Why are mortar failures so much fun to watch?

Sgt William Biggs — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 10:54:30 -0400

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak_L2cpyGZA

I just wanted to post something I find myself enjoying often. I love watching mortar fails and I am not entirely sure why. I think I just enjoy watching the sheer joy of raining mortars turn into sheer terror. I obviously don't want anyone hurt, but I don't mind if they get a little scared! I often find myself wanting to run out of the room just watching a mortar misfire!

Top 10 Mortar Fails

From outright duds to explosions too close to comfort, Military.com features its hand-picked top 10 mortar fails in this video.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2015 10:58 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 10:58:32 -0400

The scream in #3 is priceless!

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 1 at 2015 11:00 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 11:00:37 -0400

It's nice to know we can laugh. Hey, we all make mistakes

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 4 at 2015 10:57 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 22:57:10 -0400

Being Navy. Not much experience with "Mortars" but my arch-nemesis is the SM-2 Surface to Air Missile. I have seen some Horrendous Failures.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Jan 23 at 2018 11:40 AM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 11:40:57 -0500

‘Hang fires’ are interesting to watch (from a distance... i’m an FO)

‘Bubble errors’ have sent me & my teams scurrying for cover... and the bigger the gun, the more intense the experience.

Snake-eye going slick is interesting as well

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jan 23 at 2018 7:11 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 19:11:58 -0500

I seem to recall several misfires on a 4.2in Mortar that were no fun at all

Response by SFC Tom Michael made Jan 23 at 2018 9:45 PM

SFC Tom Michael — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 21:45:30 -0500

I’ve seen some weird rounds come out. In 1992, I think the mortar rounds we were firing were from 1970. Some humidity problems I assume.

Response by PFC Eric Parrish made Nov 5 at 2019 7:53 PM

PFC Eric Parrish — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 19:53:04 -0500

It really isn't that funny in the pit trying to clear, hoping you don't get a cook off.