You first report to the armourer and then receive the ammo first and then the weapon, you make sure the weapon is cleared (not loaded). Then you procede to the clearing barrel. First you recheck the weapon is cleared and show it to the person at the clearing barrel, if that person confirms the weapon is cleared, then you can proceed. Since we are talking about a semi automatic weapon, you would release the slide and allow it to travel forward. Then you would slowly pull the trigger allowing the firing pin to come forward. Then place the weapon on safe. Then the person at the clearing barrel would confirm that the weapon was safe and would allow you to leave the clearing barrel area. After which, you would insert the magizine containing the ammo.

Normally, the armoury ONLY hands out weapons at preset times, because its a 4 man operation. 2 in the armoury and 2 by the clearing barrel, 1 of those being the person the weapon was issued to. So there are 3 other folks who's stories we have yet to hear.

Also, what are the procedures for checking out arms. This incident indicates a problem. If so, who is accountable up the chain?

However, that doesn't excuse what he did. If he gets UCMJ he can use extenuating circumstances to lessen the punishment, but he should be hit with UCMJ because you cannot have people taking loaded military issued pistols off post while off duty.

I agree. I hope this person gets the help they need. Yes, the military has a responsibility for the safety and welfare of its members, but since no one else was harmed, or its seems even were in potential danger, then the situation should be addressed in that regard. Perhaps this individual is past being reliable in this regard, but there should be an attempt to help him. Maybe this is just a particularly rough spot in his life, with factors that may not come into play on an ongoing basis. I have seen the military help people in the past and I hope it has not lost its ability to do so now. There are some great mental health workers in the service, and I think they should apply their talents here….

In my years in military service, I knew several people who said they wanted to end their life, three who actually made serious attempts, and two who were successful.

Personal issues, domestic conflict and alcoholism led to the initial depression, but totally hopeless led to the final act. Those I knew who committed the act, did so after they were facing administrative discharge. The military decided it had no more responsibility to or for them and their issues.

It's a catch-22 here. The military may want to do as much as it can to help him but at some point it will be decided he is only a liability and inform him he will be cut loose. It's the final straw where he truly has nothing left to look forward to. Unless he has some other support groups, family or friends, there with him to help get through his depression, he will be most at risk.

Maybe things have changed since I was in and the military ensures a transition hand off to whatever civilian support network he may need.