What is a risk associated with not ensuring ammunition is safe and functional?

Not ensuring that ammunition is safe and functional significantly increases the potential for accidents and injuries. Safety in handling ammunition is paramount because defective or unsafe ammunition can lead to misfires, explosions, or other dangerous malfunctions during training exercises or operational use. This risk not only endangers the ammunition handlers but also poses serious risks to personnel in the vicinity, possibly resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.

By focusing on the safety and functionality of ammunition, handlers can mitigate these dangers, ensuring a safer environment for everyone involved. This aspect of ammunition safety underscores the broader responsibility of handlers to prioritize operational readiness while minimizing risks associated with ammunition defects.