In order to engage the safety on the M14, what must be done first?

To engage the safety on the M14, the weapon must first be cocked. This process is essential because the safety mechanism is designed to prevent accidental discharge when the weapon is in a ready-to-fire state. When the M14 is cocked, the internal components are positioned in such a way that the safety can effectively block the sear from engaging with the hammer, thereby securing the weapon.

Cocking the weapon allows the safety lever to function as intended. If the weapon is not cocked, attempting to engage the safety might not have the desired effect, as the safety is directly linked to the cocking mechanism's position. Therefore, ensuring the M14 is cocked is the first step before applying the safety, as it sets up the necessary conditions for the safety’s proper operation.