MCWP 3-16.3 FM 6-50 TTP for the Field Artillery Cannon Gunnery - page 11

 

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MCWP 3-16.3 FM 6-50 TTP for the Field Artillery Cannon Gunnery - page 11

 

 

FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

CHAPTER 12

COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT

12-1. RESPONSIBILITIES

Combat service support (CSS) consists of the logistics and

personnel service support required to sustain the cannon

battery. Detailed coordination and planning are required to

obtain supplies and services. The battery must  relinquish

CSS assets to the battalion trains to facilitate resupply

operations for the battery. Key personnel provide direction

and are responsible as follows:

a. 

The battery commander has overall responsibility for

CSS operations. When authorized, he is assisted in this

area by the battery executive officer.

b. 

The first sergeant of the firing unit coordinates and directs

the activities of the supply sergeant, who is the primary

executor of the logistics function. The first sergeant ensures

the timely evacuation and reporting of casualties; he also

requisitions replacements. He is responsible for assigning

enlisted personnel within the battery.

12-2. BATTALION TRAIN

a. 

The execution of CSS functions is removed from the

BC, as much as possible, and is centralized under the control

of the battalion. The CSS responsibility at battery or platoon

level is to report and request requirements and to ensure

that CSS is properly executed once it arrives in the unit

area.

b. 

The battalion commander task-organizes the CSS assets

and normally echelons his trains. The combat trains are

located 5 to 8 kilometers behind the battery or platoon firing

positions. The administration and logistics operation center

(ALOC) is the combat trains CP and is the focal point for

CSS for the battalion. The ALOC anticipates, requests,

coordinates, and supervises CSS execution.

c. 

The battalion field trains collocate with the forward

support battalion (FSB) in the brigade support area (BSA).

The field trains CP is referred to as the battalion support

operations center (BSOC). The BSOC coordinates directly

with the ALOC to ensure that the CSS requirements of the

batteries are met in a timely manner.

Note: 

CSS in battery-based units is accomplished

through the unit trains, which are collocated with the

forward area support team (FAST) in the BSA. The

light FA battalion logistics CP at the unit trains is the

ALOC. There are no combat trains.

12-3. LOGISTICS PACKAGES

Normally, support is provided by the automatic push of

supplies and equipment to the battery at specified times.

The logistics package (LOGPAC) includes most classes of

supply (less Class V), mail, and replacement personnel and

weapons systems as appropriate. The primary means of

receiving a LOGPAC is through a logistics release point

(LRP). An LRP is an identifiable location where the battery

supply representative or guide can link up with the support

package and move it forward to the battery or platoon location.

The LRP site is selected by the ALOC and is announced

to all elements. Usually, the LRP is located astride the

main supply route (MSR), near the combat trains.

12-4. BATTERY INTERFACE

WITH THE ALOC

a. 

The CSS necessary to the battery is normally located

within the battery area and consists of maintenance, supply,

and ammunition sections. All or part of these elements may

be organic to the battalion or consolidated under battalion

control. Support may be provided by contact teams attached

to the battery, or support may be pushed forward to the

battery on an as-required basis. The maintenance section

may be attached to the firing batteries during tactical

operations. In this situation, the battery is configured with

either two heavy platoons (maintenance assets split between

them), a heavy platoon and a light platoon (maintenance

contact team collocated with the heavy platoon), or with

two light platoons and a battery trains. The supply section

(supply sergeant) can remain with the battery and act as the

primary logistics executor for the battery or the supply section

can operate from the field trains (unit trains) to coordinate

resupply requirements and execute LOGPACs. The food

service and ammunition sections are normally consolidated

in the field trains. They provide the needed support for the

battery, pushing food and ammunition forward to the unit

as necessary.

12-1

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

Note: 

Maintenance, supply, and ammunition assets

may be organic to the FA battery or may be

consolidated at battalion by design or task

organization. At battery level, supply is a function

rather than a section.

b. 

Supplies, logistics services, replacement weapons

systems, mail, pay, personnel actions, and all other services

will come from the field trains through coordination with

the BSOC. The battery first sergeant, through the battery

motor sergeant and supply sergeant, coordinates with the

appropriate staff officer in the ALOC to obtain required

supplies or services. Some supplies and services come to

the battery as part of the LOGPAC. These are mail; pay;

bulk petroleum, oil and lubricants (POL); and rations.

Ammunition is not a part of the LOGPAC. Ammunition

resupply is a continuous process to ensure the battery mission

can be fulfilled.
c. 

The unit basic load (UBL) is a specified amount of Class

I, II, III, IV, V, VIII and preprinted forms with which the

unit will deploy on organic transportation. In some cases,

the UBL is a set number or amount. In other cases, it is

based upon the number of miles to be traveled or personnel

authorized within the battery. Local commands provide the

data necessary to compute the basic load for the battery.

12-5. CLASSES OF SUPPLY

a. Class I (Rations). 

Normally, the UBL specifies that

combat rations (meals, ready to eat [MREs]) for 3 to 5 days

will be maintained by the battery. Replenishment of the

consumed UBL is coordinated through the battalion S-4 and

delivered when the tactical situation permits. A- or B- rations

are prepared in the field trains and delivered to the LRP

and on to the platoon position areas for consumption as part

of the LOGPAC. Under the field feeding system, T- rations

can either be prepared at the field trains or pushed forward

to the platoons and prepared on site.

b. Class II and IV (Expendable Supplies, NBC Suits,

Sandbags, Concertina Wire, and So Forth). 

The

consumption varies greatly between Class II items and Class

IV items. It depends upon the intensity of the battle and

the requirements of the battery to displace quickly. If the

battery is operating in an NBC environment, the use of NBC

protective equipment must be closely monitored to allow

the supply system to replace items as required. Special

coordination must take place when the battery goes through

a decontamination site. Normally, the chemical company

operating the site does not have the required replacement

overgarments.

Requests for Class II and IV items are

submitted in any form to the ALOC. These items are received

as part of the LOGPAC.
c. Class III (POL). 

Petroleum, oils and lubricants are

received as part of the LOGPAC. Battery vehicles must

not be allowed to run low on fuel and must be topped off

when fuel reaches the 50 percent level. Along with the

top-off of battery vehicles, all fuel containers must be filled.

d. Class V (Ammunition). 

Normally, ammunition is

constantly pushed to the battery by the consolidated assets

of the battalion ammunition section and the organic

ammunition resupply vehicles in each battery. A LOGPAC

could occur simultaneously with a normal Class V push to

the tiring batteries, and they could use them to

resupply/cross-level small arms. The three methods of Class

V resupply are discussed below.

(1) Push to a flat rack transfer point (FRTP) (double

loop method). The battalion ammunition section vehicles

pick up the ammunition from the ammunition transfer point

(ATP) in the BSA. They take it to a battalion level flat

rack transfer point. The ALOC/combat trains is a good

initial choice for the location of the FRTP. At the FRTP,

the ammunition section chiefs, with guidance from the BAO

and the battalion ammo sergeant, configure flat racks as

outlined by the S3. They then drop the flat racks and wait

for the empty flat racks from the battery it is habitually

associated with. The firing battery returns an empty flat

rack or a flat rack with residue. He drops the flat rack

and picks up his designated flat rack in a combat-configured

load (CCL) configuration. This one-for-one exchange of

flat racks must occur to maintain the flow of ammunition

resupply. In addition, this helps the ammunition section

chiefs maintain control of their assets, and this assists the

BAO and battalion ammo sergeant with resupply operations.

The firing battery driver returns to the battery location with

the loaded flat rack. The ammunition section chief returns

to the ATP with the empty vehicle to receive more

ammunition and discard the residue in peacetime. This

method minimizes problems of battery movement and saves

time because both drivers know the procedures and routes.

If coordination has been done between batteries, the BAO,

S4, ATP, and so on, this is the fastest method of ammunition

resupply. See Figure 12-1.

(2) Push to battery (single loop method). In this method,

the ammunition is drawn from the ATP and the same operator

delivers the ammunition to the battery position. Success

depends on the ability of drivers to find both the battery

and the ATP. Use of this method depends upon the driver’s

familiarity with the area and the urgency of need for the

ammunition by the battery. See Figure 12-2.

12-2

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

(3) Rearm, refuel, resupply point (R3P). This technique

usually emphasizes Class III and V resupply requirements,

typically along the route of an extended battalion road march.

The battalion XO designates a key combat service support

leader to execute the R3P. The site will provide Class III

and V resupply facilities in a service station layout along

the route of march to the subsequent firing position.

e. Class VII (Major End Items). 

These items will be

issued as individual item of equipment or using weapon

system replacement operations (WSRO) items. A WSRO

item is to be issued complete with fire control and

communications equipment. The crew should have had the

opportunity to test the fire system and ensure it is operational.

Once the crew has in-processed at the BSOC, the

WSRO-prescribed item will come forward to the battery as

part of the next LOGPAC.

f. Class VIII (Medical Supplies). 

Medical personnel

request supplies from the next higher medical activity. When

received, these supplies will come forward as part of the

battery LOGPAC. The battery medic(s) consolidate their

resupply requirements and those of the combat life savers

and forward these to the battalion aid station.
g. Class IX (Repair Parts). 

The prescribed load list (PLL)

identifies the quantity of combat-essential repair parts

authorized to be on hand or on order at all times. The unit

PLL clerk will request repair parts from the ALOC. When

the part is procured, it comes forward as part of the LOGPAC.

Parts necessary to repair nonmission-capable equipment

should be sent forward under the control of the battalion

motor officer (BMO), battalion maintenance technician

(BMT), or senior mechanic.

12-6. MAINTENANCE, 

RECOVERY,

AND REPAIR

a. 

Success on the battlefield is directly related to the ability

of the unit to keep equipment and material in effective

operating condition. When breakdowns do occur, equipment

must be repaired as far forward as possible and by the lowest

echelon possible. Battle damage assessment and repair

(BDAR) is an expeditious method of getting battle damaged

equipment (major end items) operationally capable. It may

involve bypassing standard repair procedures, cannibalizing,

or repairing components using field expedient methods to

get the equipment up as quickly as possible. BDAR

procedures shall be used only in combat, at the direction of

the commander. Equipment repaired by BDAR means shall

be repaired by standard maintenance procedures as soon as

practical after the mission is completed. Operators should

be familiar with BDAR technical manuals for their specific

equipment. They provide repair procedures and guidelines

for battlefield repairs. When equipment must be moved, it

is moved only as far as necessary for repair. The battery

must recover extensively damaged equipment to the nearest

maintenance collection point or request assistance from

battalion.

Further evacuation beyond the maintenance

collection point is the responsibility of the DS maintenance

unit operating the point.

b. 

Each FA cannon battalion is authorized an FA

maintenance support team from the nondivisional

intermediate (DS) maintenance company. Equipment with

faults not authorized for unit repair is repaired or replaced

by the FA maintenance support team. This team is organized

with limited capability, but it can help the battalion keep

equipment available. Consideration should be given to

placing this team in the combat trains for ease of coordination.

12-3

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

The FA maintenance support team gets DS-level repair parts

from its parent unit.
c. 

Battery maintenance responsibilities are as follows:

(1) Commanders are responsible to ensure that each

item of equipment has an assigned operator. The operator

is responsible for operator-level maintenance using the

appropriate -10 technical manual.

(2) The first-line supervisor supervises the individual

operator and crew in maintenance activities.

(3) The maintenance section performs battery-level

maintenance with the assistance of the crew. This includes

minor repairs and limited battlefield recovery.

The

maintenance section also assists in evacuation.

(4) The motor sergeant supervises the maintenance

section. He ensures the necessary repair parts are requested

and that required test equipment and tools are available.

(5) Normally, the motor officer is the platoon leader

(platoon-based unit) or XO (battery-based unit). He

supervises maintenance within the unit and establishes

priorities for repair.
d. 

The complete unit maintenance team consists of the

operator and/or crew, and battery maintenance personnel.

(1) The operator and/or crew must perform PMCS as

directed by the -10 technical manual. PMCS includes

inspecting, servicing, tightening, and lubricating the piece

of equipment as well as caring and accounting for the basic

issue items (BIIs). Equipment faults that cannot or should

not be repaired by the operator or crew are recorded on DA

Form 2404 (Equipment Inspection and Maintenance

Worksheet) or DA Form 5988E. This form is submitted

through the first-line supervisor to the battery motor sergeant.

(2) The battery maintenance section, with operator

and/or crew assistance, performs services listed in the -20

technical manual. These include scheduled periodic services,

authorized repairs, road testing, assistance in battlefield

recovery, and limited assembly replacement.
e. 

Recovery capabilities of the battery are limited.

Therefore, vehicles should be repaired on site if possible.

If evacuation or repair by a higher level maintenance

organization is required, a request should be submitted to

the battalion motor officer or maintenance technician. FM

20-22 gives detailed information and guidance for all recovery

operations.

12-7. REFUEL, REARM,

AND RESUPPLY POINT

When the tactical situation permits, a battalion R3P site

(Figure 12-3) may be established to provide critical CSS to

the battery. This technique involves the movement of critical

battalion CSS elements (trains) to a location where the firing

elements can pass through and take on needed ammunition

and POL. Then the combat trains elements march-order

and proceed from the site to a new location. Daylight

operations, unless conducted expeditiously, are vulnerable

and dangerous. Personnel may not be available in a fluid,

fast-moving situation to provide the necessary security.

Night operation of the R3P is the optimum tactical solution.
a. Selection. 

The site should-

Be on or near the route of march for the firing elements.
Provide good trafficability.
Allow cover and concealment.

b. Organization. 

In organizing the site, the following

should be considered.

Dispersion.
Camouflage.
Operations security (OPSEC).

c. Activities. 

Some of the activities that can take place

at the R3P are as follows:

Key personnel (firing battery) briefing.
Tailoring to meet the needs of the unit.
POL, ammunition, maintenance, and rations (priorities)

resupply.
Local security (augmented by firing battery).
Ammunition transfer point activities.

12-4

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

12-5

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

APPENDIX A

STANDARDIZED PROCEDURES

The procedures listed in Table A-1 have been standardized

under the Department of the Army standardization program.

A-1

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

APPENDIX B

SAMPLE GUNNER’S QUALIFICATION TEST

B-1. USE OF TEST

a. 

This appendix presents the test that evaluates the 13B

(0811) soldier (Marine) in the performance of the principal

duties of the gunner. This test applies to all weapon systems

and has the following purposes:

(1) The tasks in this test should be used as a training

tool. The soldier should practice each task under close

supervision to acquire the degree of proficiency required by

the standards stated in this test.

(2) This test can bolster the esprit and motivation of

the soldier through recognition of individual proficiency.

The Artillery clasp for the marksmanship badge will be

awarded upon completion of this test (see AR 672-5-1).
b. 

This test will be given at least semiannually.

B-2. STANDARDS OF PRECISION

The 

soldier will be required to perform the tasks in accordance

with the following standards:

a. 

Settings must be exact.

b. 

Bubbles in leveling vials must be centered exactly.

c. 

The cross hair of the reticle pattern on the panoramic

telescope must be aligned exactly on the left edge of the

aiming post, on the 0 line of the collimator (or offset correctly

to counter the effects of displacement), center mass of the

compass or reflector of the aiming circle, or on the top left

edge of the distant aiming point.

d. 

The final motion of the elevating handwheel must always

be in the direction that raises the cannon tube.
e. 

Azimuth knobs must be rotated so as to approach the

aiming point from left to right.
f. 

The appropriate deflection correction must be set on the

gunner’s aid.
g. 

Correct terms must be used.

h. 

Correct hand and arm signals must be used.

i. 

If any questions arise, refer to the appropriate technical

manual and then to FM 6-50.

B-3. ASSISTANCE

The 

soldier will not receive assistance on the individual tasks

but will be provided an assistant on those tasks which require

one. If the soldier fails any task because of the fault of the

assistant, that task will be retested.

B-4. TASK SCORING

Scoring will be in accordance with the standards for each

task. A NO-GO will be given if any of the standards of

precision (B-2) or the standards of a specific task are not

met, and 0 points will be awarded. If the soldier receives

all GO ratings for the standards, the score for the task will

depend on the speed of execution.

B-5. QUALIFICATION SCORES

Scores determining the qualification status of the gunner

are shown on Table B-1.

B-1

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

B-6. EQUIPMENT, PERSONNEL,

AND SITE REQUIREMENTS

a. 

Successful administration of the test is enhanced by

efficient organization of the test site. The test site will consist

of the following:

(1) An in-briefing station.
(2) A chief examiner.
(3) An examiner for each station and an assistant if

required.

(4) Six howitzers in the firing position with BII.
(5) An aiming circle with communications.

(6) Two direct fire targets, 600 meters in front of the

test site and 50 meters apart.

(7) At least one distant aiming point.

b. 

Soldiers will use the round-robin method to move from

station to station. The examiner will be the same for each

station. Each examiner will have a clip board and stop

watch.
c. 

The chief examiner will brief each soldier on the test

site and what tasks are on each howitzer. He will explain

the scoring system and answer any questions.
d. 

A test outline is shown in Table B-2. A sample grading

sheet is shown in Table B-3.

6-2

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

B-3

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

B-4

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

B-7. TASKS

Scoring-

TASK 1

a. 

Standards of precision

Laying a howitzer for initial direction of fire using the aiming

were met. (If applicable.)

(B-2)

circle.

061-266-2004

b. 

Correct steps were followed to

complete the task.

Conditions– 

Soldier is given a howitzer in the firing position

with the cannon tube 50 roils off the azimuth of fire and

c. 

If steps a and b were not

at loading elevation (unit SOP). Bubbles will be level, and

followed, soldier recieves a NO-GO

special corrections are 0 An assistant examiner will operate

and 0 points. If soldier received a

the aiming circle, which will be located 50 meters to the

GO on steps a and b, use the chart

left front of the howitzer. Soldier positions himself as gunner

below to determine score.

and announces when ready.

The assistant examiner

commands NUMBER 1 ADJUST, AIMING POINT THIS

INSTRUMENT, DEFLECTION (XXXX).
Time– 

Time will start on the last digit of deflection of the

initial command. Time will stop when the assistant examiner

states that number 1 is laid.

B-5

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

TASK 2
Lay a howitzer for initial direction of fire using the M2

compass. 061-266-2003
Conditions- 

The soldier is given a howitzer in the firing

position. The cannon tube is 50 roils off the azimuth of

fire and at loading elevation (unit SOP). Bubbles will be

level and special corrections at 0. An assistant examiner

will be at the M2 compass located 10 meters to the left

front of the howitzer. The soldier positions himself as the

gunner and announces when ready. The assistant examiner

commands NUMBER 1 ADJUST, AIMING POINT THIS

INSTRUMENT, DEFLECTION (XXXX).
Time- 

Time will start on the last digit of the deflection of

the initial command. Time will stop when the assistant

examiner announces that number 1 is laid.

Scoring-
a. 

Standards of precision (B-2)

were met. (If applicable.)

b. 

Correct steps were followed to

complete the task.
c. 

If steps a and b were not

followed, soldier recieves a NO-GO

and 0 points. If soldier received a

GO on steps a and b, use the chart

below to determine score.

B-6

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

TASK 3
Lay a howitzer for initial direction of fire using a distant

aiming point. 061-266-2003
Conditions- 

Soldier is given a howitzer in firing position

with the cannon tube 50 roils off the azimuth of fire and

at loading elevation (unit SOP). Bubbles will be level and

special corrections at 0 The soldier positions himself as

gunner and announces when ready. The examiner commands

NUMBER 1 ADJUST, AIMING POINT (NAME OF

OBJECT AND LOCATION), DEFLECTION (XXXX).
Time- 

Time will start on the last digit of the deflection of

the initial command. Time will stop when the examiner

states that number 1 is laid.

Scoring-
a. 

Standards of precision (B-2)

were met. (If applicable.)

b. 

Correct steps were followed to

complete the task.
c. 

If steps a and b were not

followed, soldier recieves a NO-GO

and 0 points. If soldier received a

GO on steps a and b, use the chart

below to determine score.

B-7

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

TASK 4

Scoring-

Laying another howitzer reciprocally. 061-266-2002

a. 

Standards of precision (B-2)

Conditions— 

The soldier is given a howitzer in the firing

were met. (If applicable.)

position and already laid for initial direction of tire. Bubbles

b. 

Correct steps were followed to

will be level and special corrections at 0. The pantel will

complete the task.

be 50 mils off the howitzer to be laid. An assistant examiner

will act as the gunner of the howitzer to be laid. The soldier

c. 

If steps a and b were not

positions himself as gunner and states when ready. The

followed, soldier recieves a NO-GO

examiner will say BEGIN.

and 0 points. If soldier received a

GO on steps a and b, use the chart

Time– 

Time will start when the examiner says BEGIN. The

below to determine score.

time will stop when the gunner says NUMBER 2 IS LAID.

B-8

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

TASK 5
Refer the piece. 061-266-2231
Conditions- 

The soldier is given a howitzer in the firing

position that has already been laid for initial direction of

fire. Bubbles will be level and special corrections at 0

The pantel will be oriented on the collimator. An assistant

examiner will be operating the aiming circle 50 meters to

the howitzer’s left front. The soldier positions himself as

the gunner and announces when ready, The assistant

examiner commands NUMBER 1 REFER, AIMING

POINT THIS INSTRUMENT.
Time- 

Time will start on the word refer. Time will stop

when the last digit of deflection is announced.

Scoring-
a. 

Standards of precision (B-2)

were met. (If applicable.)

b. 

Correct steps were followed to

complete the task.
c. 

If steps a and b were not

followed, soldier recieves a NO-GO

and 0 points. If soldier received a

B-9

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

TASK 6
Aligning the collimator. 061-266-2000, 061-266-2001
Conditions- 

The soldier is given a howitzer in the firing

position that has already been laid on the initial direction

of tire. Bubbles will be level and special corrections on 0

An assistant examiner will be posted at the collimator, 4-15

meters off the howitzer’s left front. The collimator will be

on the tripod but will not be sighted in on the pantel and

will not have it’s legs sandbagged. The soldier positions

himself as gunner and announces when ready. The examiner

will say BEGIN.

Scoring-
a. 

Standards of precision (B-2)

were met. (If applicable.)

b. 

Correct steps were followed to

complete the task.
c. 

If steps a and b were not

followed, soldier recieves a NO-GO

and 0 points. If soldier received a

GO on steps a and b, use the chart

below to determine score.

Time- 

Time will start when the examiner says BEGIN. Time

will stop when the gunner states that the collimator is set.

B-10

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