The Evolution of Project Safe Guard in the National Guard: Toward an Integrated Sustained Approach to Firearm Injury Prevention

Introduction Research reveals the importance of lethal means safety (LMS) and properly securing firearms in preventing suicide and other harmful behaviors such as child neglect and domestic violence. To prevent harmful behaviors within the military, the DoD urges that primary prevention efforts must be comprehensive, integrated, and evidence-based. This article aims to describe adaptations made to Project Safe Guard (PSG), a continuously evaluated, expanded, evidence-based comprehensive integrated primary prevention training program on secure firearm storage across the U.S. National Guard (NG). Materials and Methods Through lethal means safety counseling (LMC), the first 2 generations of PSG successfully increased secure storage practices and altered beliefs on the relation between access to firearms and risk of injury and death. The third generation of PSG features a continuously evaluated expanded curriculum to reduce multiple harmful behaviors (abuse, harassment, and suicide) and trains NG supervisors to discuss firearm safety with subordinates. It will center on 2 integrated trainings: Universal (for all Guardsmen) and Selected (for NG supervisors), which will be available to all NG States, Territories, and Washington, D.C. (S/T/DC). PSG will grow into a train-the-trainer model for continuous program implementation within the NG. Training will be continuously evaluated through surveys, focus groups, and fidelity checks. Results and Conclusions Findings from the previous generations of PSG show the program's ability to increase secure storage practices and decrease the risk of harmful behaviors. The third generation of PSG will further expand the program within the NG with the goal of maximizing the number of Guardsmen trained and participating in LMS measures. Continuous evaluation efforts will contribute to adaptations and modifications to the PSG curriculum to ensure utmost training. The results of the third generation will contribute to future iterations of PSG.