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Clear: Pte Adam Marsh, 6RAR, with an F-88 GLA. The buddy system applies to both barrels.
Photo by Cpl Ricky Fuller |
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NEW weapon clearance procedures, including the use of the buddy system, were announced on April 13 following the results of the Pte Kovco inquiry.
The Safety Signal announcing the changes stated “the formalisation of the buddy System provides an additional level of safety during weapon clearance and final function testing”.
Until now, the buddy system was only a discretionary measure applied by some units.
The new procedures now require all soldiers, sailors and airmen to supervise each other during any weapon drills where there is a chance of a negligent discharge occurring.
This process will be included as amendments in all weapon regulations.
Under the new buddy system, it is the operator’s responsibility to obtain assistance of another operator qualified in the weapon to observe the following drills:
- Individual safety precautions
- The final function test; and
- The unload drill.
The supervising soldier, sailor or airman is required to visually or physically check the chamber for ammunition and ensure that all actions are correctly carried out on these drills.
The operator can only carry out these drills individually if it is impractical to use the buddy system.
During weapons tests, soldiers will have their knowledge of the buddy system assessed with questions and answers at the end.
The new procedures come in addition to recent modifications to weapons-handling doctrine for the 9mm pistol, which includes changes to the final function test, stoppage drills and other sequences.
For more information reference BAY CATC/OUT2007/227 of 130117ZAPR07 and BAY CATC/OUT/2007/31 of 050635ZFEB07 or the ADF Weapons Policy Cell website at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/...comweb.asp?page=97025&Title=Current%20Issues
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