How can combat stress affect mortar operations?

Combat stress can significantly impact the performance of a mortar crew, particularly through its effects on judgment and reaction times. When soldiers experience high levels of stress, it can lead to cognitive overload, which impairs their ability to make sound decisions swiftly. In mortar operations, where precision and timely responses are crucial, any delay or lapse in judgment can have serious consequences. The stress may cause individuals to become disoriented or overwhelmed, resulting in mistakes such as miscalculating fire parameters or responding inadequately during high-pressure situations. Therefore, understanding this connection between combat stress and operational effectiveness is vital for maintaining a high level of performance in the field.