If damage or tampering is detected during inspection before issuing a munition, what is the appropriate action?

• A. Proceed with issue after a quick check.
• B. Record and proceed with normal procedures.
• C. Mark for replacement and continue.
• D. Defer issue and notify appropriate authority for action.

Answer: (D)

When damage or tampering is found during inspection, safety and accountability require that the item not be issued. The proper action is to defer issue and notify the appropriate authority for action. This ensures the suspicious munition is not released, and the right experts can determine disposition—whether it’s quarantined, repaired, returned, or disposed of—without compromising personnel or the mission.

In practice, isolate the munition, place a do-not-issue tag, and document the discrepancy in the required log so the chain of custody is preserved. The unit’s munitions safety or accountability office will guide the next steps and authorize any further handling. Proceeding with a quick check, recording normal procedures, or marking for replacement and continuing would bypass critical safety and accountability processes and could put people at risk.