TAFT Instructor – Cannon Artillery (13B)
Why IDS?
IDS believes in resolving conflict, building innovative approaches to do so. Combining operational expertise with an intimate understanding of today’s greatest challenges, we bring our customers the solutions required for success in a complex and multidimensional world. IDS tailors solutions for a diverse range of government, military, nonprofit, and public‑sector clients.
Locations
IraqJob Description
The TAFT Cannon Artillery Instructor is responsible for delivering comprehensive instruction on artillery weapons systems, ammunition handling, fire direction procedures, gun line operations, and weapons maintenance in support of the Artillery Officers Basic Training Course (AOBTC).
This role provides hands‑on demonstration and guided training on the employment of key Iraqi Ministry of Defense artillery platforms, including the 120mm mortar, M198 towed howitzer, and M109A5 self‑propelled howitzer. Instruction covers all aspects of artillery crew drills—from reconnaissance and firing position selection to ammunition preparation, weapon setup, communications procedures, and safe, accurate execution of live‑fire missions.
The instructor also supports student competency development in artillery safety, tactical positioning, firing sequence management, and operational sustainment through proper equipment care and maintenance practices. Key Duties
• Provide expert instruction on artillery weapons employment, including loading, setting fuses and charges, laying the weapon, and firing procedures for the 120mm mortar, M198, and M109A5 systems.
• Train students in handling, preparing, and storing high‑explosive, rocket‑assisted, and guided munitions, emphasizing safety, fuse settings, charge increments, and munition effects.
• Teach the application of computer‑generated fire direction data, elevation and deflection adjustments, and manual or digital firing solution verification.
• Demonstrate proper communication setup and use of radios and wire systems to receive fire missions and transmit fire commands.
• Conduct terrain analysis and reconnaissance instruction to support firing position selection, defilade considerations, and preparation of the gun line for operations.
• Lead practical exercises simulating real‑world firing missions, including coordinated crew drills, ammunition resupply procedures, and synchronized fire direction center integration.
• Instruct on preventative and corrective maintenance for artillery weapons and vehicles to ensure operational readiness and longevity of critical artillery platforms.
• Assess student performance through written evaluations, hands‑on demonstrations, and scenario‑based exercises to confirm readiness and understanding of all artillery crew tasks.Requirements
• Five (5) years of experience in an operational artillery or mortar unit.
• Served as a US Army MOS 13B or USMC MOS 0811.
• Knowledge of Iraqi MoD artillery systems, including the 120mm mortar, M198, and M109A5. Questions?
[email protected]
Top Skills
What We Do
Hybrid conflict. Non-state actors. Digital hacktivists. Tribal politics. Advanced technology. Ancient beliefs. Rapid adaptation. Strategic uncertainty. Declining resources. Rising extremism.
Today’s national security challenges are complex and multidimensional, requiring adaptive, interagency responses.
For more than a decade, IDS International has delivered innovative training, research and operational civil-military services to help address these 21st century challenges. We are seasoned soldiers, aid workers, diplomats, intelligence professionals, cyber warriors, technical experts, political advisors, and more with a common understanding of how to train for and operate in conflict zones and transitional areas.
Our team of interagency experts and field practitioners operate and train together daily, building on our global multidisciplinary understanding of challenges, best practices and new approaches. This wide range of perspectives permits us to serve as a liaison between civil society, military, government and technology to enhance coordination and effectively solve complex security and political problems.
