Paging Gun Doctor: Artillery Mechanic provides valuable weapon assitance

Photo By Cpl. Jovane Holland | Cpl. Daniel Rivera, left, an artillery mechanic with 3rd Bn., 12th Marines, explains troubleshooting procedures to members of Gun Team 2 during a live-fire shoot in support of the Artillery Relocation Training Program at the Hijudi Training Area, Feb. 8.  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

02.18.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Jovane Holland 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

OKINAWA, Japan - If a friend is feeling under the weather, they are taken to the doctor. If someone’s dog isn’t feeling well, a visit to the veterinarian is in order. If an M777 howitzer happens to be on the fritz, Cpl. Daniel Rivera is the man to call.

As a 2nd echelon artillery mechanic with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Rivera is like an on-call surgeon when it comes to the weapon system. He’s responsible for troubleshooting errors, implementing solutions, and supervising operations to ensure Marines achieve mission accomplishment.

"It’s basically my job to step in if a misfire occurs or the gun isn’t operating properly," said Rivera, who has worked in his field for three years. "I oversee everything from gun levels and pressure to
suspension, breach movements and recoil maintenance."

Marines qualified to conduct artillery maintenance are categorized into four echelons, explained Rivera.

"The members of the gun team [1st echelon] are the first on the scene to troubleshoot when there’s a problem with the howitzer. If they can’t solve the problem, I step in," Rivera said. "If the damage is beyond my control, the 3rd echelon, heavy ordnance, is called in. When and if the repairs are considered too extensive, then the gun is sent to the 4th echelon, which is basically a repair shop where full maintenance can be applied."

To qualify as a 2nd echelon artillery mechanic, Rivera attended the two-month artillery technician course in Aberdeen, Md.

The course focused on two main objectives: taking the M777 howitzer apart, then reassembling it piece-by-piece. In the process, he learned the purpose and importance of each item.

"It’s always easy to take something apart, but when it comes to putting it back together and having to account for each piece, it’s really tough," said the Jacksonville, Fla., native.

The task took approximately a month and a half to complete, he added.

"It may not look like it, but the howitzer is a complex weapon which requires thorough knowledge to fix."

Rivera is aided in his troubleshooting by a portable computer which serves as a digital problem-solving companion, hooking up to the digital fire-control system attached to the howitzer and providing step-by-step instructions to aid in maintenance procedures.

However, the computer can’t decipher every malfunction, Rivera said. Sometimes it comes down to trial and error.

"A majority of the solutions I use on a daily basis were learned through on-the-job training," Rivera said. "Whether or not the computer can aid me in fixing a gun just depends on the situation."

After more than a dozen exercises and training events, Rivera says he still finds his job intriguing and relevant.

"Even though I did auto mechanic work before I came into the Marines, I never pictured myself working on a weapon this complex and expensive," said Rivera. "I feel accomplished knowing that my assistance ensures missions go smoothly and the goal is reached every time."

To the Marines Rivera assists in the field, he is not a distant repairman, only stepping in when there’s a problem, but a valuable asset and productive member of the team.

"Even when the gun is firing perfectly, you can still find Rivera helping load rounds, run errands, whatever we need," said Cpl. Dennis Price, assistant chief, Gun Team 2, Bravo Battery, 3rd Bn., 12th Marines. "We consider him just as much a member of the team as anyone else."

Rivera recently reenlisted for his second term, and said his job is not only an important aspect of artillery, but a non-negotiable asset to the Marine Corps as a whole.

"Without gun doctors, Marines wouldn’t be able to send rounds down range if they encounter a malfunction beyond their expertise," said Rivera. "Without rounds pushing out toward the target objective, the howitzer is just an 8,000-pound paperweight."

• Date Taken: 02.18.2011
• Date Posted: 02.22.2011 02:12
• Story ID: 65851
• Location: OKINAWA, JP