Field Artillery delivers fires to destroy, neutralize, or suppress the enemy. From towed howitzers to precision-guided rockets, Redlegs bring the thunder that shapes every battlefield.
The 13-Series is the Army's premier indirect fire force. From cannon sections to digital fire control, Field Artillery Soldiers deliver precision fires that shape the battlefield before ground forces close with the enemy.
Leading the King of Battle. Field Artillery Officers plan, direct, and coordinate the Army's indirect fire support missions.
The 13B Cannon Crewmember is the backbone of Field Artillery. Cannon crews operate the M777 and M109 Paladin howitzers.
The eyes of the artillery. FISTers identify targets and direct devastating indirect fire support from the front lines.
The precision behind the mission. 13Js operate the digital systems that calculate and manage artillery fire.
Operating the Army's most lethal long-range weapon platforms, including HIMARS and MLRS.
Locating enemy fire using advanced radar systems to detect and track incoming artillery.
The pinnacle of enlisted artillery leadership. Senior NCOs responsible for large artillery formations.
Junior enlisted Field Artillery Soldiers begin as cannoneers on a howitzer section, ammunition bearers, or vehicle drivers. Promotion to SPC/E-4 typically occurs within 2-3 years and brings increased responsibility as a gunner or assistant section chief.
This is the time to master the fundamentals of gunnery, pursue additional schools, and build the foundation for NCO leadership. Strong performance on section certifications and live-fire exercises sets the stage for competitive promotion.
The NCO corps is the backbone of Field Artillery. Sergeants (E-5) serve as section chiefs or FDC NCOs, while Staff Sergeants (E-6) lead at the platoon and battery level. This is where artillery leaders are forged — directly responsible for crew training, gunnery qualification, and fire mission execution.
Completion of BLC (Basic Leader Course) is required for E-5, and ALC (Advanced Leader Course) for E-6. The FA Master Gunner course is the premier technical qualification for artillery NCOs and significantly improves promotion potential.
Senior NCOs represent the most experienced and capable leaders in Field Artillery. Sergeants First Class (E-7) serve as "Smoke" (Chief of Firing Battery) or Operations NCOs, Master Sergeants/First Sergeants (E-8) lead at battery level, and Sergeants Major/Command Sergeants Major (E-9) serve at battalion, brigade, and higher.
These positions are highly competitive and board-selected. A record of successful gunnery qualifications, advanced school completion (especially FA Master Gunner), and consistent top-block evaluations are essential.
Enlisted Field Artillery Soldiers with leadership potential and a bachelor's degree (or willingness to earn one) can pursue commissioning through Officer Candidate School (OCS) or the Green-to-Gold program. OCS is a 12-week intensive course at Fort Moore, while Green-to-Gold sends soldiers to college full-time with an ROTC scholarship.
Former enlisted artillerymen who commission as FA Officers bring invaluable tactical experience. Many of the Army's best fire support officers and battery commanders came up through the enlisted ranks, with deep knowledge of gunnery and fire direction operations.
| Installation | Location | Division / Unit | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Sill | OK | Fires Center of Excellence | TRADOC |
| Fort Liberty | NC | 82nd Airborne / XVIII ABC | Airborne |
| Fort Campbell | KY/TN | 101st Airborne (Air Assault) | Air Assault |
| Fort Carson | CO | 4th Infantry Division | Mechanized |
| Fort Stewart | GA | 3rd Infantry Division | Mechanized |
| Fort Drum | NY | 10th Mountain Division | Light Artillery |
| Camp Humphreys | South Korea | 2nd Infantry Division | OCONUS |
| Grafenwoehr | Germany | 7th ATC / USAREUR | OCONUS |
Field Artillery Soldiers serve at nearly every Army installation worldwide. Duty station assignment depends on unit type (towed, self-propelled, MLRS), airborne/air assault qualification, and soldier preference.
The King of Battle. From Fort Sill to the front lines, Field Artillery Soldiers deliver the fires that shape every battlefield and destroy the enemy at range.
Explore Training Courses13F Fire Support Specialists operate on the front lines with maneuver units, calling for and adjusting indirect fire. Master the call-for-fire format, observer-target factors, and digital fire control to become an elite FIST member.
Gunnery tables are the measure of a cannon section. From dry-fire drills to live-fire qualification, master your crew duties, safety procedures, and fire commands. Repetition builds speed and accuracy under pressure.
AFATDS is the nerve center of fire direction. 13Js and FDC personnel must master mission processing, system configuration, and network operations. Hands-on time with the system is the fastest path to proficiency.
Joint Fires Observer certification qualifies you to call for and control joint fires including CAS and naval gunfire. It's one of the most respected qualifications in the fires community and opens doors to joint assignments.
Fire Support Teams (FISTs) are embedded with maneuver companies. Enlist as a 13F or volunteer for FIST duty as an NCO. Strong land navigation, communication skills, and infantry tactics knowledge are essential.
Field Artillery promotion to E-5 averages 3-4 years. BLC completion, a strong NCOER, Master Gunner qualification, and additional schools like Airborne or Ranger dramatically accelerate the timeline.
Field Artillery is the Army's most lethal indirect fire force. If you want to deliver precision fires, operate advanced weapon systems, and support the maneuver fight from the gun line or the front lines, the 13-Series is the path. Arrive in shape, master gunnery fundamentals, and earn your place among the Redlegs.
Start Artillery PrepI am a Cannoneer.
I serve in the King of Battle,
the most lethal arm of the Army.
I deliver fires that shape the fight,
destroy the enemy, and protect the force.
My howitzer is my weapon,
my section is my team.I will never fail my crew,
my battery, or my mission.
I train to standard, fire on call,
and answer every mission with steel.
I am the thunder of the battlefield,
feared by all who oppose us.King of Battle!