What should commanders ensure regarding the weapons systems before an attack?

Commanders must ensure that weapons systems are fully armed before an attack to guarantee their readiness and effectiveness in combat situations. Having weapons systems properly armed is crucial for immediate response capability, allowing troops to engage the enemy without delay and enhancing their chances of success in the operation. Proper armament also contributes to operational security and ensures that forces are prepared for any contingencies they may face during the engagement.

While maintenance, inspections, and secure off-site storage are important components of overall weapons system management and readiness, they do not directly address the immediate requirement to engage effectively in an attack, which is why ensuring that the systems are fully armed takes precedence in this particular context.