Upon discovering a cache, what is the correct first action to take?

The first action upon discovering a cache should be to prominently mark the position and withdraw. This is crucial for ensuring safety and maintaining the integrity of the scene. Marking the position of the cache allows for its location to be noted for further investigation without disturbing the site or risking potential detonation.

Withdrawing from the area after marking it minimizes the risk to personnel from any potential explosive hazards that could be present. This action ensures that those who are trained to handle such situations can take appropriate measures to assess the cache and neutralize any threats. Engaging in other actions, such as confirming load size or touching the cache, could expose personnel to danger and compromise the safety protocols established for dealing with explosive materials. Informing the team leader is certainly an important step, but it follows after ensuring that the area is marked and that personnel have withdrawn to a safe distance.