Week 3: Use of Force, Weapons Qual,
Apprehension & Search
The most legally critical week in all of A School. All content cites current governing instructions. Every answer below names the source.
“I am advising you that I suspect you of [state the offense]. You have the right to remain silent and make no statement at all. Any statement you do make may be used as evidence against you. You have the right to consult with a lawyer and to have that lawyer present during any questioning. If you cannot afford a civilian lawyer, a military lawyer will be appointed at no cost. Do you understand your rights? Do you want a lawyer?”
Given BEFORE interrogation of a suspect. Failure = inadmissible statements at court-martial. UCMJ Art. 31(b).
Use of Force Continuum — Per OPNAVINST 5530.14
Apply MINIMUM force necessary. Reasonable · Proportional · Necessary.
Week 3 Exam Q&A — 15 High-Probability Questions
These questions appear on nearly every Week 3 exam. Click to reveal the doctrine answer.
OPNAVINST 5530.14 (series) — Navy Physical Security and Law Enforcement Program.
Source: OPNAVINST 5530.141) Officer Presence · 2) Verbal Direction · 3) Soft Empty-Hand · 4) Hard Empty-Hand · 5) Intermediate Weapons (OC/ASP/CEW) · 6) Deadly Force.
Source: OPNAVINST 5530.14When there is reasonable belief the subject poses an IMMINENT threat of death or serious bodily harm, and lesser means have failed or are unavailable.
Source: OPNAVINST 5530.14Article 7, UCMJ. Standard: reasonable belief — not proof — that an offense was committed AND this person committed it.
Source: UCMJ Art. 7Detention: temporary stop to investigate — person is free to go when cleared. Apprehension: taking into custody — person is NOT free to go. Critical distinction.
Source: UCMJ Art. 7 / OPNAVINST 5530.14BEFORE any questioning of a SUSPECT. Not required before apprehension itself. Failure renders statements inadmissible at court-martial.
Source: UCMJ Art. 31(b)1) Consent · 2) Incident to Apprehension · 3) Commander's Authorization · 4) Exigent Circumstances · 5) Command Inspection · 6) Entry Control (implied consent).
Source: OPNAVINST 5530.14Yes — at any time. MA must stop the search immediately when consent is withdrawn.
Source: OPNAVINST 5530.14Magazine inserted, no round in chamber, safety on. Must rack slide before firing. Standard duty carry condition.
Source: OPNAVINST 3591.1G1) Treat every weapon as loaded · 2) Never point at anything you are not willing to destroy · 3) Finger off trigger until on target and decision to fire made · 4) Know your target and what is beyond it.
Source: OPNAVINST 3591.1GMedical evaluation of the subject AND a Use of Force Report. No exceptions.
Source: OPNAVINST 5530.14Level 5 — Intermediate Weapon. Non-lethal. Medical evaluation of the subject required after every use.
Source: OPNAVINST 5530.14OPNAVINST 3591.1G — Small Arms Training and Qualification.
Source: OPNAVINST 3591.1GAWOL = Article 86 UCMJ (intent to return). Desertion = Article 85 UCMJ (intent to remain away permanently). Intent at the time of departure is the distinguishing element.
Source: UCMJ Art. 85 / Art. 86Any commissioned officer, warrant officer, petty officer, noncommissioned officer, or person authorized by the Commanding Officer — when reasonable belief exists that an offense was committed.
Source: UCMJ Art. 7Ask The Chief follow-up questions on anything above — 3 free questions/day.