Which cycle is NOT part of the functioning of the M16/A2 rifle?

The process of functioning for the M16/A2 rifle involves several key cycles that occur during its operation. These cycles include cocking, ejecting, and firing, which are integral to the firing mechanism of the rifle.

Cocking refers to the action of reloading the hammer after each shot in preparation for the next firing sequence. Ejecting is the process of removing the spent cartridge from the chamber after a bullet is fired, ensuring that the next round can be loaded smoothly. Firing is the actual discharge of a round when the trigger is pulled.

Disassembling, while an important part of maintenance and cleaning, is not a function that occurs during the normal firing cycle of the rifle. Disassembly is a separate task conducted by the operator to clean or repair the weapon, rather than a cycle that is part of its operational functionality. Thus, this choice accurately represents an action that is not involved in the immediate functioning of the M16/A2 rifle during its use in the field.