[Former Military Chick]

They say disturbing, if true it is worse then disturbing.

[stuartcr]

Maybe they figure they get to go home.

[2banana]

I can see it coming now...

No troops will be allowed to chamber a round unless given a direct order.

Then, no mags in the weapons.

Then, no ammo at all...

[Tijeras_Slim]

When you're in the posession of a loaded firearm, with good cause to expect to need to use it, 24/7 the chances of a moment of carelessness and inattention goes up. And with firearms, even what may seem the smallest mistake can and does kill.

[CaptRon]

I thought this was going to be about Afghani weddings.

[Byron_the_Aussie]

I wonder how many of today's soldiers are familiar with firearms before entering the army, compared with the men of 30 or 40 years ago?

[fourdeuce82d]

This is a result of focusing training/admin procedures on making sure the chamber is empty. Instead of relying on the 1st, 2d, and 3rd rules, soldiers are taught "All weapons are always loaded, except for most of the time when we tell you to make sure you have an empty chamber."

Focus needs to be on the handling of the weapon, not the loaded/unloaded status of the weapon.

[TERMINATTOR]

"Perkins’ rifle was on safe, but when his weapon caught on part of his uniform the bolt slammed forward, chambering a round and discharging.

Perkins did two things wrong, according to standard safety regulations: He left the bolt pulled back, and he should have paid attention to where the weapon was pointing.

Slam fire! Possibly he did one more thing wrong, not cleaning the bolt/fireing pin, or trigger sear?