Importance of Weapon Security
The SA80 A2 rifle is the chosen individual weapon for British Army soldiers. Made by Heckler and Koch, they fire NATO standard 5.56 x 45mm ammunition. The rifle is renowned for reliability combined with accuracy, versatility and ergonomic design. It is considered a first class weapon system and a world leader in small arms. The SA80 A2 can be fitted with a SUSAT or Common weapon sight along with other accessories such as a custom rifle sling, grenade launcher and bayonet, to name a few.
To remain combat effective we must keep our individual weapons secure. This can be achieved using the following points:
• Ensure the weapon is always within an arm’s reach of the individual in control of the rifle.
• Use the rifle sling correctly. The rifle sling is designed to keep the weapon strapped to the individual’s body whilst allowing maximum manoeuvrability and operation without any undue physical effort.
• The weapon should never be left unattended. Always have a trained individual guard or take control of other soldiers weapons ensuring the correct NSPs are taken to avoid injury.
• When storing an individual weapon it must be stored correctly in an armoury or a secure guarded area.
Not following these simple points could be fatal.
If weapon security is disregarded or not performed with maximum effort we lose combat effectiveness. For example a soldier leaves his rifle unattended whilst erecting an antenna. The individual leaves his/her self at a huge disadvantage if the enemy attacks. Poor weapon security renders the trained soldier useless as they do not have their weapon and cannot win a fire fight.
Combat effectiveness is key to defeating the enemy. Without it we cannot operate to our maximum capacity which at the end of the day is what we are employed to do.
British army soldiers are amongst the best in the world. To keep this reputation, weapon security is vital when in an operational environment and must never be...