Was it mentioned what type of unit this soldier is in or what his MOS/SSI is?
If this is an infantryman or a SOF trooper, this is totally unacceptable. However, if this is a member of a support unit, his CO may have good reason for this directive.
Lately, Michael Yon has posted some things which make you wonder about his present state-of-mind. (See blackfive.net for a long discussion of his “problems”.) Several military sites have ceased their praise of him.
good question.
were the cooks and clerks in camp told not to chamber a round?
or
Was it infantrymen on patrol?