MCWP 3-16.1 Artillery Operations.pdf - Marine Corps Community ...

6-4 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ MCWP 3-16.1
He advises the CO/XO on convoy formations and
procedures. Whenever possible, he develops strip
maps to orient drivers and key personnel before
movement. Additionally, he ensures vehicles are
operational and receive routine maintenance.
Ammunition Chief
The ammunition chief reports directly to the XO
for guidance. He is responsible for ensuring the
correct amount of ammunition is received and
delivered to howitzer sections as directed. He
works in concert with the XO to ensure adequate
ammunition is available and projects future requirements
based on the current operational tempo.
Local Security Chief
The local security chief is responsible for recommending
the local security efforts of the battery.
He trains and supervises personnel in the employment
of crew-served weapons. He accompanies
the CO on RSOP and leads security sweeps by
the advance party. When in position, he generates
the battery defensive diagram and ensures it
is reviewed by the XO and forwarded to the
battalion for integration with battalion defensive
plans. See MCWP 3-16.3 for more information.
Firing Battery Procedures with
the Battery Computer System
Communications Chief
The communications chief is the principal advisor
to the CO for all communications matters. He is
responsible for establishing and maintaining
battery wire diagrams and radio communications.
He provides a representative for the advance party
who is proficient in advising the CO on communications
sites. He also trains communications
personnel on establishing, protecting, repairing,
and recovering internal battery and section wire.
Howitzer Section Chief
The howitzer section chief is responsible for maintenance,
training, and safe operation of the howitzer
section. He is an expert in the safe operation and
employment of the howitzer including maintenance,
handling of ammunition, local security,
convoy operations, navigation, direct fire including
the M-2 and M240G machine guns, MK-19, and
emergency actions including the emergency
destruction of his howitzer and prime mover. See
MCWP 3-16.3 and the appropriate technical manual
(TM) for more information on the duties and
responsibilities of howitzer section chiefs.
SECTION II. FIRE DIRECTION
The FDC operates with the BCS as the primary
means for technical fire direction and maintains a
back-up capability. To the extent possible, the
gun display units (GDUs) will be used by all
howitzers to receive fire commands from the
FDC; voice commands will be used as back up.
In conjunction with the digital wire link established
between the BCS and the howitzer GDUs, a
separate voice wire link will be established between
the FDC, the howitzers, and the BOC. An additional
voice wire link will be established solely between
the FDC and BOC. Before transmitting digital or
voice firing data to the gun line, all firing data will
be verified before firing. The howitzer section
chiefs, BOC representative, and FDO will ensure
constant monitoring of the wire link. See figure 6-2.
Gunnery
All techniques listed in MCWP 3-16.4 will be
adhered to.