Improved General Technical Score Requirements for Entry-Level 0811 Cannon Crewmen

For centuries, artillerymen have dominated the battlefield with kinetic fires. The backbone of Marine Corps artillery are the 0811 Cannoneers, the Marines who have historically operated the howitzers night and day, rain or shine, to provide the fire support needed by maneuver units. For the last 20 years, a cannoneers job has been fairly straightforward employ the M198 155mm Medium Towed artillery piece in accordance with the technical manual. However, in recent years, the artillery community has seen its role on the battlefield change significantly due to emerging technology, operational tempo, and lessons learned in the current operating environment. An 0811 now faces the possibility of having to employ three different weapon systems throughout his career instead of one, all of which are significantly more complicated than the M198. Additionally, Marine artillerymen have officially been given the additional duty of performing civilian-military operations upon completion of the primary mission of providing fire support. Due to the new complicated equipment as well as new additional duties, the 0811 military occupational specialty MOS should have the minimum general technical GT score requirement raised from 90 to 95.