Gun Crewman, Heavy Artillery (845) Enlisted Personnel

As crew member of a 240-mm howitzer or 8-inch gun, or heavier caliber artillery gun or howitzer using separate loading ammunition, assists in moving, emplacing, firing, and withdrawing the piece in combat operations.
Performs one or more of the following operations during firing mission: sets horizontal angle from established position by means of panoramic sight and manipulates traverse wheel to place gun target. Makes additional changes in angular deflection as directed, to achieve fire precision or to transfer fire to other targets. Sets target range on range drum and target angle of site on angle-of-site scale. Opens and closes breech. Inspects and cleans projectile to prepare for loading and attaches fuze using fuze setter. Places projectile on loading barrow, using rammer to seat breech recess. Removes powder charge from container and inserts it in breech recess. Inserts primer in firing mechanism block. Fires piece by pulling hand lanyard. After misfire removes unfired round, using rammer and rammer staff. Inspects bore and swabs with water. Cleans breech and firing mechanism block. Assists in such maintenance operations as cleaning, oiling, and rustproofing of vital parts of gun.
At supervisory level, is responsible for control, coordination, and tactical employment of heavy artillery pieces and crew members.

Alternate nomenclatures:

• Ammunition Handler
• Ammunition Noncommissioned Officer
• Gunner
• Cannoneer