How often must military personnel qualify on their assigned firearms?

Military personnel must qualify on their assigned firearms at least once per year to ensure their proficiency and readiness to handle the weapon effectively under various circumstances. This annual requirement helps maintain a high level of skill, reinforces safety protocols, and allows personnel to stay current with any changes in weapon systems, procedures, or guidelines.

Regular qualification helps personnel to build muscle memory, improve accuracy, and increase confidence when operating their firearms. Additionally, annual qualification can reveal any areas where additional training may be necessary, allowing for ongoing development of skills and knowledge.

While more frequent qualifications may be beneficial for certain roles or units, the minimum standard established is once per year, which balances readiness with operational commitments.