Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Private First Class assigned to Fort Stewart, Georgia, died in a privately owned weapons (POW) mishap 9 May 2021 in Savannah, Georgia, at 0159 local. The Soldier was reportedly seen by others in the barracks playing with and loading his POW after consuming alcohol. While en route to get food with another Soldier, he unintentionally discharged the weapon and was struck by a round. The Soldier driving called 911, and emergency medical services personnel arrived and pronounced the wounded Soldier dead at the scene. The Criminal Investigation Division initial report states the gunshot was not intentional, and the incident remains under investigation.

Since FY16, the Army has lost an average of four Soldiers a year to POW mishaps. This tragedy was the fourth POW fatality of FY21.


In addition to never mixing alcohol with firearms, you can manage your risk with POWs if you always THINK weapons safety!

Treat every weapon as if it is loaded.
Handle every weapon with care.
Identify the target before you fire.
Never point the muzzle at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
Keep the weapon on safe and your finger off the trigger until you intend to fire.

The USACRC website contains numerous resources to address POW safety:
https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/Privately-Owned-Weapons

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A Specialist assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina died in a privately owned weapons (POW) mishap 15 May 2021, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, at 0118 local. While attempting to unload and clear his privately owned weapon, the weapon unintentionally discharged, striking him in the head.. He was transported to the local medical center and pronounced dead upon arrival by the attending physician. Earlier in the evening, the Soldier had been out drinking with another Soldier, however, the investigating officer has not determined if alcohol was a contributing factor to the mishap. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Since FY16, the Army has lost an average of four Soldiers a year to POW mishaps. This tragedy was the third POW fatality of FY21.


You can manage your risk with privately owned weapons if you always THINK weapons safety!

Treat every weapon as if it is loaded.
Handle every weapon with care.
Identify the target before you fire.
Never point the muzzle at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
Keep the weapon on safe and your finger off the trigger until you intend to fire.

The USACRC website contains numerous resources to address POW safety: https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/Privately-Owned-Weapons

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A Specialist assigned to Fort Riley, Kansas, died in a privately owned weapons (POW) mishap 5 April 2021 in Manhattan, Kansas, at 1330 local. The Soldier was cleaning his POW when he unintentionally discharged a round that struck him in the upper abdomen. During transport to the local hospital, the Soldier died due to his injuries. At this time, it is unknown if alcohol was involved. The mishap is under investigation.

Since FY16, the Army has lost an average of four Soldiers a year to POW mishaps. This tragedy was the third fatal POW fatality of FY21.

You can manage your risk with privately owned weapons if you always THINK weapons safety!

Treat every weapon as if it is loaded.
Handle every weapon with care.
Identify the target before you fire.
Never point the muzzle at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
Keep the weapon on safe and your finger off the trigger until you intend to fire.

The USACRC website contains numerous resources to address POW safety:https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/Privately-Owned-Weapons

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A Specialist assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, died in a privately owned weapons mishap 8 January 2021 in Killeen, Texas, at 2130 local. The Soldier was reportedly showing his shotgun to two other Soldiers at an off-post residence and pointed it at himself in a joking manner. One of the Soldiers told him that he shouldn’t do that with the weapon. After stating that the shotgun was on safe, it discharged unintentionally, striking the Soldier. He was pronounced dead at the scene. It is unknown at this time if alcohol was a contributing factor. The mishap is under investigation.

Since FY16, the Army has lost an average of four Soldiers a year to POW mishaps. This tragedy was the second fatal off-duty POW mishap of FY21.

Alcohol is a common factor in POW mishaps, along with indiscipline and complacency. In addition to never mixing alcohol and weapons, you can manage your risk with privately owned weapons if you always THINK weapons safety!

Treat every weapon as if it is loaded.
Handle every weapon with care.
Identify the target before you fire.
Never point the muzzle at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
Keep the weapon on safe and your finger off the trigger until you intend to fire.

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A Private assigned to Nomad Troop, 4th Squadron, 3d Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas died in a privately owned weapons (POW) mishap 28 April 2020 in Killeen, Texas. The Soldier was with group of Soldiers at a private residence on 26 April 2020 when he picked up a fellow Soldier’s privately owned weapon and accidentally shot himself in the head. He was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries two days later. The use of alcohol was involved. The incident is being investigated by the local police department.

Since FY16, the Army has lost an average of four Soldiers a year to POW mishaps. This mishap was already the fourth fatal off-duty POW mishap of FY20. Every mishap has telltale signs. Some you only recognize in hindsight, while others you can’t miss. Alcohol, firearms, late at night…when do you draw the line between fun and tragedy?

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