The Air Force Global Strike Command has resumed the use of its Sig Sauer M18 pistols after a sweeping inspection of nearly 8,000 firearms across its inventory.
The command announced on Monday that the weapons were once again cleared for use, with new inspection protocols put in place to ensure safety and reliability going forward.
The decision comes after the tragic death of Airman Brayden Lovan, who was fatally shot with an M18 on July 20 at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming.
Another airman has since been arrested in connection with the incident and charged with making a false official statement, obstruction of justice, and involuntary manslaughter.
Here's What They're Not Telling You About Your Retirement
In the wake of the tragedy, Global Strike Command temporarily suspended the use of the M18 and launched a full-scale review of the pistols.
In a statement released on Sunday, the command confirmed that the weapons remain safe and dependable for airmen to carry out their duties. Gen. Thomas Bussiere, commander of Air Force Global Strike, underscored the importance of this decision. “It is paramount that our airmen trust their weapon systems,” Bussiere said.
“This thorough inspection ensures the M18s in our inventory are in optimal working order, providing our defenders with safe, reliable and effective systems to accomplish their mission.”
During the inspections, every one of the 7,970 M18 pistols under Global Strike’s control was examined.
This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year
Of those, 191 were found to have mechanical discrepancies, often related to component wear. The problems most commonly appeared in safety levers, striker assemblies, or sears.
The affected weapons are now being repaired to restore them to full operational condition.
The command also analyzed broader data regarding the M18’s performance. The review revealed no evidence of accidental discharges caused by malfunctions in the weapon itself.
This finding was significant because it supported the decision to allow the pistols back into the hands of security forces while introducing stricter standards for monitoring their condition.
To prevent future risks, Global Strike has added tougher inspection measures that specifically target the pistol components most likely to develop issues. Lt. Col. George Hern, the command’s chief of security forces, explained the updated process.
“By incorporating these added measures, we assess that any issues found with the safety lever, striker assembly and sear will be identified during semi-annual and annual inspections,” Hern said.
“As we execute M18 inspections in the future, we will be taking a particular interest in these components to ensure these methods address the issues we found and make adjustments as needed.”
Leadership within the command is also focusing on communication and accountability.
Security forces squadron commanders, senior enlisted leaders, and combat arms training and maintenance personnel plan to meet directly with airmen to go over the results of the inspections.
These discussions will provide clarity on the updated procedures and reinforce the importance of proper firearm handling.
In particular, leaders will emphasize muzzle discipline and encourage reporting any potential problems with the weapons so that they can be quickly addressed.
The M18 is a compact version of Sig Sauer’s P320 pistol, which is also in service with the Army. Over the years, the P320 has been the subject of controversy, as some have claimed that it can fire unintentionally without the trigger being pulled.
Sig Sauer has firmly rejected those allegations and insists that both the P320 and the M18 are designed to meet rigorous safety standards.
Despite the controversy, the Air Force’s extensive review has concluded that its M18s remain dependable when properly maintained and inspected.
The decision to resume use of the M18 reflects a balance between maintaining trust in the weapon system and implementing lessons learned from the recent tragedy.
The added inspection procedures and renewed emphasis on training demonstrate that the command is committed to ensuring both safety and readiness.
Because airmen rely on their sidearms not only for defense but also as symbols of their duty and trust, the reassurance provided by these measures is critical.
At the same time, the incident serves as a reminder of the gravity of carrying such weapons and the responsibility that comes with them.
By reinstating the M18 with new safeguards in place, Global Strike is taking steps to restore confidence among its security forces while addressing the concerns raised by the accident.
The command’s actions highlight the Air Force’s commitment to learning from difficult circumstances and ensuring that airmen are equipped with weapons that are both effective and secure.
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.