Your contribution to defence operations is indirect fire delivered in support of the arms that close with and destroy the enemy.

Field Artillery Soldiers are members of Field Artillery units of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery. Like Armoured, Infantry, Air Defence Artillery and Combat Engineer units, Field Artillery units are part of the Combat Arms team that actually engages the enemy. The Field Artillery's contribution is indirect fire delivered in support of the arms that close with and destroy the enemy. Field Artillery Soldiers — normally called "Field Gunners" — have the following primary duties:

• Position, load, aim, fire and maintain field guns, including the LG1 wheeled, 105-mm howitzers, and the M109 self-propelled 155-mm howitzer;
• Handle, sort and store artillery ammunition;
• Establish line communications using field telephones and sophisticated radio equipment;
• Use and maintain personal weapons and section-level weapons up to and including machine-guns and anti-tank weapons;
• Drive and maintain various wheeled and tracked vehicles;
• Operate technically advanced command post computers, laser range-finders and fire-control computers;
• Operate and maintain survey and locating equipment
• Provide fire-support advice to the Infantry and Armour; and
• When necessary, fight as an infantry (includes use of personal weapons, reconnaissance and section level tactics).

Field Gunners must be physically fit and able to function well under pressure and as part of a team. They must also be courageous, self-reliant, adaptable and possessed of good learning skills. Mathematical ability and a keen interest in technology are highly desirable.

Qualified Field Gunners enjoy excellent opportunities for advanced training and promotion. Employment opportunities for Field Gunners exist across Canada and on deployed operations around the world.

On completion of basic MOC training, Field Gunners are normally posted to one of the following units:

• 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, at Shilo, Manitoba;
• 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, at Petawawa, Ontario;
• 5e Régiment d’artillerie légère du Canada at Valcartier, Quebec; or
• The Royal Canadian Artillery School at Gagetown, New Brunswick.

As their careers progress, Field Gunners who demonstrate the required ability and ambition will be offered (through formal courses or on-job training) the following advanced MOC training:

• Leadership Training
• Detachment Commander's Course
• Instructor training

The following specialty training courses may also be available:

• Artillery Technician
• Driver – (vehicles such as the LAV III Command Post Vehicle)
• Basic and Advanced Artillery Surveyor
• Basic Artillery Sound-Ranging Technician
• Artillery Intelligence Technician
• Basic and Advanced Artillery Radar Operator
• Unarmed Combat Instructor

Field Gunners normally work outdoors, where they may be exposed to extreme environmental and climatic conditions for extended periods without rest or shelter. Both in training and on operations, they are frequently subjected to loud noises, and considerable physical and mental exertion is required of them. Like other CF personnel, Field Gunners may be required to live in cramped quarters when deployed on operations. Appropriate training, environmental clothing and equipment are provided, and Field Gunners’ health, safety and morale are closely monitored.