Which of the following is NOT a malfunction associated with the M4A1?

The correct answer highlights a malfunction that is not typically associated with the M4A1 rifle. In context, "Failure to recharge" is not a recognized mechanism of malfunction for this weapon system.

The M4A1 operates using a direct impingement gas system that relies on the cycling of the bolt and bolt carrier to chamber and fire rounds efficiently. The term "recharge" implies a charging handle or gas operation issue that doesn't align with the standardized terminology used in weapon malfunction discussions.

In contrast, the other options—failure to feed, failure to extract, and failure to fire—are all known malfunctions that can occur with the M4A1. A failure to feed happens when the rifle does not correctly load a round from the magazine into the chamber, a failure to extract occurs when the spent cartridge is not removed from the chamber, and a failure to fire refers to the inability to ignite a round when the trigger is pulled. Understanding these operational terms is critical for diagnosing issues related to weapon performance in a real-world scenario.