Field Artillery AIT: Inside the Firebase

The purpose of this page is to give you a glimpse into your Soldier’s AIT experience and help you integrate into the Army. We want to help you on your journey of becoming well-informed, resilient Army Families. This webpage only covers AIT. Below is some information of what to expect while your Soldier is in Advanced Individual Training; consider bookmarking this page so you can easily check back for new posts and live videos

13B Cannon Crewmember

Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion 78th Field Artillery

13B Quick Reference Guide

Charlie Battery, Contact Information
Staff Duty: 580-442-5322 / 6066

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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.

Duties performed by this MOS include:

  • Integral member of a crew that operates high technology cannon artillery weapon systems.
  • Loads and fires howitzers.
  • Sets fuse and charge on a variety of munitions, including high explosive artillery rounds, laser guided projectiles, scatterable mines, and rocket assisted projectiles.
  • Uses computer generated fire direction data to set elevation of cannon tube for loading and firing.
  • Employs rifles, machine guns, and grenade and rocket launchers in offensive and defensive operations.
  • Drives and operates heavy and light wheeled trucks and tracked vehicles.
  • Transports and manages artillery ammunition.
  • Participates in reconnaissance operations to include security operations and position preparation.
  • Coordinates movement into position.
  • Camouflages position area.
  • Communicates using voice and digital wire and radio equipment.

Other Battery/Class Specific Info 13B Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el7KJFkn_EM

Soldiers in AIT learn skills concerning their military occupational skill (MOS). An MOS defines a Soldier's primary skill in the Army.

During AIT, Soldiers continue the "soldierization" process, with an increasing emphasis on individual responsibilities. MOS instructors continue each Soldier's military education through training on, physical fitness, the Army Values, attention to detail, learning to cope with stress, and Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills.