What should you do if you observe a weapon with an obvious functional failure on the line?

• A. Continue firing until the end of the drill.
• B. Notify range safety, but do not stop firing.
• C. Stop firing, notify range safety, and follow range protocol to clear the weapon.
• D. Place the weapon on safe and continue range drills.

Answer: (C)

When a weapon shows an obvious functional failure, safety must come first. Stop firing immediately, keep the weapon pointed downrange, and set it on safe with your finger outside the trigger. Do not try to diagnose or fix the problem on the line. Notify range safety right away so they can halt the exercise and guide the proper steps. Follow the range protocol to clear the weapon, which ensures there is no round in the chamber and that the weapon is inspected by qualified personnel before anyone resumes firing. This approach protects you and others from potential injury or an unintended discharge and keeps the drill under controlled, safe conditions. Continuing to fire or continuing drills without reporting the issue bypasses essential safety checks and can create a dangerous situation.