Quoted:
Guys,
Have you considered that this is the California national guard we're talking about? It was probably the first time Specialist Louis Alvarez had ever seen or handled a sidearm.
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I believe that even the Kalifornia NG has to complete basic training before reaching the rank of E-4. Said basic training, and possibly AIT has numerous classes on firearms employment and safety, to include range time. SPC means at least two years in the unit, which hopefully included SOME Army training, like range time.
I can hear it now, probably went like this:
"Okay, folks, here are your orders for weapons handling. Read the ROE card you have been issued and ensure you understand it before leaving here today. Come see me if you have any questions. Follow your General Orders and the orders of your NCOICs and officers.
Alvarez, stop playing around and pay attention.
You are to place a loaded mag in your weapon. DO NOT chamber a round unless told to do so, or required to do so in preparation to fire. Place your weapon in the issue holster. Do not remove it unless told to do so or neccesary to protect yourself or others IAW the ROE. Do not point the weapon at anything you do not wish to destroy. Treat all weapons as loaded at all times. Keep your finger off the trigger unless shooting. Are there any questions?
Alvarez, are you listening to me?
If necessary to respond to a deadly threat, remove your weapon from the holster, keeping your finger off the trigger, and pull the slide to the rear to chamber a round. Do not point the weapon at anything you do not wish to destroy. Treat all weapons as loaded at all times. Keep your finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard unless shooting. Engage the threat, reloading as required. If you do not have to fire, engage the safety and clear the weapon by removing the magazine, then ejecting the chambered round, replacing it in the magazine. Does everyone understand?
SPC Alvarez, pay attention!
We will clear all weapons at the end of the shift in the following sequence: report to the clearing point. Remove the weapon from the holster, keeping your finger off the trigger. Treat the weapon as if it were loaded. Do not point the muzzle at anything you do not wish to destroy. Engage the safety. Remove the magazine. Keep your finger off the trigger and the weapon pointed in a safe direction, into the barrel. Pull the slide to the rear, permitting the NCOIC to verify that the chamber is clear. release the slide, point the weapon into the barrel, release the safety, and pull the trigger. Everyone got that? Let's run through it a few times.
Alvarez, wake up! Did you get all of that?
Sarge, stop picking on me, I ain't stupid...."