1. WEAPONS
SAFETY

2. Weapon Safety Facts
Accidental weapon discharges are on the increase
Accidental discharges are preventable and unacceptable
There is no difference between unloading and clearing
a weapon
Unloading is one step in the process of clearing
If you unload it, then you must clear it
Several injuries and death have been associated with
accidental discharges
Accidental discharges have occurred during cleaning and
in the performance of function checks

3. Basic Weapon Safety
Safe muzzle orientation is critical to weapons safety.
Soldiers will always keep their weapon pointed in a safe direction. At no time should any part of the human body be in the likely path of a bullet. This requires constant awareness of the muzzle orientation and frequent repositioning and adjusting of the weapon. Muzzle orientation will be enforced at all times, not just when the weapon is considered loaded. It is critical that Soldiers learn muzzle orientation as a life skill that becomes second nature and a personal responsibility.

4. Basic Weapon Safety a target or when enemy contact is not imminent.
Weapons will be kept on safe at all times when not engaging
a target or when enemy contact is not imminent.
Fingers will be kept off of the trigger until firing the weapon
is intended.
There have been numerous accidental discharges
resulting from Soldiers being bumped while the weapon safety
selector was placed on FIRE and the finger on the trigger.

5. Basic Weapon Safety
Commanders will ensure that controls are in place to prevent
Soldiers from mishandling weapons in living and sleeping areas.
Leaders will supervise weapons clearing at all times whether
ammunition is present or not.
Leaders will remain involved to ensure ammunition has
not inadvertently been left in the weapon or placed in the weapon
in a manner that can result in an accidental discharge. Leader
enforcement of muzzle orientation is particularly important in
these weapons handling activities.

6. Basic Weapon Safety
When clearing weapons on ranges, the weapon will be oriented
down range during the clearing process.
When a clearing barrel is required by local installation
or brigade SOPs, ensure soldiers understand the concept of
“train as you fight” and they build confidence in weapons
handling.
Commanders at all levels will ensure that a range safety program
is in place.
The range safety program should cover RSO and OIC
duties as outlined in AR and DA Pam The CDR
will ensure the RSO is qualified on the weapon system fired.

7. Basic Weapon Safety
Leaders or vehicle commanders will ensure weapon systems
mounted for any reason are clear prior to installing or removing
weapons from the mount.
Leaders or vehicle commanders will ensure a weapon fired from
a vehicle mount is coordinated with dismount elements in the area
and the firing sector (area within the range fan of the weapon
system) is clear.

8. Weapon Issue & Turn-in
Both the Armorer and Soldier visually verify that the weapon
does not contain ammunition
Inspect weapon whether or not ammunition is issued
Clear weapon before turning in or when directed
Armorer ensures Soldier has not performed unauthorized
repair/maintenance

9. Armorer Safety Responsibilities
Verify each individual’s authority to bear arms before
issuing weapons or ammunition
Ensure each weapon is cleared and visually inspected prior
to issue or turn-in
Issue weapons stock (butt) first, muzzle elevated, slide/bolt
locked to the rear, and on SAFE
Allow only one person at a time to approach the issue or
turn-in point
Visually inspect for ammunition before storage

10. Clearing Barrels Provide/use clearing barrels at designated locations
Construct clearing barrels IAW 4ID standard
Maintain clearing barrels through periodic inspections
Post weapon specific clearing instructions near the clearing
barrel in a large readable format
Use clearing barrels near arms rooms (issue & turn-in), on
ranges, during PMI, and as specified by SOP
Train soldiers in the use of clearing barrels, not clearing rods

11. Clearing Barrels

12. Deployment Safety Guidance
Supervise weapons clearing & their frequency
Supervise ammunition issue or turn-in & weapons loading
Supervise placement of clearing barrels, clearing pits, or
designated clearing lanes
Ensure Soldiers know the situations in which to place their
weapons in a firing posture
Establish & publish standards for safe weapons clearing
Integrate clearing procedures into pre-deployment training
Control weapons test firing

13. Weapons Clearing

14. Weapons Clearing

15. Weapons Clearing

16. Proficiency = Safe Handling
Annual range qualification doesn't necessarily indicate weapons proficiency. Soldiers not only must effectively engage targets, they must also perform other associated tasks including:
Clearing procedures
Loading and unloading procedures
Immediate action
Remedial action
Disassembly and reassembly
Weapons maintenance
Functions check
Preventative maintenance checks and services