Gun Crewman, Pack Artillery (1531) Enlisted Personnel

As a member of a 75-mm pack artillery gun crew, assists in disassembling, moving, assembling, emplacing, firing, and withdrawing piece in combat operation over terrain where other types of field artillery cannot maneuver.
Performs one or more of the following operations during the firing mission: Sets horizontal angle from established position by means of panoramic sigh, and manipulates gun traverse wheel to place the bore of the gun on target line. Makes additional changes in angular deflection as directed to achieve fire precision or to transfer fire to other targets. Sets target range on range drums and target angle of site on angle-of-site scale. Opens and closes breech. Carries, inspects, cleans, and passes ammunition. Attaches fuze to projectile, using fuze wrench, and sets fuze for quick or delayed action, using fuze setter. Loads piece by hand, pushing round into breech until it is firmly seated. Fires piece by pulling hand lanyard. Removes unfired rounds or cartridge cases which cannot be ejected by extractor, using rammer and rammer staff. Inspects bore and swabs with water. Cleans breech. Prepares piece for transportation by disassembling, packing, and slinging on mules equipped with specially designed pack saddles. Assists in such maintenance operations as cleaning, oiling, and rust-proofing of vital parts of gun. Assists in care of animals and maintenance of equipment.
At supervisory level is responsible for control coordination, and tactical employment of pack artillery and crew members.
Must be able to pack the necessary equipment, cargo, and matériel on pack animals using a variety of knots such as single diamond, double diamond, and squaw hitch, to secure the load. Must be above average in strength and at least 5 feet 10 inches in height.

Alternate nomenclatures:

• Ammunition Handler
• Ammunition Noncommissioned Officer
• Cannoneer
• Gunner