What is a common practice for ensuring the safety of personnel during mortar firing?

Establishing clear safety zones is a critical practice to ensure the safety of personnel during mortar firing. Safety zones are designated areas that are established around the firing point to protect personnel from the risks associated with mortar rounds, including potential misfires, ricochets, or overshots. These zones are based on the specific characteristics of the munitions being used and the terrain, and they provide a buffer to minimize the risk of injury to soldiers, equipment, and civilians nearby.

By clearly marking these areas and restricting access during the firing operations, commanders can enhance situational awareness and control over personnel movements, ensuring that everyone is positioned safely before and during the firing process. This proactive measure is essential for conducting safe mortar operations, emphasizing the importance of established safety procedures in military training and operations.

In contrast, while other choices may have some bearing on enhancing safety or efficiency, they do not directly address the immediate personal safety issue presented during active mortar firing situations.