How often should a mortar crew conduct maintenance on their equipment?

• A. Monthly
• B. After each mission
• C. Regularly, ideally before and after each training session
• D. Only when it shows signs of wear

Answer: (C)

Regular preventive maintenance kept up consistently is the pattern that keeps a mortar crew’s gear dependable and safe. Doing maintenance before and after each training session means you catch small issues early—things like dirt buildup, lubrication needs, loose fasteners, or minor wear—before they become a failure during use. This approach also reinforces a routine, so checks become automatic and are never skipped when time is tight or fatigue sets in. By inspecting and servicing the equipment at the start and end of every session, you maintain proper zero, check for any damage from handling, and ensure all components—tube, base plate, bipod, sights, and loading gear—are clean, intact, and ready for the next use. It also minimizes downtime because problems are identified and addressed right away rather than after a mission or after signs of wear appear.

Waiting to perform maintenance monthly risks missing issues that develop during use, and performing maintenance only after a mission can leave the crew with unreliable gear when it’s most needed. Relying on maintenance only when signs of wear appear is reactive and dangerous, since some faults aren’t obvious until they cause a failure.