In case of a live-fire training incident, who is liable for injuries or losses?

In live-fire training incidents, liability for injuries or losses typically falls to both the Incident Commander (IC) and the Safety Officer (SO). The Incident Commander is responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the training evolution, ensuring that operations are conducted safely while achieving training objectives. Additionally, the Safety Officer plays a critical role in assessing risks, monitoring safety conditions, and enforcing safety protocols throughout the training.

Both individuals have a duty to uphold safety standards and protect participants, and their roles are interconnected—while the IC oversees operations, the SO provides essential safety guidance and ensures compliance with safety regulations. Consequently, if an incident occurs resulting in injuries or losses, both the IC and SO can be held accountable, as their combined responsibilities contribute significantly to the safety of the training environment.