What is it like being a 13B cannon crewmember?

SPC Daniel Wheadon — Mon, 25 May 2020 13:03:13 -0400

What is AIT for prior service like in 13B? When deployed do cannon crewmembers see combat like infantry without fire missions?

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 25 at 2020 2:02 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 25 May 2020 14:02:25 -0400

The FA often takes on other roles outside cannons based on their relationship within a BCT. So the answer is that there is the possibility, but not often. The current SMA trainer his Bn to go into the fight in an infantry role. If they are general support Artillery they can take on other support missions as well depending on the mission requirements.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made May 25 at 2020 2:29 PM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Mon, 25 May 2020 14:29:44 -0400

In COIN, everyone that goes outside the wire becomes a combatant. During current operations in Iraq 13B are/were set up in fire bases. It all depends on what type of operation you would be deployed to.

Response by SPC John Messenger made May 27 at 2020 10:20 PM

SPC John Messenger — Wed, 27 May 2020 22:20:50 -0400

When I was in Iraq my mos was 13B, but you do what is needed, I was convoy security and route clearance, love my gun bunnies, but wouldn't have changed it, we went nuts just sitting in the fob

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2020 11:32 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 May 2020 11:32:38 -0400

AIT will be a easy course. Ull be sent to an ALC school were sgts are learning to be section chiefs and you will MOSQ with them. 2-3 weeks. Deployed Natty will mostlikely to inf or other work. Active big guns have a better chance at being on the FIRES side of things.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2020 5:49 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 17:49:57 -0400

From my experience, when you reclass, you will do a 2 week FA course regardless of rank. I have seen some of my 13J and D do this. I had to reclass to an engineer and it was 2 week phases. I was a 6 with outer lower enlisted. I didn't have to redo ALC. As for deployments, it all depends on mission. In Iraq some where in firebases. My unit was attached to an MP unit. We conducted route reg, convoy security, tier 1 PSD with SOCOM, detainee ops, courtroom security. We were always outside the wire.

Response by CPL Dennis Clark made Jul 18 at 2020 6:39 PM

CPL Dennis Clark — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 18:39:03 -0400

Anybody can see combat, just like infantry, which is why you also train with your rifle, not just your howitzer. Sometimes you will find yourself in a position where you have to fight. You could be ambushed and have to fight your way out. Your compound could get attacked and you would have to fight. Look left. Look right. Stay alert! Stay alive!

Response by PV2 Matthew Cole made Jul 21 at 2020 9:02 AM

PV2 Matthew Cole — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 09:02:14 -0400

Ait was great, you learn alot about your mos.