The Importance of Proper Maintenance in the Field Artillery Community
The Importance of Proper Maintenance in the Field Artillery Community
Introduction
Soldiers wonder why leaders harp on the importance of proper Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services when it comes to equipment. Field Artillery, which provides critical fire support on the battlefield, is an MOS that is highly dependent on the reliability and equipment performance of its systems including self-propelled and towed howitzers, fire control systems, and other specialized equipment such as an RHTU. Equipment can be classified from something as small as a W2 cable for a radio to as big as a vehicle. In the Field Artillery community, we have tons of equipment on both the Gunnery and the Fire Support side. That is why maintenance is extremely necessary to keep equipment functioning properly. Depending on if you are in a heavy unit or a light unit, will determine the type of property you will obtain and maintain. The majorityMajority of the equipment that is issued to the unit comes with a technical manual and inside that manual, there is a chapter specifically for PMCS. This article will explain the importance of maintenance in the Field Artillery community.
The Importance of Maintenance in Field Artillery
The U.S. Army’s Field Artillery units are extremely essential to modern Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO). Artillery Battalions provide firepower needed to support maneuver units in combat. Without fully missionmissioned capable equipment, the effectiveness of maneuver units could be severely compromised. Field Artillery systems, including the M777 Howitzer, the M109 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer, and the HIMARS rocket system, are highly developed and must be kept in the utmost peak condition to function properly. In the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1-82nd Field Artillery Battalion, we strive to maintain our Paladins and our Bradley Fire Support Team (BFIST).
Maintenance ensures that these systems remain reliable and effective. For example, artillery systems must have regular checks for malfunctions that could cause catastrophic consequences on the battlefield. Moreover, during combat operations, there is little room for equipment failure. For example, a failure in the bore could result in misfires or missed targets, which would drastically reduce the effectiveness of artillery support. Additionally, poorly maintained systems are more likely to experience downtime, which could delay missions and compromise the safety of soldiers.
Maintenance Approach Within Field Artillery
Since 2005, the Army uses a revised direct approach to conduct maintenance known as The Army Maintenance Management System (TAMMS), which is the DA PAM 750-8. This system manages maintenance processes based on complexity, ranging from routine preventive measures to more extensive repairs. The system is designed to ensure that Field Artillery units can maintain their equipment at different levels of readiness. This system has shown to be effective across the US Army including during wartime.
- Field-Level Maintenance
Field-level maintenance is the first line of defense in keeping artillery systems operational. It is typically performed by individuals from the unit or personnel from supporting units conducting repairs, inspections, and routine servicing tasks on the unit's own equipment. This may include tasks such as engine and transmission, track and road wheels, checking the tube and recoil mechanisms, lubricating parts, and ensuring that the firing systems are calibrated correctly. This is what we call 10-level and 20-level maintenance task(s), which can be identified in the equipment Technical Manual (TM).
At this level, soldiers must understand and know the equipment they operate. Operators must be able to troubleshoot and identify basic issues, such as loose components, worn down track pads, or electrical connections. Field-level maintenance is essential for ensuring that equipment is at least 90% combat-readycombat ready immediately for combat, and it prevents small issues from escalating into major problems. That is why leaders expound on annotating deficiencies every week on equipment 5988. One thing we forget about is the do forget about is small equipment such as OE-254s and radios. We tend to overlook components such as data cables, ultra links, cable assemblies, and things that help our equipment communicate with each other.
2. Sustainment-Level Maintenance
When an issue cannot be resolved at the field level, the equipment is sent for sustainment-level maintenance. Sustainment maintenance is more complex and usually occurs at a higher echelon, such as a brigade or division support area. Sustainment maintenance involves disassembling components, replacing parts, performing diagnostic checks, and ensuring that systems are operating within their specified parameters. Some of these issues such as disassembling most components or replacing parts can be done at the field level but sometimes when identifying the issues or ordering a certain part, it may need to go to the sustainment level.
For example, the M109A6 Paladin may require sustainment maintenance after heavy use to replace wear components such as the gun tube or recoil system. Similarly, fire control systems may need calibration or replacement of faulty sensors and wiring. Sustainment-level maintenance ensures that artillery systems can continue to function even after prolonged use, keeping units combat-ready. Another example would be the BFIST. The BFIST has the FS3 and not all Bradley mechanics know about how to operate or troubleshoot the FS3. The result of the mechanics not having that specific knowledge, forces them to get a Field Support Representative (FSR).
3. Depot-Level Maintenance
Depot-level maintenance is the most comprehensive level of maintenance and is typically conducted at specialized facilities. This level involves overhauls, major repairs, and replacements of significant components that are beyond the capabilities of field or sustainment maintenance. Depot maintenance is necessary after long periods of use, particularly for systems that have sustained damage in combat or have exceeded their operational lifespan.
I will use our M109A6 for example; , the complete disassembly of a pPaladin to inspect and replace critical internal components, such as the tube or hydraulic systems, would fall under depot-level maintenance. Our pPaladins are old and have been built in the late 1990s. Due to the age and type of maintenance that is required of the tube and hydraulic system, equipment is thoroughly overhauled, and any parts that are no longer functional or up to specifications are replaced. Depot maintenance is essential for extending the lifespan of artillery systems, ensuring that they remain effective for many years of service. For the combat veterans, they know that depot maintenance is effective.
The Role of Personnel in Maintenance
Effective maintenance comes from soldiers and leaders. It is not just about the equipment; it is about who performs the maintenance tasks and what they know. Soldiers undergo various trainings to learn the proper maintenance procedures and to familiarize themselves with the technical manuals and operational guidelines for each piece of equipment. This training ensures that maintenance personnel can quickly identify problems, troubleshoot issues, and perform repairs or preventive actions as needed.
The responsibility of the personnel extends beyond simply fixing equipment. They are also tasked with maintaining accurate maintenance records which are used on DA 5988-e and Equipment Status Reports (ESR), ensuring that all inspections, repairs, and replacements are logged in accordance with Army guidelines. These records are crucial for tracking the history of the equipment, identifying recurring issues, and predicting when future maintenance will be required. Soldiers must also keep track of parts, ensuring that necessary components are available when needed.
Moreover, the maintenance personnel must possess a proactive mindset. Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS) is the foundation of the Army's maintenance, and personnel must be mindful about conducting weekly inspections. By identifying and addressing issues before failure in a field training event, personnel can help keep artillery systems in optimal condition and prevent downtime when maneuver battalions are requesting our assistance. Personnel can find how to conduct preventive maintenance in the equipment technical manual which gives multiple types of PMCS.
Challenges in Field Artillery Maintenance
While the Army has established comprehensive systems for maintaining Field Artillery, several challenges persist. Talking to 1-82 FA Charlie Battery Executive Officer 1LT Brown, Jackson, a few challenges that he sees is lack of organization when it comes to BOH containers when locating parts, lack of knowledge on towards the lowest personnel and field maintenance training. Maintaining artillery systems requires a constant supply of spare parts and specialized tools. In remote or austere environments, obtaining these resources can be difficult, leading to delays in maintenance activities.
These challenges have a significant role both in garrison and in theater. 1LT Brown brought up a significant point, “when you have an unorganized BOH container, we are wasting time on things that could have been worked on. We are also wasting the soldiers' time that they could have been working on other things. All that leads up to wasting taxpayers and big Army money due to the programs that they have funded to make systems easier not being utilized properly.” Modern artillery systems that are highly advanced, with intricate electronic components, sensors, and software systems that require specialized knowledge to maintain. As these systems continue to evolve, personnel must undergo continual training to stay up to date with new technologies.
This demand for specialized training can create a gap in expertise, particularly in smaller units or during rapid deployment scenarios. The constant use of artillery equipment in training exercises, deployments, and combat operations can accelerate wear and tear, requiring more frequent and intensive maintenance. In some cases, equipment may require depot-level maintenance more often than initially anticipated, leading to increased logistical burdens.
Recommendations for Improving Maintenance in Field Artillery
To address the challenges mentioned above, the U.S. Army should consider the following recommendations to improve maintenance in Field Artillery:
- Enhanced Training Programs: The Army should continue to invest in continuous training for maintenance personnel to keep up with emerging technologies, but units should take the time out to invest in their soldiers and give them time to conduct training to increase knowledge and awareness not for only a single vehicle but multiple. This could include virtual training simulations and advanced diagnostic tools to help personnel troubleshoot complex issues more efficiently. Additionally, 1LT Brown suggested that we train our personnel both mechanics and crew members as if we were in combat situations because we are conditioned to conduct maintenance without a sense of urgency.
- Improved Spare Parts Logistics: The Army should focus on improving the supply chain for spare parts and tools. Establishing more robust pre-positioned stockpiles or implementing faster delivery systems could help reduce downtime due to parts shortages.
- Preventive Maintenance Programs: Leaders in the Army should continue to place emphasis on preventive maintenance. Units should continue to ensure that they have tools and resources they need to conduct regular checks. By addressing minor issues before they become major problems, the Army can extend the lifespan of artillery systems and reduce the need for costly repairs but that starts with personnel expanding their knowledge. Leaders, rather they are inexperienced or experienced, should also have a class on maintaining equipment and troubleshooting from the exterior of the equipment to the software.
Conclusion
In conclusion, proper maintenance is crucial to ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of the U.S. Army Field Artillery. Through a structured approach to maintenance ranging from field-level maintenance to depot-level overhauls, Field Artillery units can ensure that their equipment is always operational when needed if personnel take the right approach with maintaining equipment. The role of personnel in maintaining artillery systems cannot be understated, as skilled soldiers and maintenance crews are integral to the success of maintenance efforts. Despite challenges such as resource constraints and the increasing complexity of systems, the Army’s continuous emphasis on preventive maintenance and continuous training helps mitigate these issues. By improving logistics, training, and maintenance practices, the U.S. Army can continue to ensure the operational readiness of its Field Artillery, safeguarding the success of its missions on the battlefield.