Which command instructs shooters to ensure they are prepared before beginning?

The command that instructs shooters to ensure they are prepared before beginning is "READY ON THE RIGHT." This command serves a critical role in ensuring that all participants are mentally and physically ready to engage in the shooting practice safely. It is a reminder for shooters to check their equipment, posture, and focus before the actual shooting or loading commands are issued.

When "READY ON THE RIGHT" is called, it prompts shooters to take a moment to confirm that they are in a safe position, that their firearms are pointed in a safe direction, and that they are mentally prepared to follow safety protocols. This command emphasizes the importance of readiness in ensuring a safe shooting environment.

In contrast, the other commands provided are more operational in nature. "LOAD" instructs shooters to prepare their rifles for shooting, which comes after the readiness check. "START" typically indicates the beginning of active shooting after all safety checks have been confirmed, and "UNLOAD" pertains to clearing the weapon after a shooting session. Thus, "READY ON THE RIGHT" far better represents the preliminary safety check that helps reinforce readiness and safety protocols before engaging in shooting activities.