Just as inexcusable that the machinegunner on the roof of the Marine barracks in Lebanon in 1983 did not have a round in the chamber.
The captain was more worried about being held responsible for a friendly-fire incident, than in the safety of his command
Exactly...and agreed. If the equipment and personnel are put in harm's way, then they have to be able to use all of the tools at their disposal to protect themselves and destroy the enemy.