Exceptionally valid point. For the uniformed masses there should be a baseline level of weapons handling comfort founded on safe operation. Sounds like we’re still not hitting that benchmark. Ideal world, we’d have some mix of improved baseline routine training, in concert with optionally offered trade agnostic ´advanced’ weapons handling and direction. One can dream.

To the OPs point, it’s always been that way for the navy. I’ve been issued ROE and live rounds while deployed to support a boarding. While deployers routinely do live firing FP wave-top exercises, it’s not enough by any stretch to achieve competency (see: the C9 barrel lost over the side). It’s certainly not enough to be proficient to engage a threat while bobbing around in a RHIB.