Why do soldiers duck their heads when they are about to fire a mortar shell?

 Soldiers often duck their heads when firing a mortar shell for several reasons rooted in safety, tactical considerations, and the nature of the weapon itself. Firstly, the recoil from the mortar's launch can create a backblast zone behind the weapon. By ducking their heads, soldiers minimize the risk of injury from the blast effects, such as overpressure and debris, ensuring their safety during the firing process.

Secondly, the act of ducking provides a practical means of protection against any potential fragmentation or debris resulting from the explosion. Mortar shells are designed to burst into multiple fragments upon detonation, and while safety measures are in place, the instinct to lower their heads helps soldiers reduce their exposure to flying shrapnel.

Tactically, the lowered profile during firing helps soldiers maintain situational awareness by keeping their heads below the line of sight. This minimizes the chances of being detected by the enemy during the crucial moment of firing, enhancing the mortar team's overall survivability and effectiveness on the battlefield.

In summary, soldiers duck their heads when firing a mortar shell to protect themselves from the backblast, minimize exposure to fragmentation, and maintain a lower profile for tactical reasons, all contributing to a safer and more effective operation of the weapon system.