What is meant by a weapon stoppage?

A weapon stoppage refers to any interruption in the operational cycles of a weapon, meaning that the weapon has ceased functioning as intended, whether due to mechanical failure, ammunition issues, or external factors. This definition encompasses a broad range of scenarios where the weapon does not fire or operate correctly, disrupting its intended use. Understanding stoppages is crucial for operators as it helps them identify problems quickly, troubleshoot effectively, and take appropriate actions to resume operations.

In contrast, the other options present concepts that do not accurately capture the essence of a weapon stoppage. Continuous firing without malfunction denotes proper operation and ignores any potential interruptions. Operation failure due to poor maintenance is a specific cause of a stoppage but does not encompass all forms of stoppages, as they can occur for various reasons unrelated to maintenance. Stopping the weapon during a fight implies a tactical decision rather than an unintended malfunction, which is not the definition of a stoppage.