It was always wild to me that Carl G gunners had a limit of rounds they could fire within 24 hours, but Mortars had free reign to fire literally thousands of 120mm mortar rounds in the same time frame. In humor, we used to have Rangers outside of our Platoon “ride in” the baseplate with a charge four round, just to watch them be in that split second daze of someone who doesn’t know what to expect. To all those who have rode the lightning, you know what I am talking about.
At the time, we thought it was funny to watch new guys operate on the gun line and experiance the sucker punch the 120 delivered. Throwing up from the over pressure, although very rare, was worn like a badge of honor. We were invincible misfit 20-somethings who could take on the world. With maturity comes the realization that our training probably had a lasting impact on our Rangers. I can think of one member of my Platoon who, I suspect, has suffered severe issues related in part to blast over pressure. Maybe all of us have.
The blast over pressure on a 120mm mortar is quite intense, especially for the gunner and assistant gunner, who’s heads are inches from the cannon. Too many have suffered the effects of headaches, impulsivity, anxiety, and brain fog. It is an issue that we all knew was there, but never talked about. The recognition of the effects by the DoD is a huge step forward in recognizing and treating those who have been effected by blast over pressure. Much like “breachers brain”, it is a neurological issue related to combat training that has been very obvious to those doing the work. It is very, very long overdue to be officially recognized.
The DoD recently released requirements to help manage the risks to brain health from blast overpressure, something that’s generated by weapons systems like howitzers, mortars and shoulder-mounted weapons. Learn more about the memorandum’s key elements and requirements.
DOD Spells Out New Requirements to Counter Blast Overpressure Risks
defense.gov
retired
2moHello general It is our duty to call on world leaders to stop the war prevailing in this world because the continuation of the war and its fur ther spread could harm the entire world. "we are all for peace" Thank you general