A Cannon Crewmember is an important part of the Army's success on the battlefield. Artillery teams are used to support infantry and tank units in combat, but also have responsibilities during peacetime. Cannon Crewmembers work on cannons known as 'howitzers,' a heavy artillery machine piece with single-barrel firing capability.

Some of your duties as a Cannon Crewmember may include:

• Start and maintain wire and radio communications
• Identify target locations
• Operate self-propelled howitzers, ammunition trucks and other vehicles
• Participate in reconnaissance operations
• Use computer generated fire direction data to set elevation of cannon tube for loading and firing

Cannon Crewmembers constantly lift heavy objects and perform strenuous activity for long periods without rest. Being in top physical and mental shape is definitely a plus. Normal color vision is required. This helps by being able to distinguish between Red/Green in order to read color-coded ammunition, maps, and charts.

Job training for a Cannon Crewmember requires nine weeks of Basic Training and seven weeks of Advanced Individual Training and on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in a classroom and part in the field under simulated combat conditions. Some of the skills you will learn are:

• Methods of calculating targets electronically and manually
• Handling ammunition
• Operating gun systems
• Artillery tactics and battle strategy

Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in cannon operations
• Ability to take on challenges and remain calm under stress
• Top physical and mental shape
• Ability to work as a team member

Advanced Level Cannon Crewmembers provides guidance, supervises and trains other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level Cannon Crewmember, you may be involved in:

• Supervise and direct the construction, camouflage, and defense of the section position
• Train, instruct, and supervise section personnel in cannon gunnery procedures and firing
• Direct and supervise movement emplacement of the howitzer section
• Responsible for the verification of safe firing data
• Supervise the handling, storage, accountability, and distribution of ammunition
• Supervise the performance of operator, crew, and organizational maintenance on section vehicles

While there is no job equivalent to Cannon Crewmember in civilian life, the skills you learn such as teamwork, discipline and leadership, will help you in any civilian career you choose.

• Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data System Specialist (13D)
• Field Artillery Firefinder RADAR Operator (13R)
• Field Artillery Meteorological Crewmember (13W)
• Field Artillery Surveyor (13S)
• Fire Support Specialist (13F)
• Multiple Launch Rocket System Operations/Fire Direction Specialist (13P)
• Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS/HIMARS) Crewmember (13M)

Learn more about the relationship between military training and civilian certification requirements.