Winnipeg, Manitoba – “The gun detachment second in command (2IC) is the glue that holds the det together,” said Master Warrant Officer Dan Sembalerus, the Battery Sergeant Major with 38 Canadian Brigade Group (38 CBG) Artillery Tactical Group (ATG).
“Depending how they perform, he or she can make or break a good gun det.”
The role of a gun detachment 2IC is quite similar to an infantry 2IC with some noticeable exceptions. Unlike an infantry section 2IC, a gun detachment 2IC is mainly on the gun. His or her primary responsibility lies with the ammunition, counting it and making sure soldiers handle it properly.
The detachment 2IC is also the one individual that has the most contact with the rest of the detachment. He or she will fill in when the detachment commander is absent.
“It’s fun taking over for the number one,” said Master Bombardier Michael Hague, 2IC of number 3 gun. “You are the man in the moment; you’re in the trails and you’re in control.”
MBdr Hague is starting his 6th year in the artillery. He says that he considers it to be a great job and is looking to go overseas in the near future.
MBdr Hague waits as Bdr Richard Casement sets up the telescopic panoramic sight.
“The C32 fuse is what we’re working with mostly today,” said MBdr Hague, while on exercise in late March. “Putting them on the right projectile, ensuring the fuse gets set properly and gets locked into place.”
“We use the Multi Ordinance Fuse Artillery (MOFA) fuse setter,” said MBdr Hague. “It’s an electronic fuse setter, which is a lot different from the previous ones we’ve had in the past, which were all manual.”
Article and photos by Cpl Bill Gomm, Army News, Winnipeg
