What must be assured about the ammunition before using it on the range?

Before using ammunition on the range, it is essential that it is fresh and safe. This assurance is critical for several reasons. Fresh ammunition is less likely to suffer from degradation, which can occur over time due to factors such as humidity, temperature fluctuations, and storage conditions. Using fresh ammunition helps to ensure reliability and performance during training or practice sessions.

Safety is also a primary concern, as using outdated or damaged ammunition can lead to malfunctions, which can compromise the safety of the shooter and others present on the range. Ensuring that the ammunition is safe means checking for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion and confirming that it has been stored properly.

While other factors like cost, availability, and performance can be considerations when choosing ammunition, they do not hold the same crucial importance as the need to ensure that the ammunition is fresh and safe for use. This focus on safety and reliability fosters a secure training environment, allowing officers to focus on their skills without the added risk of malfunctioning ammunition.