Where did this order come from and when did it get implemented? I have read an amazing amount of unbelievably ludicrous things but this one takes the cake. How in God's name can you expect troops to defend when they are holding what amounts to a water pistol without it being loaded? Hey, I can top it. I was part of the Battalion Landing Team that went into the Dominican Republic in 1965. There had been a shooting revolt and the Marines were sent there to be police. We made a full Marine anphibious assault on the city of Santo Domingo. Not one round was in any rifle or pistol of any Marine (except perhaps the officers) during the landing on a hostile beach. The big joke amongst the troops was that when the bow door opened we were all to yell, "Bang, Bang, Bang:, as we ran up the beach to take defensive postion.
I was also in the DR in 65,and can not only verify that,but can top it. There was a sign as you entered rebel-held territory between San Isidro airport and Santo Domingo that read,"If you are fired upon,take cover. Do NOT return fire unless ordered to do so by a comissioned officer." One PFC from the 82nd Abn Division spotted the sniper pinning them down,and killed him. The trouble was there were no officers around,and he was tried for murder and sentenced to 30 years at hard labor at Ft.Leavenworth.
Can you say "Thank you,US State Department"?