Master gunner

Master gunner is an appointment of the warrant officer rank in several armed forces.

United Kingdom

In the British Army's Royal Artillery master gunners are experts in the technical aspects of gunnery. They fill advisory rather than command posts. The appointment is split into two classes: Master gunners 2nd and 1st class, both holding the rank of warrant officer class 1. Formerly there was also an appointment of master gunner 3rd class, who held the rank of warrant officer class 2. The appointment of master gunner should not be confused with that of Master Gunner, St James's Park, who is the ceremonial head of the Royal Regiment of Artillery.

United States

Master gunner, commonly referred to as "Mike Golf," is also an advanced skill school of the armor, infantry and artillery branches of the U.S. Army, and armor branch of the U.S. Marine Corps. It requires a high degree of skill and test-taking ability, leading to a low graduation rate. The rank and rate of Master Gunner, along with a distinctive insignia, was used by the U.S. Army during World War I.

The primary mission of the army master gunner is to aid and assist commanders at all echelons in the planning, development, execution, and evaluation of all crew-served weapons related training (individual, crew, and collective).

The master gunner's specific duties are directed by the commander. Examples of his duties are:

• Develop or conduct training and certification of vehicle crew evaluators.
• Assist all elements within the unit concerning gunnery training.
• Forecast all ammunition and ranges for training.
• Manage gunnery records, gunnery skills testing records, and turbulence rosters.
• Coordinate and control training devices.
• Execute gunnery training.
• Supervise live-fire ranges to ensure all standards are followed; specifically:
  • Confirm screening and zero techniques
  • Coordinate target arrays, exposure times for all targets, and maneuver box verification
• Set up all ranges to make sure they meet the standards set forth in this manual
• Set up and conduct gunnery skills training, and evaluate the results.
• Advise the commander of the tactical capabilities of all weapons and weapon systems.

The master gunner's main responsibilities are listed above, but may change in scope, depending on the level that he is assigned. The master gunner should not be assigned additional duties other than those listed here. Unit gunnery training programs need a great deal of attention to be effective.

Master gunner's duties by position

Brigade master gunner

Works closely with the master gunners at lower echelons to ensure standards are uniform throughout the training programs. Develops the crew evaluator certification program. Provides any new information on ways to improve training. Helps develop and upgrade range facilities.

Battalion master gunner

Ensures continual education of the master gunners in the battalion. Helps the battalion commander and command sergeant major select master gunner school candidates. Develops new training techniques to improve crew training. Coordinates with the regiment for training assets. Certifies vehicle crew evaluators. Certifies range safety personnel.

Company master gunner

Coordinates with the battalion S3 to secure company gunnery training assets. Trains crew evaluator. Assists in troubleshooting and maintenance of weapons.