Policy on access to firearms and other
dangerous equipment
A Defence Policy entitled "Personal Weapon
Handling and Shooting Training" is currently being developed
by DGTE in conjunction with the three Single Services.
Before Service personnel are issued with arms
and ammunition for employment on security duties, they are to
have received adequate training in weapon handling, marksmanship,
weapon safety and rules of engagement and to have attained the
minimum training standards. Commanders at all levels are responsible
for ensuring that all personnel issued with arms and ammunition
for security duties are properly trained and that regular refresher
training is carried out.
Guards, particularly those in isolated detachments
are supervised by JNCOs. All soldiers on guard are fully briefed
that they are not to hand over their weapons unless ordered to
do so by an authorised officer or NCO.
All recruits are given weapons training from
the start of Phase 1 Training. However, all such recruits are
fully supervised whilst handling such weapons. Within the Army,
an Arms Storeman may refuse the issue of a weapon to a soldier
if he or she is unaccompanied by a supervising NCO or if the weapon
has not been ordered for training.
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