The Cannon Crewmember (MOS 13B) is responsible for operating the crew-served cannon on an M777A2 Howitzer. The mission of the Army Cannon Crewmember is to operate, service, maintain, and perform weapon system functions to include loading cannon through a variety of means by using hand tools. The personnel is often referred to as gun crews. They are responsible for all facets of field artillery fire support, including firing cannons day-to-day operations, assembling and disassembling cannons for maintenance or emergency repairs, hoisting the weaponry into position via tractor or derrick tractors, or cranes by means of counterweights. This article will provide further information on MOS 13B.
Army Cannon Crewmember MOS 13B is a part of Army Career List of MOS.
Table of Contents
MOS 13B Requirements: Qualifications and Skills
In order to become MOS 13B, there are a few requirements you need to satisfy:
Qualification
Applicants should be GED graduates. ASVAB scores must be valid at the time of application to qualify for consideration. To be a MOS 13B, applicants will undergo rigorous training, including the U.S. Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT). Ninety-three scores on the Field Artillery segments are required, respectively.
Interest in cannon operations
Cannon crews are responsible for servicing and firing any cannon that the platoon is equipped with. This includes unloading the cannon, directing fire, loading, ramming charges into the muzzle, and then charging it back up by hand or remotely using a hand crank or foot pedal.
Physical and mental fitness
Physical fitness is important because you will likely be running around in muddy conditions during combat operations. Strong muscles are needed to carry heavy rounds over long distances over uneven surfaces. Mental stamina is also required because riflemen are called upon to take quick shots under intense combat conditions when tasked with destroying enemies in nearby buildings or clearing an alleyway of enemy soldiers before continuing their advance into a nearby building. Mental fitness is also important because you must maintain a keen eye and mind to spot targets and direct fire onto targets, as well as maintain a relaxed demeanor in the midst of battle.
Quick decisions making
Cannon crews need to be able to make quick decisions, such as stepping up on a ladder and firing the cannon quickly. A calm demeanor is also important because you will likely be called upon to take quick shots during intense combat situations, such as taking out enemy machine-gun positions that are firing at your platoon or calling in air support after an enemy tank is spotted approaching.
Team member experience
Teamwork is important for this job because the crew members need to work together during combat operations. Every man on the crew needs to know his job and work together in order to successfully complete the mission. The crew members need to be able to work together in order to perform their duties and meet their tactical objectives, such as destroying artillery positions.
Job Responsibilities
An Army cannon crewmember is a military occupation that entails operating an artillery piece, typically on land. The MOS 13B assignment is to operate the cannon. MOS 13B provides for more of a “supervisor’s role” of overseeing assigned machines or equipment that are used in firing missions. Operators are required to have experience with a MOS 9A203M machine gun using either 76-mm or 105-mm rounds. Along with this, they must have knowledge of the safety procedures of all types of weapons fire, being able to handle both high explosive rounds and smoke projectiles, as well as know-how the weapon system operates in general.
Communicate over wire and radio
Cannon crewmembers are required to communicate with other units over wire and radio. The Cannon Crewmember is responsible for communicating with the Battery Fire Direction Center to provide target locations, receive firing data, and transmit requests for fire support. The Cannon Crewmember can operate radio or wire communication systems and read map coordinates to assist in providing accurate target locations. Wire communication is accomplished via telephone lines, high frequency (H.F.) radios, low-frequency (L.F.) radios, or Very High Frequency (VHF) radios.
Due to the MOS’s distance from the action, they are typically in charge of communication with command posts, artillery support direction centers, forward observers, air support control parties, or any other pertinent coordinating agency. This communication may be short, or it could be ongoing for hours on end. The MOS must also maintain contact with their own battalion headquarters during combat operations even when not actively participating.
Identify target locations
It is the responsibility of the cannon crewmember to locate targets for his howitzer. MOS 13Bs are responsible for identifying potential targets in the battlespace during combat operations and conducting preliminary surveys of a target location to assess suitability before calling in an artillery strike. He must identify targets through observation and map reading. Once a target location has been determined, the cannon crewmember directs an appropriate fire mission to his commander by means of either map sketching or liaison personnel. Prior authorization from higher headquarters may be required for some fire missions.
The Cannon Crewmember uses a variety of equipment, including binoculars, laser range finders, and global positioning satellite systems, in order to identify targets that the Cannon Sergeant designates. If necessary, the crew can also use meteorological data from meteorological instruments such as anemometers or barometers to better identify targets.
Operate vehicles
The Cannon Crewmember is responsible for the proper operation of the self-propelled howitzers and other vehicles assigned to his or her unit. The crewmember must be proficient in the proper operation of the vehicle and ability to perform all maintenance tasks required for safe and reliable operations. He should ensure the productivity of the combat vehicle fleet. It is his job to monitor engine output, monitor transmission, drive the vehicle over rough terrain, inspect all mechanical parts and make repairs as required. It is also his job to maintain driver’s records (e.g., training records), technical service bulletins (e.g., 4WD tires), and other technical data necessary to maintain combat readiness of combat vehicles or to assist in field maintenance problems. This process can be very dangerous in combat situations where rounds can explode prematurely or be shot by enemy forces before reaching their intended targets.
The Cannon Crewmember must cooperate with Battery Sergeant, Company First Sergeant, and other members of the firing battery to provide accurate target locations. If necessary, he or she can call in fire support or request that he or she communicate over the radio with Battalion Fire Direction Center.
Participate in reconnaissance operations
The Cannon Crewmember must participate in all reconnaissance activities such as small unit patrolling, route and area reconnaissance, and observation of the enemy. He or she is also required to participate in or observe targets of opportunity such as roadblocks, assembly areas, and door-to-door searches. During these operations, reconnaissance teams are formed to identify enemy equipment or installations that can be targeted by artillery or airstrikes. The MOS may be required to perform reconnaissance in conjunction with combat patrols when enemy activity is suspected in the area.
Salaries
As in the Army, the salary depends largely on the individual’s rank or time in service. Here is a list of Pay Grade, Rank, and Minimum Monthly Pay:
Private (E-1), Min Pay: $1785
Private Second Class (E-2), Min Pay: $2001
Private First Class (E-3), Min Pay: $2104
Specialist (E-4), Min Pay: $2330
Corporal (E-4), Min Pay: $2330
Sergeant (E-5), Min Pay: $2542
Staff Sergeant (E-6), Min Pay: $2775
Sergeant First Class (E-7), Min Pay: $3208
Master Sergeant (E-8), Min Pay: $4480
First Sergeant (E-8), Min Pay: $4480
Sergeant Major (E-9), Min Pay: $5473
Command Sergeant Major (E-9), Min Pay: $5473
Sergeant Major of the Army (E-9), Min Pay: $5473
Benefits
There are several benefits associated with MOS 13B, including medical insurance, paid sick time, vacation time, free housing and food, as well as tuition assistance:
Medical Insurance
The Army MOS 13B provides a wide variety of medical benefits, including mandatory health and accident coverage. Medical coverage is obtained through the special Program. The Program offers a wide variety of medical services at participating facilities where you can visit for routine checkups, routine hospitalization and inpatient care, and outpatient care. Service members’ dependents may qualify for coverage too!
Paid sick time
Active-duty soldiers and airmen receive paid sick leave in the service, which is vital for physical, mental, and emotional health. The Soldier may use up to three days of sick leave for minor illnesses such as colds, flu, and upset stomachs. Paid sick leave may be used concurrently with any other paid leave time the Soldier is entitled to receive in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.
Vacation Time
Sick leave and annual leave earned as a Soldier or as an Officer may be used as vacation (vacation leave). Vacation hours earned as a soldier may be used for any purpose the Soldier desires, except those military obligations that require immediate retention on active duty. Vacation hours earned as an officer cannot be carried over to the next calendar year.
Free Housing and food
The Army MOS 13B provides a wide variety of benefits, including housing and food allowances. Soldiers are eligible for the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). The BAH is paid into your bank account each month and will cover rent, utilities, furniture rental, and other miscellaneous expenses related to quarters. This allowance can be used to help offset any housing expenses not covered by the BAH, such as mortgage or interest payments on loans secured by Army-owned real estate.
Tuition Assistance
The Army MOS 13B is eligible for Tuition Assistance (T.A.) to help pay for college courses. The Soldier must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program at a qualifying institution. The tuition assistance courses must lead to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree or another credential such as a vocational certificate that will make the Soldier more valuable to the Army and U.S. society in general or improve the Soldier’s performance of his or her duty assignments.
Clothing Allowance
All enlisted active-duty soldiers and airmen receive a clothing allowance to replace clothing that is lost or damaged while in the service. The Clothing Allowance (C.A.) is paid into your bank account each month and will cover any necessary replacement costs for uniforms, work clothes, etc.
Job Opportunities
A cannon crewmember in the Army is responsible for loading, aiming, and firing the cannon. They are also responsible for setting up certain artillery pieces, such as howitzers, when they assemble in preparation to be fired. With their responsibilities, there are many job opportunities that may be suitable for MOS 13B.
Bus drivers
Bus drivers are responsible for delivering people or goods to specific locations. The driver typically uses a bus, but this occupation could also involve other vehicles such as vans, trucks, aircraft, railroad cars, trolleys, or ships. Bus drivers work mainly in the public transportation sector. The bus driver also ensures that their bus is in good working order by constantly checking engine lights, checking oil levels, and keeping an eye on the speedometer. Maintaining the condition of their bus is absolutely essential for a safe and reliable ride. Training takes place in both traditional classrooms as well as field training exercises where drivers are put through their paces in real-life scenarios.
Mechanics
Mechanics are employed by businesses that manufacture and repair complex machines. They usually specialize in one type of machinery—such as automobiles or information technology—though they may be trained to work on any kind of machinery used by their employer’s industry. Mechanics have experience with using hand tools, power tools, and automated equipment to maintain and repair machines. This work is very physical; mechanics may need to move large objects weighing anywhere from tons to pounds depending on the size of the vehicle they’re working on.
Business operations
The Army is always looking for ways to reduce the cost of running the military and achieve an optimal return on investment from resources in any given fiscal year. This responsibility falls to business operations specialists, who analyze potential benefits in terms of risk and cost savings by assessing new procurement strategies, identifying opportunities for improved supply management, and maximizing opportunities in private sector supply contracts.
First-line supervisors
First-line supervisors are responsible for managing employees on the job. First-line supervisors are often called department managers or supervisors. The Army needs to be able to quickly deploy soldiers in times of conflict, so they need to train them properly. First-line supervisors are responsible for making sure that soldiers are prepared for basic training with the help of instructors at their unit. This might involve coordinating basic training efforts with the unit armory and all other logistical functions essential to making sure that soldiers can meet their fitness objectives.
General and Operations Managers
General and operations managers usually have a master’s degree in accounting or business administration. This person is typically responsible for coordinating all of the company’s managerial functions, including accounting, purchasing, human resources, information technology, and any other function necessary for running the business effectively.
Training and development specialists
Training & development specialists ensure that the Army’s current knowledge is updated and preserved by educating military members on emerging technology; this will allow them to be more efficient in mastering any new skills that may soon become required of them. They also test new technology to see if it’s practical for military use, like software used for weapons systems and other critical tools.
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT)
Army EMTs serve as medics on the battlefield. They can use various techniques to stabilize wounded soldiers until they reach a medical facility. On the battlefield, the first 48 hours are crucial in determining if a wounded soldier will live or die, so it’s important that EMTs know how to handle their fair share of stressful situations effectively. Emergency Management Directors:
Summary of MOS 13B
The Army’s cannon crews – MOS 13B – take care of the Army’s large weapon systems, such as the M109A6 Paladin and M270 MLRS. The primary responsibility of these soldiers is to load and fire cannons and rocket artillery, but they also perform recovery missions if needed.
They must be capable of loading rounds into the breach, pressing away from the weapon system to arm rounds without leaving explosive power behind them, inspecting ammunition for defects or defects caused by exposure to enemy fire before loading it, and firing rounds at targets within a prescribed range to destroy enemy positions. They must be able to set up lights on top of weapons, carry heavy artillery on top of their vehicles, and crawl on the ground to place firing points for their weapons. They must be able to perform vehicle maintenance procedures on equipment while under fire or in close proximity to their vehicle.
FAQs
What is a 13B cannon Crewmember?
A Cannon Crewmember serves as a member of a cannon crew, which operates and fires anti-tank and other artillery weapons. These weapons are capable of firing on both mobile and stationary targets.
Is 13B a combat MOS?
Yes, Cannon Crewmembers can be involved in combat. They operate the cannons during fire missions against soft-skinned or lightly armored vehicles, self-propelled artillery or warheads fired from rockets, guided missiles, or gunships. This would include indirect fire missions against targets hidden by trees, buildings, or terrain features.
What does a cannon crewmember do?
Cannon Crewmembers are responsible for the operation of the anti-tank howitzer weapon system to include personnel qualification on crew-served weapon systems. Cannon Crewmembers are responsible for conducting maintenance on the cannon, gun mounts, sights, communications equipment, fire control equipment, and other weapons systems organic to their units. Cannon Crewmembers must qualify as cannoneer and cannoneer leaders; they must also operate and maintain both wheeled and tracked vehicles. The use of hand and arm signals is emphasized to ensure communications during noise and confusion of combat situations.
How much does a MOS 13B make?
The salary for an army cannon crewmember ranges from $30,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on what state you live in.