When loading a shell into a recently fired mortar, the loader should?

When loading a shell into a recently fired mortar, the loader should?

• A. The Loader should crouch alongside the mortar and his or her back should be kept to the shells being fired.
• B. The Loader should stand back from the mortar during loading.
• C. The Loader should face away from the mortar while loading.
• D. The Loader should rotate around the mortar while loading.

Answer: (A)

Loading a shell into a mortar after a round has just fired calls for protection from the backblast and a stable loading stance. The loader should crouch alongside the mortar with the body oriented so the back is toward the direction of the blast. This position shields the torso from any backblast and flying debris while keeping the loader close to the breech for a quick, controlled feed. Standing back from the mortar, turning away, or moving around the tube would expose the loader to the blast or hinder rapid and accurate loading, increasing the risk of injury.

Loading a shell into a mortar after a round has just fired calls for protection from the backblast and a stable loading stance. The loader should crouch alongside the mortar with the body oriented so the back is toward the direction of the blast. This position shields the torso from any backblast and flying debris while keeping the loader close to the breech for a quick, controlled feed. Standing back from the mortar, turning away, or moving around the tube would expose the loader to the blast or hinder rapid and accurate loading, increasing the risk of injury.