Military

(1) A platoon-based unit has a headquarters and two firing platoons of three or four howitzer sections each. This organization allows for platoon operations.

(2) A battery-based unit has a headquarters section and six howitzer sections.

(1) Heavy-Heavy. This option divides the support elements in half and assigns them to each platoon. These elements should be dispersed in positions to the rear of the platoon position area to enhance survivability. Yet, they should be near the POC to facilitate coordination within the platoon.

Section II

1-4. ORGANIZATION

a. An FA battalion with FA batteries organized into two firing platoons for platoon operations is considered a platoon-based organization.

b. Each cannon battery in a platoon-based FA battalion consists of a battery headquarters and two firing platoons (Figure 1-1). This configuration allows for conduct of platoon operations.

1-5. TACTICAL DUTIES OF KEY PERSONNEL

Paragraphs 1-6 through 1-12 present the suggested duties of key personnel in a cannon battery of a platoon-based battalion. The unit MTOE, the commander's preference, personnel strength, and individual capabilities may require the commander to modify or reassign duties based on METT-T and standing operating procedures (SOPs).

1-6. BATTERY COMMANDER

The battery commander is responsible for all aspects of the operations of his battery. He locates where he can best command the battery, considering the factors of METT-T and the level of unit training. His responsibilities may include the following:

a. Supervise and standardize the operations of the platoons.

b. Reconnoiter and select platoon position areas after receiving direction from the controlling headquarters (Chapter 2).

c. Determine the azimuth of fire if it is not given by higher headquarters.

d. Plan and direct unit marches and movements in accordance with tactical plans established by higher headquarters (Chapter 2).

e. Plan for survey control and, when necessary, conduct hasty survey (Chapter 5).

f. Ensure an effective defense posture is maintained in the platoon areas (Chapter 3).

g. Maintain communications and electronics security (Chapter 9).

h. Plan for ammunition resupply (Chapter 12).

i. Plan for logistic resupply of food service, supply, and maintenance items (Chapter 12).

j. Keep the battalion TOC and battery personnel informed.

k. Develop and execute the overall battery defense plan (Chapter 3).

l. Supervise safety during battery operations and conduct risk assessment.

m. Develop the battery standing operating procedure.

1-7. FIRST SERGEANT

The first sergeant (1SG) is the principal enlisted advisor to the battery commander. His responsibilities may include the following:

a. Supervise the platoon sergeants, gunnery sergeants, and section chiefs; and, whenever possible, maintain a presence on the gun line.

b. Assist and advise during reconnaissance and selection of platoon position areas.

c. Assist the commander in the development and execution of the overall battery defense plan (Chapter 3).

d. Coordinate administrative and logistical support (less ammunition), to include water and food service, mail, laundry, showers, maintenance, and evacuation of personnel and equipment (Chapter 12).

e. Monitor the health care, welfare, and sanitation of battery personnel.

f. Plan, coordinate, and execute the evacuation of casualties to the battalion aid station.

1-8. PLATOON LEADER

The platoon leader (PL) is responsible for everything his platoon does or fails to do. He positions himself where he can best lead the platoon, considering the factors of METT-T. He relies heavily on the platoon sergeant to supervise the firing element and on the gunnery sergeant to supervise the detailed platoon RSOP. His responsibilities may include the following:

a. Establish and maintain the firing capability of the platoon.

b. Supervise the displacement, movement, and occupation of the platoon.

c. Supervise the POC, and be prepared to perform the duties of the FDO to facilitate 24-hour operations.

d. Supervise the use of the M90 radar chronograph.

e. Supervise the overall maintenance of platoon equipment.

f. Ensure continuous security of the platoon (with emphasis during displacement and occupation of position).

g. Verify minimum (min) quadrant elevation (QE) for each howitzer.

h. Ensure the weapon location data are submitted and updated (on DA Form 5698-R [Weapon Location Data]) and DA Form 5969-R (Section Chief's Report) is submitted to the POC.

i. Supervise and conduct hasty survey operations for the platoon.

j. Supervise ammunition management within the platoon.

k. Supervise safety during platoon operations.

1. Ensure all reports (personnel, supply, maintenance) are submitted to the battery commander and battalion.

1-9. FIRE DIRECTION OFFICER

The FDO is responsible for the training and supervision of POC personnel. He also must be familiar with the duties of the platoon leader, as he will at times perform his duties also. His responsibilities may include the following:

a. Decide to attack a target, and issue a fire order.

b. Ensure accurate and timely determination of firing data.

c. Ensure that maintenance checks are performed on the section vehicle, radios, computer, and generators in strict compliance with technical manuals.

d. Ensure that the tactical situation map is current.

e. Ensure accurate FDC records of missions fired are maintained.

f. Ensure that data for prearranged fires are disseminated and understood.

g. Ensure data from the other platoon is recorded and available.

h. Supervise assumption of control of the fires of the other platoon when necessary.

i. Perform independent safety computations, and verify the data with the platoon leader.

j. Maintain muzzle velocity (MV) information for all howitzers.

1-10. PLATOON SERGEANT

The platoon sergeant (PSG) is the primary enlisted assistant to the platoon leader and must be prepared to assume all of the platoon leader's duties. His responsibilities may include the following:

a. Supervise the firing platoon, and maintain firing capability

b. Supervise occupation of the position.

c. Supervise the overall maintenance of the firing platoon.

d. Develop and execute the platoon defense plan (Chapter 3).

e. Provide the 1SG with the platoon defense plan for integration into the overall battery defense scheme.

f. Ensure that each chief of section knows the route to both alternate and supplementary positions.

g. Verify the completion of DA Form 2408-4 (Weapon Record Data).

h. Ensure ammunition is properly handled and protected.

i. Ensure safety aids are used and safety procedures are followed.

1-11. GUNNERY SERGEANT

The gunnery sergeant (GSG) supervises and executes platoon advance party operations (Chapter 2). He must be prepared to assume the duties of the platoon sergeant. His responsibilities may include the following:

a. Lay the platoon.

b. Perform hasty survey as required.

c. Initiate the development of the platoon defense plan.

d. Assist in the sustainment of 24-hour operations.

e. Ensure there is an initial fire direction capability with the advance party.

f. Compute executive officer's (XO's) min QE for the lowest preferred charge the unit expects to fire.

1-12. HOWITZER SECTION CHIEF

The section chief is responsible for the training and proficiency of his section, the operational readiness of his equipment, and the safe firing of the howitzer. Appendix B presents sample tests to help in training the gunners. The section chiefs responsibilities may include the following:

a. Ensure the weapon is properly emplaced, laid, and prepared for action. The memory aid TLABSPAP will be used as a guide for the accomplishment of the following tasks:

• T: Trails, spades, and/or firing platform properly emplaced.
• L: Lay weapon.
• A: Aiming point emplaced.
• B: Boresight verified or performed.
• S: Second circle. Verification of lay performed with a second aiming circle.
• P: Prefire checks on the weapon system performed.

• A: Ammunition prepared.
• P: Position improvement (site to crest determined, XO's report rendered, alternate aiming points established, azimuth markers emplaced, camouflage, and defensive hardening of position).

b. Ensure digital and voice communications with FDC are established and maintained.

c. Ensure ammunition is properly segregated, stored, handled, and prepared.

d. Ensure only safe data is fired by verifying firing data, correct sight picture, and bubbles centered.

e. Ensure DA Form 4513 (Record of Missions Fired) is current, legible, and accurate (Chapter 7).

f. Maintain DA Form 2408-4, and compute and record equivalent full charge (EFC) data.

g. Ensure DA Form 5969-R is completed for each position occupied.

h. Ensure data on DA Form 5212-R (Gunner's Reference Card) are correct and current.

i. Ensure range cards for the howitzer and crew-served weapons are properly prepared, and actively manage the assigned sector of the platoon defense plan.

j. Ensure preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS) are performed in accordance with the appropriate technical manual.

Section III

1-13. ORGANIZATION

a. A cannon battery in a battalion consisting of a headquarters battery, a service battery, and firing batteries (without TOE-designated platoons) is considered a battery-based battery.

b. Each cannon battery in a battery-based FA battalion consists of a battery headquarters and a firing battery (Figure 1-2).

1-14. TACTICAL DUTIES OF KEY PERSONNEL

Paragraphs 1-15 through 1-22 present recommended duties of key personnel in a cannon battery of a battery-based battalion. The unit MTOE, personnel fills, and individual capabilities may require the commander to modify or reassign duties to fit his circumstances and SOPs.

1-15. BATTERY COMMANDER

The battery commander is responsible for all aspects of the operations of his battery. He must plan and train for continuous operations in an intense combat environment. He locates where he can best command the battery, considering the factors of METT-T and the level of unit training, His responsibilities may include the following:

a. Supervise and standardize the operations of the battery.

b. Reconnoiter and select battery positions (Chapter 2).

c. Supervise the FDC when necessary.

d. Plan specific actions to enhance the survivability of the battery (Chapter 3).

e. Plan for survey control; and, when necessary, perform hasty survey (Chapter 5).

f. Plan unit marches and movements (Chapter 2).

g. Plan the basic load mix and the resupply actions for the battery.

h. Plan logistics for the battery supply, mess, and maintenance (Chapter 12).

i. Establish and maintain communications and electronics security (Chapter 9).

j. Keep the battalion TOC and battery personnel informed.

k. Develop and execute the overall battery defense plan (Chapter 3).

l. Supervise safety during battery operations and conduct risk assessment.

m. Develop the battery standing operating procedure.

1-16. FIRST SERGEANT

The 1SG is the principal enlisted advisor to the battery commander. His responsibilities may include the following:

a. Supervise the chief of firing battery and gunnery sergeant; and, whenever possible, maintain a presence on the gun line.

b. Assist and advise the BC during reconnaissance and selection of the battery position.

c. Assist the battery commander in the development and execution of the overall battery defense Plan (Chapter 3).

d. Coordinate administrative and logistical support (less ammunition), to include water and food service, mail, laundry, showers, maintenance, and evacuation of personnel and equipment (Chapter 12).

e. Supervise the health care, welfare, and sanitation of battery personnel.

f. Plan, coordinate, and execute the evacuation of casualties to the battalion aid station.

1-17. EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Usually, the XO commands the firing battery portion of the battery. As the position commander, he is responsible for everything the firing battery does or fails to do. During extended field operations, he spends part of his time supervising technical operations of the FDC. During this time, he relies heavily on the chief of firing battery to supervise the battery. Also, he relies on the GSG to lead the advance party. The XO's responsibilities may include the following:

a. Establish and maintain the firing capability of the battery.

b. Supervise the displacement, movement and occupation of the battery.

c. Supervise the use of the radar chronograph and overall MV management program of the battery.

d. Supervise the maintenance of the battery equipment.

e. Ensure continuous security of the battery (with emphasis during displacement and occupation of position).

f. Verify minimum QE for each howitzer.

g. Ensure that the weapon location data report is submitted and updated and that the section chiefs reports are submitted to the FDC.

h. Supervise and conduct hasty survey operations for the battery.

i. Supervise the ammunition management for the battery.

j. Supervise safety during battery operations.

1-18. ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE OFFICER (USMC only)

The assistant executive officer (AXO) assists the XO and FDO. He leads the BOC and assists the battery commander during displacement. His responsibilities include the following:

a. Lay the battery.

b. Perform hasty survey as required.

c. Assume the duties of XO or FDO, when required.

d. Assist in the establishment and maintenance of battery firing capability during advance party operations.

e. Coordinate resupply and distribution of ammunition with the FDO.

f. Perform liaison with battalion and other outside agencies, as required.

g. Ensure there is initial fire direction capability with the advance party.

h. Compute the XO's min QE for the lowest preferred charge the unit expects to fire.

1-19. FIRE DIRECTION OFFICER

The fire direction officer is responsible for the training and supervision of the FDC personnel. He also must be familiar with the duties of the XO; since he will, at times, perform all those duties. His responsibilities may include the following:

a. Decide to attack a target, and issue a fire order.

b. Ensure accurate and timely determination of firing data.

c. Ensure that maintenance checks are performed on the section vehicle, radios, computer, and generators in strict compliance with the technical manuals.

d. Ensure that the tactical situation map is current.

e. Ensure accurate FDC records of missions fired are maintained.

f. Ensure that data for prearranged fires is disseminated and understood.

g. Ensure data from the other batteries are recorded and available.

h. Supervise assumption of control of the fires of other units when necessary.

i. Perform independent safety computations, and verify the data with the executive officer.

j. Maintain muzzle velocity information for all howitzers.

1-20. CHIEF OF FIRING BATTERY

The chief of firing battery (CFB) is the primary enlisted advisor to the XO and must be prepared to assume all of the XO's duties. The equivalent USMC billet description is the battery gunnery sergeant (Btry GySgt). His responsibilities may include the following:

a. Supervise and maintain the firing capability of the battery.

b. Supervise the occupation of the position.

c. Supervise the overall maintenance of the firing battery.

d. Continue to develop and implement the battery defense plan.

e. Give the 1SG information on the defense plan.

f. Ensure that each chief of section knows the route to both alternate and supplementary positions.

g. Verify the completion of the DA Form 2408-4.

h. Ensure ammunition is properly handled and protected.

i. Ensure safety aids and procedures are maintained.

j. In a USMC battery, the battery gunnery sergeant will complete the NAVMC 10558A (gun book) and compute and record EFC data.

1-21. GUNNERY SERGEANT

The gunnery sergeant supervises and executes the battery advance party operations (Chapter 2). The equivalent USMC billet description is the local security chief. He must be prepared to assume the duties of the chief of firing battery or battery gunnery sergeant. Additional responsibilities may include the following:

a. Lay the battery.

b. Perform hasty survey as required.

c. Initiate the development of the battery defense plan when necessary.

d. Assist in the sustainment of 24 hour-operations.

e. Ensure there is an initial fire direction capability with the advance party.

f. Compute the XO's min QE for the lowest preferred charge the unit expects to fire.

g. In a USMC battery, the local security chief plans and executes overall battery defense. The AXO lays the battery, performs hasty survey as required, ensures an initial fire direction capability with the advance party, and computes the XO min QE for the lowest preferred charge the unit expects to fire.

1-22. HOWITZER SECTION CHIEF

The section chief is responsible for the training and proficiency of his section, the operational readiness of his equipment, and the safe firing of his weapon. His responsibilities may include the following:

a. Ensure the weapon is properly emplaced, laid, and prepared for action. The memory aid TLABSPAP will be used as a guide for accomplishment of the following tasks:

• T: Trails, spades, and/or firing platform emplaced
• L: Lay the weapon.
• A: Aiming point emplaced.
• B: Boresight verified or performed.
• S: Second circle. Verification of lay performed with a second aiming circle.
• P: Prefire checks in accordance with operator's manual.
• A: Ammunition prepared.
• P: Position improvement (site to crest determined, XO's report rendered, alternate aiming points established, azimuth markers emplaced, camouflage, and defensive hardening of position).

b. Ensure digital and voice communications with FDC are established and maintained.

c. Ensure ammunition is properly segregated, stored, handled, and prepared.

d. Ensure only safe data is fired by verify firing data, correct sight picture, and bubbles centered.

e. Ensure DA Form 4513 is current, legible, and accurate (Chapter 7).

f. Maintain the DA Form 2408-4, and compute and record EFC data. In a USMC battery, the battery gunnery sergeant will complete the NAVMC 10558A, and compute and record EFC data.

g. Ensure DA Form 5969-R is completed for each position occupied.

h. Ensure data are correct and current on DA Form 5212-R.

i. Ensure range cards for the howitzer and crew-served weapons are properly prepared, and actively manage assigned sector of the defense plan.

j. Ensure PMCS are performed in accordance with the appropriate technical manual.