GI Accidents Prompt Precaution on Rifles

A U.S. divisional commander in the Gulf War has ordered his soldiers not to load their rifles unless on guard duty after a spate of accidental firings, the division’s safety manager said.

“The word is that we will not lock and load until contact with the enemy is imminent,” said Mel Kelder, civilian safety manager of the U.S. Army’s 3rd Armored Division. “In the area where we’re located now, we’re not in danger.”