AFGSC Pauses Use of M18 Modular Handgun System Following Tragic Death of SF Airman

July 22, 2025 Hannah Sanchez SF Units, USAF Comments Off on AFGSC Pauses Use of M18 Modular Handgun System Following Tragic Death of SF Airman
U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Justin Kelley, 177th Operations Squadron C2 operations senior enlisted leader, fires a Sig Sauer P320-M18 handgun Sep. 24, 2021, at the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center, Egg Harbor Township, N.J. Members of the 177th FW went to the range to qualify for the M18. (Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Hunter Hires)

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — Air Force Global Strike Command has paused use of the M18 Modular Handgun System, effective July 21, 2025, until further notice. This decision was made following a tragic incident at F.E. Warren AFB, WY, on July 20, 2025, which resulted in the death of a Security Forces Airman.



Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the safety and security of our personnel, the pause will remain in place pending the completion of comprehensive investigations by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the AFGSC Safety office. During this period, Security Forces Airmen will be equipped with the M4 rifle, ensuring no lapse in AFGSC’s security posture.

While the investigations are underway, AFGSC is collaborating with the Air Force Security Forces Center and Headquarters Air Force Security Forces to conduct a thorough review of the M18 and develop appropriate corrective measures. Furthermore, Security Forces Combat Arms Airmen at all AFGSC bases will conduct 100% inspections of the M18 handguns to identify any immediate safety concerns.

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  • AFGSC/PA