Master of Arms

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The Master of Arms is responsible for weapons, simulated weapons, weapon safety, physical security, related standards and procedures:

  1. Takes responsibility for weapons (simulated or otherwise), munitions, and training equipment belonging to the Auxiliary, coordinating with the Quartermaster for inventory and procurement.
  2. Inspects and authorizes such equipment before it is used in training, exercise, or deployment, whether or not it belongs to the Auxiliary (e.g. inspects and authorizes personal equipment brought to the range prior to use).
    1. Develops qualification and training standards for and certifies Auxiliary Range Masters.
    2. Is the senior and default Range Master.
  3. Has authority over and is responsible for any and all Auxiliary small arms lockers on site or to delegate that authority.
  4. Develops and recommends standards for equipment used by the unit, balancing cost/availability, effectiveness, and compatibility.
  5. Develops defense training standards and personal defense doctrine for the Auxiliary.
  6. Develops and enforces range and weapons safety rules.
  7. The Master of Arms (or designated subordinates) has authority within his sphere to detain or evict any persons (whether or not LCSA personnel) from an LCSA operated site who are in violation of the weapons safety rules and, in his or her belief, therefore present a danger to the safety of themselves or others. Likewise, he or she may confiscate and secure any weapons involved in order to remove the danger.
  8. The Master of Arms has authority to detain or dismiss any LCSA volunteer on active duty found in violation of weapons safety rules whether or not on an LCSA-operated site.
  9. The Master of Arms may initiate disciplinary action against a volunteer found in violation of weapons safety rules.
  10. The authority of the Master of Arms in the field regarding weapons safety and the authority of a Range Master on his or her range is supreme regardless of rank or station of any participants. Disputes may be brought before a Commander's Mast or similar body off the field, but safety concerns of the Master of Arms or Range Master are satisfied first. The only remedy for an on-the-field dispute between Command and the Master of Arms or Range Master is to have them relieved of duty and replaced, however, in any instance where this occurs, the dismissing officer shall be required to justify his or her actions before a tribunal and the Master of Arms shall appear and present witnesses.
  11. Provides, directly or through designated subordinates, security for LCSA-operated-or-secured sites or facilities under direction of the Officer of the Watch (OOW),  the Chief of the Watch (COW), the Sheriff or Sheriff's Deputies, other Auxiliary command authority, or designated civil authority operating such site (e.g. the operator of a shelter the LCSA is charged with securing).
  12. Ensures that all personnel or training/exercise participants know and understand range and weapons safety rules, that appropriate summaries of the rules are posted at all LCSA-operated sites and events, and that full copies of the rules are available.

The Master of Arms, Range Master, and designated subordinates wear a red armband or red blaze on the sleeves so that they may be readily identified and their authority recognized.

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