"Just stick your finger, or flashlight, in there, if that's what you need to do."
We patrol the training base with weapons. In these weapons we have magazines with blank rounds. The intent is to simulate the environment overseas and reinforce with the Soldiers proper handling and procedures while controlling lethal means in both combat and garrison situations.
A few years back, the term "Accidental Discharge" was euthanized, and "Negligent Discharge" emerged from the ashes. This transition shifted the responsibility, to the individual and their leadership chain, further solidifying the seriousness. We are conditioning professional Soldiers to act swiftly and safely with live ammunition. Risk is mitigated through understanding and repetition.
Being the caring, compassionate, Soldier-focused culture that we are, when a "ND" happens, we react accordingly. From our Physical Training sessions the other day, we hear "pop pop pop" in the distance. Our thigh stretch interupted with the unmistakable sound of blank fire. "Get some! ND's for breakfast! Better than coffee for killers!" No more than 10 minutes later. "Pop". Someone was having a bad day, and it was barely 0630.
As a corrective tool, the whole scenario is played out. [Training] letter home to the family of the [notionally] deceased Soldier. Memorial Ceremony conducted by the Chaplain, to include rememberance statements from colleagues, a 21-Gun Salute. The whole nine yards.
Needless to say, within our entire umbrella of command we are climbing the charts. What's your record? Pfft, we can beat THAT, in our sleep (ironicly probably part of the problem). Not necessarily the statistic the Boss is looking to grab. "D'oh!" Achievement Unlocked.
Extra emphasis on "Buddy" teamwork, and the familiar guidance of "slow is smooth, and smooth is fast". So by theory, our barely-sub 40 BMI Soldiers should be Olympic sprinters (but I digress, that post is being drafted and should hit the press soon).
Right now, "our clearing barrells are [not] looking good", and have been taking a beating. Soldiers are starting to getting tired and slip. No bueno. Team Super Sergeant will step up, but now it's classified as reactionary.
Another day in the life. Living the dream.
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