About Military Weapons Safety

It is no secret that the military has several kinds of weapons that they teach soldiers to use. One of the most important things that is taught, over anything else, is weapon safety. With all the safety regulations and guidelines constantly changing, soldiers are always being given new, up-to-date information to keep themselves and others safe in the presence of weapons.

THINK: This is the acronym that the military teaches to all soldiers when handling weapons. It means: Treat each weapon like it's loaded; Handle all weapons with care; Identify the intended target before pulling the trigger; Never point the muzzle at something you don't intend to shoot; Keep the weapon's safety on and your finger away from the trigger until you're ready to shoot.

Gun Safety: Gun safety is basic knowledge to all soldiers. From basic training on, soldiers are taught to always handle a gun with care and check to see if the gun is loaded before attempting to use it or after taking it away. Any time a gun is handed to another person, the magazine is removed and the cylinder is opened so that the other person knows that the gun is empty, it's safest position.

Storing Weaponry: It is taught that guns should be stored empty of their ammunition with the bullets in a separate place. While in the field, anyone can sneak up on you and steal your weapons; however, if the ammunition is stored elsewhere it makes it increasingly harder to use. Knives should be kept in sheaths so that they cannot accidently cut someone while removing them from their safe location.

Additional Safety: There are additional safety measures that the military teaches all soldiers that go hand-in-hand with weapon safety. Because of the close proximity to loud weapons and the possibility of shrapnel and other things being backfired, safety goggles while shooting as well as ear plugs to preserve hearing are required whenever possible.