Who ultimately ensures that safety protocols are followed during live-fire training?

The ultimate responsibility for ensuring that safety protocols are followed during live-fire training lies with senior commanders. This is because senior commanders oversee the overall operational effectiveness and safety of their units. They set the tone for safety culture within their commands and are held accountable for the training conducted under their authority.

While range safety officers and safety officers play crucial roles in the direct implementation and monitoring of safety protocols during live-fire exercises, they operate within the framework established by the senior commanders. Unit commanders also have responsibilities for their specific elements, but the overarching accountability rests with the senior commanders who bear the ultimate responsibility for the safety and effectiveness of all training conducted under their leadership.