What should all firing malfunctions be considered as?

Firing malfunctions should be considered a misfire because this term specifically refers to an event where the firing mechanism has not ignited the round after the trigger has been pulled. In the context of mortar operations and weapon systems, recognizing a misfire is crucial for safety and follow-up actions.

When a misfire occurs, it is essential for operators to adhere to established safety protocols, which include waiting for a designated period before attempting to clear the malfunction. This approach minimizes the risk of premature ignition, which could lead to dangerous situations.

While terms like failure and hangfire may also be relevant in the context of firearms, they refer to different circumstances: a failure indicates a broader category of issues that can prevent a weapon from functioning properly, and a hangfire suggests a delayed ignition after the trigger is pulled, requiring specific handling procedures. Nonetheless, all forms of firing malfunctions also inherently represent a safety concern as they can pose risks to the operator and those nearby. Recognizing a misfire is the first step in ensuring the safety and effective resolution of the situation.