What is the outcome of poor weapons custody during a patrol?

Proper weapons custody is critical during a patrol to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the operation. When weapons are not properly secured, it creates a risk of accidents occurring, such as the weapon being mishandled or falling into the wrong hands. This situation can lead to serious implications, including the loss of weapons, which may be used against the very troops who lost them. Additionally, poor custody can disrupt the overall mission by causing delays, the need for additional security measures, or even altering the patrol’s objectives. Overall, ensuring diligent weapons custody is essential to maintain both personal safety and mission integrity.