TM-9-2350-311-10 M109 Operator's Manual for M109A2, M109A3, M109A4 and M109A5 Download

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TM 9-2350-311-10 2–12 PREPARATION FOR FIRING — CONTINUED 2-12.5 *Loading the 155MM Cannon All crew members must be familiar with misfire procedures in paragraph 2–15 before loading howitzer for firing. a. Loading 1 When a fire mission is announced, chief of section indicates aiming point reference to gunner (M1A1 collimator, DAP, or M1A2 aiming posts) and repeats fire mission to the crew. Dirt or grease left on projectile rotating band could cause failure of projectile to seat properly on ramming. Firing an unseated projectile could cause an inbore explosion, resulting in injury or death to personnel. 2 Cannoneer no. 3 verifies, cleans, and inspects the projectile to be fired. Cannoneer no. 3 removes grommet, examines rotating band (1) to see that it is free from dirt and burrs, and then stands projectile in an upright position for fuzing. For preparation of M712 or M823 projectiles (copperhead) refer to paragraph 5-14. 2-202 *Standardized procedures for firing drills are identified with an asterisk (*) preceding the title.