
“Law enforcement personnel acting in their official capacity are authorized to carry weapons on board the installation,” said CWO3 John Deal, Assistant Security Officer. “This includes on-duty NSF personnel and Federal personnel on official business who are required to be armed while in the performance of their duties.”
Recruit Training Command (RTC) Range safety officers and other staff at the RTC range while in performance of their duties are also authorized to carry weapons, as are armored car company employees in performance of a valid contract with an entity approved to do business on board the installation, and other security personnel specifically authorized by the commanding officer.
“If you are carrying weapons, upon arrival at any NSGL entry control point, you must declare to the gate sentry that you are transporting weapons,” said Deal. “You should also tell the sentry the purpose of the transport and your destination.”
For instance, if a member of a competitive shooting team is transporting a target pistol to an event approved by the commanding officer at an authorized range facility, that team member will be allowed to transport the pistol.
“But, that weapon must be in the trunk of the vehicle,” said Deal. “In vehicles with no trunk, weapons must be in a carrying case, and placed as far away from vehicle occupants as the situation permits.” In the case of a motorcycle rider, the weapon must be cased and may not be carried on the person in any manner—for instance, in a holster.
Magazines and all ammunition must be removed from the weapon, and the weapon’s safety must be engaged.
Persons residing in base housing, to include bachelor housing and PPV housing, must register personally owned firearms with the NSGL Badge and Pass Office in Bldg. 6130, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Do not bring firearms to the Badge and Pass Office,” said Kaphingst.
Residents in PPV housing may properly store their firearms in their houses, but must follow both Navy regulations and Illinois state law when doing so. Residents of BEQ and BOQ must store registered weapons in the NSGL Armory in Bldg. 4A.
All residents who possess firearms must update their weapons registration at Badge and Pass on an annual basis.
Notification to store weapons at the Armory must be made 24 hours in advance by calling 847-688-6795.
For more information about weapons on board the installation, see NSGLINST 5500.8B, or call the NSF at 847-688-5555.