Which personnel verify before Cannoneer #2 loads the propellant?

• A. Section Chief and Recorder
• B. Gunner and Assistant
• C. Commander and Chief of Section
• D. Armorer and Loader

Answer: (A)

Before Cannoneer #2 loads the propellant, the safety check and accountability step is performed by the Section Chief and the Recorder. The Section Chief has the authority to verify that the correct propellant type, lot, and charge are authorized for the round and that all safety conditions and procedures are in place for loading. The Recorder documents this verification—recording the propellant details, lot numbers, and that the check was completed—creating a clear trail and ensuring the correct item is loaded. This pairing provides a necessary double-check: one person confirms the correctness and safety, the other logs it for accountability and traceability.

The other pairs don’t serve this formal verification role. The Gunner and Assistant are part of the firing team and assist with the operation, but don’t carry out the formal verification. The Commander and Chief of Section are supervisory roles at a higher level and aren’t the ones performing the hands-on verification. The Armorer and Loader handle handling and loading, but the specific verification step is assigned to Section Chief and Recorder to maintain safety and accountability.