So, you want to be a Master Gunner?

FA Journal, May-August, 2002 by Arthur D. Hawkins

In 1995, the Master Gunner positions first were authorized at the Field Artillery Division Artillery, Brigade and Battalion levels. In early 1999, the Chief of Field Artillery tasked the Gunnery Department and the then Warfighting Integration Development Directorate (WIDD) of the Field Artillery School, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to develop a Master Gunner program. After a year of research and several analyses of task lists, the departments established a Field Artillery Master Gunner position at the FA School.

In general, the Master Gunner is the commander's and command sergeant major's (CSM's) weapons system expert on training, safety, ammunition resupply and maintenance operations. He is assigned to the S3 section to help train and certify crews, maintain the operational status of primary weapons systems and conduct certifications of unit commanders and leaders on weapons and digital fire direction systems. He also may train newly arrived soldiers on the unit's particular weapon system.

The soldier who wants to be a Master Gunner must meet the basic requirements and have the assignments to best prepare him for the position.

Battalion Master Gunner. The FA School recommends the Master Gunner, active duty or Army National Guard (ARNG), be a sergeant first class and have at least one year's experience as a firing or ammunition platoon sergeant (PSG).

It also is recommended he be a Battle Staff graduate. This gives him the knowledge to help provide logistical support for the close fight on today's battlefield. Combined with his experience as a PSG, the course enhances his abilities to provide the battalion commander and CSM the accurate, detailed information they need to ensure the unit is trained and ready. During field operations, the Master Gunner is an additional planner in the battalion tactical operations center (TOC).

The following assignments are recommended to ensure the soldier has the skills and technical proficiency required for the Battalion Master Gunner job.

Towed Artillery (M102/M119/M198). One should be extremely proficient with the aiming circle, gun laying and positioning system (GLPS), fire control alignment test (FCAT), calibrations, ammunition section operations and fire direction operations; understand basic gunnery; and be a U-6 FA Weapons Maintenance Course graduate.

Self-Propelled Howitzer (M109A5). One should be extremely proficient with the aiming circle, GLPS, FCAT, calibrations, ammunition section operations and fire direction operations and understand basic gunnery.

Paladin Artillery (M109A6). One should be extremely proficient with the aiming circle, GLPS, FCAT, calibrations, ammunition section operations and fire direction operations; understand basic gunnery; and be a Paladin Commander's Course graduate.

MLRS Artillery (M270/M270A1). One should be extremely proficient with the fire control system (FCS), calibrations, calculating masking data, ammunition section operations and fire direction operations.

Division Artillery/Brigade Master Gunner. It is recommended he have at least two years' experience as a Battalion Master Gunner.

If the Master Gunner will serve in a division artillery, his Master Gunner experience will have been in a howitzer battalion, heavy or light, as appropriate for the division artillery. This position is not authorized on the modified table of organization and equipment (MTOE); all divisions with master gunners are taking them "out of hide."

If the Master Gunner will serve in an FA brigade with primarily rocket/missile units, then his Master Gunner experience will have been in a rocket/missile battalion.

However, at the division artillery/brigade level, the Master Gunner is expected to be an expert on all the systems his unit has. To qualify for Division Artillery/Brigade Master Gunner, a former Battalion Master Gunner must become an expert on other weapons systems by self-study.

The Division Artillery/Brigade Master Gunner establishes and maintains standards and ensures the entire division artillery/brigade understands and adheres to standardization.

The Division Artillery/Brigade Master Gunner works for the commander and CSM and is responsible for the Battalion Master Gunner program, including certifying and validating the Battalion Master Gunners. The Division Artillery/Brigade Master Gunner works with his respective battalions as the total trainer and resident expert on all matters pertaining to the division artillery/brigade. He mentors the Battalion Master Gunners and maintains a top-notch gunnery certification program throughout the division artillery/brigade.

FA Master Gunner. It is recommended that all future FA Master Gunners be a master sergeant and have a minimum of one year as a Division Artillery/Brigade Master Gunner or first sergeant. His duties include helping to manage individual and crew training and certification programs for all delivery systems; maintain the maximum readiness and operational status of all delivery systems; troubleshoot problems on the primary weapon systems, ammunition vehicles and fire direction centers (FDCs); and maintain the most current information and training packages on all primary weapons systems and their supporting ammunition vehicles and FDC. In addition, the FA Master Gunner maintains a dialogue with all Master Gunners.