TM-9-2350-311-10 M109 Operator's Manual for M109A2, M109A3, M109A4 and M109A5 Download
Page 264 of 775
TM 9--2350--311--10 2--166 Change 6 2--12 PREPARATION FOR FIRING — CONTINUED 2--12.1 Pre-Firing Emplacement — Continued d. Emplacing M1A2 Aiming Posts NOTE M1A2 aiming posts are alternate aiming reference for M109 series howitzers and are emplaced, time permitting, immediately following emplacement of M1A1/M1A2 collimator. 1 With howitzer laid on initial azimuth of fire, gunner checks the following. (f) Pitch level (37) and cross-level (38) bubbles on M145/M145A1 telescope mount (39) are centered. (g) Gunner’s aid counters (40) on M117/M117A2 panoramic telescope (36) are set at zero. 2 Cannoneer no. 3 emplaces M1A2 aiming posts (64) as follows. (h) Remove M1A2 aiming posts (64) from fire control cover (65) and assemble two sections for far M1A2 aiming post. NOTE Unit SOP should state which M14 aiming post light to use on near M1A2 aiming post and which to use on far M1A1 aiming post and instructions for M1A2 aiming post emplacement. (i) At night, install M14 aiming post lights (66) on M1A2 aiming posts (64). 3 Cannoneer no. 3 runs out approximately 55 yards (50 m) with both M1A2 aiming posts (64) and sticks near post (short post) in ground. Cannoneer no. 3 continues an additional 55 yards (50 m), stops and faces gunner, and emplaces far post (long post) alined with body. Cannoneer no. 3 returns to near M1A2 aiming post and positions it by observing hand signals of gunner. NOTE At night, step 4 can be used with a flashlight in an ON and OFF mode. An alternate method for gunner if the gunner’s escape hatch is closed, is to use left cab side door. This limits location of M1A2 aiming post emplacement, though. 4 Sighting through M117/M117A2 panoramic telescope (36), gunner positions M1A2 aiming posts (64) by extending his left hand above his head through gunner’s escape hatch and having cannoneer no. 3 move as directed by following hand movements. (j) Moving hand (left or right) represents movement of M1A2 aiming post right or left. (k) Clenched fist means stop. (l) Up and down movement represents emplace.