What cycle of function follows 'chambering' in the sequence?

The correct follow-up function that follows 'chambering' in the sequence is 'locking.' In the context of firearm operation, chambering refers to the process of loading a round into the chamber of the firearm. After a round is chambered, the next critical step is locking.

During the locking phase, the mechanism of the firearm secures the chambered round in place, ensuring that it is correctly aligned and ready for firing. This step is crucial because a properly locked mechanism helps maintain the integrity of the firearm during discharge, preventing any potential malfunctions that might arise if the round is not adequately secured.

After locking, the next steps would generally be firing, followed by unlocking and extracting the spent casing, but the sequence specifically after chambering leads correctly to locking. This understanding is vital for recognizing proper firearm operation protocols, particularly within a Ranger Regiment context where precision and reliability are paramount.