Something is not right here

This makes no sense to me. As a career-long 11C-MOS mortarmen and someone who has accomplished a lot in the world of Indirect-Fire tactics, employment and combat engagements I am somewhat stunned that a mortar crew could drop a round down the tube and “forget” or “not notice” they had dropped a round down the tube.

An Army investigator said the mortar crew loaded the first round into the tube, did not notice that it did not launch, went on break, then loaded the second round after the break.

I have personally done some blistering fast Fire For Effect engagements in my military career. Even to the point of double-fisting (Having a round in each hand and alternating from one to the other to get rounds downrange as fast as possible) fire missions. You can’t fire any faster than double-fisting and yes it is very dangerous, but the risk is mitigated when you know what you are doing and when you are paying attention. I have fired 4.2″ mortars without ear protection (not intentionally) and even though I was temporarily deaf I could still tell when a mortar round goes off and leaves the tube.

Oh and since when does a mortar crew go on “break” during a live-fire?

…then loaded the second round after the break.

It is called a check-fire or cease-fire. When the range is hot and they are shooting live munitions, everyone is focused on the very dangerous task of firing those munitions. The Section Sergeant, Platoon Leader, and Squad Leader of that crew at a minimum should have been aware if a round left the tube or not, and not allowed anyone to take a “break” before confirming if the round went downrange or was a mis-fire.

I just don’t get it. Something is not right. Without knowing all the facts of the incident, it is hard to judge but I can tell you that if you took the story as is then I am sure without a doubt a number of the chain of command had to have been relieved or disciplined. Having personally been involved with and consulted on a number of mortar live-fire accident investigations I can tell you this is something the Army takes very seriously and 99% of the time someone is found at fault and held accountable.

Read the entire story below

http://www.military.com/news/article/misfired-mortar-not-defective-jury-says.html