Military Weapons Safety
Soldiers constantly learn the importance of caring and respecting their firearms from the beginning of their basic training in the military. This education brings about a greater awareness of their safety as it relates to the use of firearms both on and off duty. While most people would assume that military personnel would be the safest possessors of guns in the home soldiers have actually lost their lives off duty as a result of mishandling of their weapons or ignoring safety rules.
Other People Are Reading
-
Rules
-
In an effort to practice weapon safety, the military teaches the simple acronym THINK: Treat each weapon like it is loaded; Handle all weapons with care; Identify the intended target before pulling the trigger; Never point the muzzle of the gun on anything that you don't plan on shooting; and Keep the weapon's safety on and remove your fingers from the trigger until you plan to fire.
Handling a Gun
-
After picking up a gun, check whether it is loaded. In addition, when handing someone a gun, first take out the magazine, then check the cylinder and chamber to ensure it's not loaded. Hand the gun to the individual with the cylinder open and the muzzle pointing away from the recipient. The person receiving the gun should also check to ensure it's not loaded. If the gun is returned to you, perform the same check again.
-
Storing Weapons
-
Store all ammunition and guns out of the reach of untrained adults, children and anyone who would use the gun wrongfully. Keep guns locked in a gun safe that potential thieves cannot easily steal or break into. If this is not possible, use a trigger lock or a cable lock and store the gun in a safe place. Keep the keys to the safe for the guns and locks properly hidden. Store weapons unloaded with the safety on. For further safety, keep the gun cleaned, dry and oiled while in storage. Always store weapons in a cool, dry place far from any heat or fire.
Warnings
-
Continuous exposure to the loud noise from shooting can result in some amount of hearing loss, which can become permanent if the exposure is constant. Guard yourself by wearing earmuff-type protection or ear plugs. Wear shooting glasses to protect your eyes against any carbon residue, powder, metallic particles, lubricant or any other debris produced from the firing of a gun. In addition, have any bystanders protect themselves similarly by wearing the necessary eye and ear protection.Ensure that you have adequate ventilation when discharging or cleaning a firearm, or dealing with ammunition, which can cause exposure to lead. Also thoroughly wash your hands after exposure.
Significance
-
Weapon safety measures help prevent soldiers from accidentally shooting themselves, their peers or innocent individuals. You cannot undo shooting a round; therefore military personnel must ensure that in their high-paced and high-stressed job they do everything to get their job done correctly. These safety rules and measures also help protect an individual's body from defects resulting from shooting, such as loss of hearing or sight as well as other defects from lead exposure.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit guns image by Svetlin Rusev from Fotolia.com
