Misfires and Injuries in Combat: When RPGs, Grenades, and Mortars Fail

In combat scenarios, it's often assumed that modern military weapons are highly reliable. However, even well-maintained and properly operated weapons can sometimes misfire, leading to devastating consequences for both users and nearby personnel. This article explores instances of misfires with RPGs, grenades, and mortars, highlighting their rarity, but also illustrating the potential dangers when they do occur.

Commonality of Misfires in Combat

As a seasoned misfire witness, I can assure that such events happen less frequently than one might imagine, especially with regular maintenance and adherence to safety protocols. However, a recent YouTube video brought to my attention provides a stark reminder of the possible risks, even if it wasn’t clear whether the missile detonated or not.

Misfires in Training

The dangers of misfires aren't limited to combat; they can also occur during training exercises. During my time in the French Army, there was a near-catastrophe with a 120mm mortar at a nearby regiment. The round exploded within the tube, resulting in one fatality and three wounded personnel. This incident prompted a joke from one of our NCOs, who reminded us to always bring a bucket of glue to fix the mortars.

Historical Instances of Accidents

One of the most notable incidents occurred in the 1980s at the US School of Infantry in West, where an M203 grenade launcher misfired, instantly killing the instructor and severing the left arm of the shooter. This tragedy halted all training involving grenade launchers until the defective ammunition could be identified and rectified.

General Causes of Misfires

While rare, misfires can be attributed to various factors, including operator error. For example, during my time in the military, a 50-caliber round misfired due to the armorer not waiting the required five minutes before ejecting the round. This led to a hang fire, where the brass burst and caused a wound. Fortunately, the individual only needed a few stitches and returned to duty quickly.

Consequences of Misfires

The effects of a misfire can be devastating, as illustrated by a tragic incident where a mortar misfired during training, resulting in the deaths of the crew and two photographers. The photographs captured by the photographers were their final moments. A warning is provided regarding potentially graphic images, but the visual documentation serves to emphasize the gravity of these events.

US Army Photographer's Final Image

The United States Army released the final image taken by a photographer during an Afghan unit mortar training exercise in Afghanistan. This poignant image provides a glimpse into the last moments of the photographers involved in the tragic incident. The images were shared with the family's permission, highlighting the importance of transparency in such cases.

These examples demonstrate the critical need for thorough maintenance, careful handling, and strict adherence to safety protocols when using combat weapons. While misfires are rare, the potential for injury is very real, underscoring the importance of constant vigilance and preparedness in any military operation.