131A Targeting Technician Program Maturing - Letters to the Editor

FA Journal, Nov-Dec, 2001

It was very edifying to read your May-June edition with the theme of "Targeting: Lethal and Nonlethal." An important trend that readers may overlook is the evolution of the Field Artillery warrant officer Targeting Technician, MOS [Military Occupational Specialty] 131 A. I noticed that several of the articles were authored or co-authored by FA Targeting Technicians. This should be acknowledged as a true sign of the maturation of the FA warrant officer program.

Starting in 1993, the Field Artillery embarked on a program integrating warrant officers into the targeting arena. Throughout implementation, there were many growing pains during the selection, education and positioning of warrant officers into targeting positions. I think the articles in the May-June edition point out the success of this program and truly recognize the efforts of the commanders, warrant officers and NCOs who have made this program work.

The May-June magazine illustrates the institutionalization of working tactics, techniques and procedures in the targeting process from the maneuver brigade through divisional operations. The high level of technical expertise and clear articulation of the technical applications of the targeting process highlight the successes of integrating a warrant officer into this important function. Additionally, the edition has an article "Q-47 Future Firefinder Radar" [by Chief Warrant Officer Three Robert A. Nelson, Jr.] that shows the FA Targeting Technician has maintained the technical edge and plays an essential role in the development and sustainment of our combat multipliers.

With this praise, I'm not suggesting the maturation of the 131A Targeting Technician program is complete; we have many more areas in the spectrum of operations to conquer. But I am confident that with the intuition, imagination and resourcefulness of our FSCOORDs [fire support coordinators], DFCOORDs [deputy FSCOORDs], FSOs [fire support officers] and warrant officers, the FA will meet the challenge.

As we focus on the evolution of the Army's targeting process, I hope the goal of the Field Artillery Targeting Technician program "hitting its target" is not lost.

CW3 Donald F. Cooper Career Manager (FA/ADA/EN) Warrant Officer Division, PERSCOM Alexandria, VA