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Nullius in verba
As a former US Marine of that era or just before - it was SOP that Marines not have ammo in barracks but when they are at a (guard) duty post - just as if they were and do in combat - they carried loaded weapons and ammo.Show us the report or whatever that backs up his claim that the truck had to go through a series of barricades. Otherwise just look up any source, military, congressional, news media. They all expose that lie. But the big lie was the one about the Marines firing on the terrorist. Under Reagan's command the Marine sentries and force protection were ordered to carry unloaded weapons. Ronald Reagan sent Marines into an active combat zone with specific orders to not carry loaded weapons. He specifically lied about Marines firing on the truck bomber. The Marines never got off a shot. He attempted to cover up his negligence by claiming otherwise.
I believe it would have been almost a dereliction of duty for the guards to not get off a round if they had time.
Very few military personnel carry loaded weapons but guards and escorts do.
I think there is a misreading of the standing orders that were in effect.
The point is is that it was a dereliction of duty. The Marines were there as Peacekeepers and technically under UN control. The UN, with US approval and acceptance implemented rules of engagement that called for weapons to be carried at level four, no magazines inserted or rounds chambered. Proper security barriers were not installed to give the impression of a non hostile appearance. Heavy weapons that had the ability to stop a truck were not even installed as decorations.
THATS the type of thing that hearings are for.