Service members do their jobs in some pretty stressful environments. From patrolling in a deadly combat zone to saying your final good-byes at a military funeral — it can be intense.
At most military functions, there will most likely be someone present who is carrying a loaded weapon, whether it’s blanks or live ammunition.
With stress levels reaching a high peak, the last thing people want to hear is the negligent discharge — or ND — of a firearm.
Related: 17 images that perfectly show the misery of returning your gear
Check out our list of the worst times to have a negligent discharge:
7. At a funeral detail
Many military funerals have a 21-gun salute waiting fire at a specific time during the ceremony. Interrupting the service by having one of the riflemen accidentally discharge their weapon before they’re supposed to would be less than ideal, to say the least.
Everyone tends to jump a little even when the rifles are fired at the correct time.
6. During a foreign military weapons inspection
We advise and work alongside many foreign countries’ militaries throughout the world. When you’re trying to build and/or maintain relationships, there’s nothing more cancerous than having an ND occur to set everyone on edge.
5. Right before stepping out on a stressful foot patrol
The primary mission of allied foot patrol is to make contact with the opposition. When a trooper accidentally taps the trigger of a weapon that’s no longer on “safe,” some very crappy things can follow.
BANG. *Angry Looks* (Source: Army.mil)
4. While handling business in a porta-sh*tter
Many troops are required to carry loaded sidearms on their hip. Having a negligent discharge while you’re taking care of business can lead to a messy result.
Oh, and you can shoot yourself.
BANG. Just Bang. Any other sounds effects would be disgust– *gag*
3. Inside an up-armored vehicle
Armored vehicles are designed to keep the bad guys’ bullets from entering the cabin. That’s pretty obvious, right?
Having an ND go off inside the vehicle is really bad as the bullet will ricochet until it loses speed. Hopefully, it doesn’t land inside of one your buddies.
2. In the “CoC”
The “Center of Communication” is the artery for directing the troops on the ground. If an ND were to occur inside, that live round could kill a troop or damage some important computerized gear.
On second thought, just clear all your weapon systems before entering.
Also Read: 33 images that perfectly portray your first 96-hour liberty
1. In a crowded Afghan Bazaar
Afganistan is considered one of the most dangerous battlegrounds in the world. The already intense energy in the area can quickly become deadly in a blink of an eye. A negligent discharge could launch an entire battle — or worse.
Bonus: During Bowe Bergdahl’s trial
Do we really need to explain why this is a super bad time for an ND?
