USAFE-AFAFRICAI51-423 governs German self-defense law for the official use of arms by authorized civilian personnel.
View USAFE-AFAFRICAI51-423 on armypubs.army.mil
It directs compliance with Article 12 of the Supplementary Agreement and provides its German interpretation of self-defense law. It addresses authorized possession and carry of firearms, firearms certificates, and compliance responsibilities.
Applies to: It applies to all USAFE, US Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard units within the USAFE area of responsibility.
All persons authorized to possess and carry arms under Article 12 of the Supplementary Agreement (Attachment 2) will be instructed in and responsible for knowledge and compliance with the German interpretation of the German Law on Self-Defense, Attachment 3. (paragraph 3)
The authorities of a force may authorize members of the civilian component and other persons employed in the service of the force to possess and carry arms insofar as persons are responsible for the safeguarding of cash or property or are particularly endangered by the special nature of their official position or activities. (paragraph 3)
The authorities of the forces shall issue regulations, which shall conform to the German law on self-defense (Notwehr), on the issue of arms by the persons authorized in accordance with Paragraph 1 of this Article. (paragraph 3)
Persons authorized in accordance with Paragraph 1 of this Article may bear firearms only if in possession of a firearms’ certificate issued by the authorities of the force. (paragraph 3)
Self-defense is such defense as is necessary to avert an imminent unlawful attack upon oneself or another. (paragraph 2)