Which of these is a key safety precaution for firing mortars?

Ensuring that all personnel are behind protective cover is a key safety precaution when firing mortars because mortars are indirect fire weapons that can produce significant blast effects and shrapnel upon detonation. Protective cover minimizes the risk of injury to personnel in the event of an accident or malfunction during the firing process. It is crucial to establish proper safety zones and ensure that non-essential personnel are distanced from the area where mortars are being fired to prevent injuries from potential misfires or ricochets.

Other safety precautions, while important, do not provide the immediate protection that ensuring personnel are behind cover does. For example, checking ammunition expiry dates is vital for operational integrity but does not directly protect personnel from physical harm during firing. Similarly, controlling the number of rounds fired can impact safety by minimizing exposure to risk, but adequate cover remains the priority in preventing injuries. Lastly, optimal weather conditions are beneficial for visibility and accuracy but are secondary to personnel safety regarding potential blast effects. In any live-fire exercise, the foremost consideration must always be the safety of personnel involved in the operation.