When commanded to UNLOAD, what is the correct procedure?

The correct procedure when commanded to UNLOAD is to take the weapon from Condition 1 to Condition 3 to Condition 4. This process is essential for ensuring the safe handling of the firearm.

Condition 1 refers to a fully loaded weapon with a round in the chamber, a closed bolt, and a safety engaged. When commanded to UNLOAD, the operator must first disengage the safety and remove the round from the chamber, which transitions the weapon to Condition 3. In Condition 3, the magazine is still inserted, but there is no round in the chamber, making it safer to handle.

Finally, the procedure requires the operator to remove the magazine, transitioning the weapon to Condition 4, which indicates that the weapon is completely unloaded and safe. Condition 4 means there are no rounds in the chamber and no magazine in the weapon, which is the safest state for a firearm when not in use.

This step-by-step transition is critical for ensuring that the firearm is handled safely and in compliance with standard operating procedures.