The Gun Number ECN 162 is a member of the Royal Australian Artillery (RAA) who assists in the operation of a gun or communication equipment in a Field or Medium Artillery unit (Battery or Regiment). Current in-service equipment includes the Australian-made 105mm HAMEL gun, the US made 105mm M2A2 and the US made 155mm M198 Medium Howitzer. The Gun Number is the single recruit entry point for service within the offensive support stream of artillery. It is the feeder trade for subsequent ECNs: 254 Operator Command Post and 357 Supervisor / Manager (OS). Within ECN 162 personnel can progress through different levels to occupy supervisory and command roles within the gun detachment and communications network.

Functions

The job functions of the Gun Number are to work primarily as a member of a gun detachment, or Artillery communicator, within a Field or Medium Artillery Unit. Additionally, as the ECN 162 personnel progress through their careers, they will have the opportunity to undertake instructional roles in other locations throughout Australia. 

Tasks

The primary task of the Gun Number is to assist in the deployment and serving of the gun in support of the Battle Group / deployed force. Alternatively the Gun Number can operate as an Artillery Communicator in a Command Post or Joint Offensive Support Team (Forward Observer Party), in support of the Battle Group / deployed force. Gun Number functions in both roles may include (but are not limited to the following):

As a member of a Gun Detachment:

• assists in bringing the gun into and out of action;
• assists in the preparation and storage of ammunition;
• loads the gun;
• fires the gun;
• applies data to the sights to permit engagement of targets (direct and indirect engagements);
• assists in gun servicing and maintenance;
• drives, services and maintains cross-country vehicles;
• operates individual and crew served combat weapons;
• assists in the preparation of the gun for deployment by land, sea and air;
• assists in local defence of the gun position/area; and
• participate in infantry type roles as required.

As an Artillery Communicator:

• sets up, checks and establishes communications using radio (VHF/HF) and line communication equipment;
• transmits and receives messages using radio and line communication equipment;
• maintains radio and line communication equipment and associated power supply batteries;
• maintains radio security procedures including electronic warfare (EW) countermeasures;
• responsible for erection of antennas; and
• participate in infantry type roles as required.

• assists in bringing the gun into and out of action;
• assists in the preparation and storage of ammunition;
• loads the gun;
• fires the gun;
• applies data to the sights to permit engagement of targets (direct and indirect engagements);
• assists in gun servicing and maintenance;
• drives, services and maintains cross-country vehicles;
• operates individual and crew served combat weapons;
• assists in the preparation of the gun for deployment by land, sea and air;
• assists in local defence of the gun position/area; and
• participate in infantry type roles as required.