DA Form 5698: Weapons Location Data Guide & PDF

DA Form 5698: Weapons Location Data Guide & PDF – U.S. Army field artillery units rely on precise documentation for effective and safe operations. DA Form 5698, titled Weapons Location Data, is a key form used to record critical positional and orientation data for howitzers and other weapons systems. It supports accurate fire direction, survey integration, and mission execution in cannon battery operations.

What Is DA Form 5698?

DA Form 5698 (May 2016) is the official Weapons Location Data card prescribed by ATP 3-09.50, The Field Artillery Cannon Battery (proponent: TRADOC). It captures essential details such as:

  • Howitzer number
  • Method of lay
  • Azimuth of fire
  • Deflections
  • Grid coordinates (easting, northing)
  • Altitude
  • Distance and vertical angle to the howitzer
  • Related calculations (e.g., Azimuth of Fire + Deflection = Azimuth to Howitzer)

This form ensures the Fire Direction Center (FDC) and platoon leadership have verified, up-to-date weapon locations for accurate gunnery solutions. It is particularly important during reconnaissance, selection, and occupation of position (RSOP), laying the battery, and when updating data after movements.

Note: Previous editions (such as DA Form 5698-R) are obsolete. Always use the current May 2016 version available from official Army sources.

Purpose and Importance in Field Artillery Operations

Accurate weapon location data is one of the five requirements for accurate fires. DA Form 5698 helps:

  • Support common direction and location for the firing unit.
  • Enable rapid updates during displacements and survivability moves.
  • Facilitate integration with survey data, aiming circle (M2A2), or Gun Laying and Positioning System (GLPS).
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards, such as verifying minimum quadrant elevation (QE) and site to crest.

Platoon leaders, platoon sergeants, or gunnery sergeants typically prepare and update the form. It pairs with other records like DA Form 5969 (Section Chief’s Report).

In dynamic environments—whether deliberate, hasty, or emergency occupations—timely submission and updates of this data to the FDC or Platoon Operations Center (POC) maintain firing capability and unit survivability.

Key Fields on DA Form 5698

The form is designed for quick, field-ready use. Primary sections include:

  • Azimuth of Fire — The base orientation direction for the unit.
  • Howitzer Number — Identifies each piece.
  • Method of Lay — (e.g., using aiming circle or other orienting equipment).
  • Deflections — Horizontal angles for laying.
  • Grid Coordinates — Easting, Northing, and Altitude for precise location.
  • Distance (meters) and Vertical Angle (mils) — To each howitzer.
  • Calculation notes for converting to azimuth to howitzer (add/subtract mils as needed for specific systems like M12).

For detailed filling instructions, refer to Table D-3 in ATP 3-09.50 Appendix D.

When and How to Use DA Form 5698?

  • During RSOP — Gunnery sergeants record data while preparing positions.
  • After Occupation — Update following movement or changes in orientation.
  • Laying Procedures — Support aiming circle or backup laying methods.
  • Survivability Moves — Quick updates maintain continuous fire support.

Units emphasize dispersion techniques (e.g., terrain gun positioning) based on threat, making accurate location reporting even more critical.

Download Official DA Form 5698 PDF

Official Download Link (U.S. Army Publishing Directorate):
https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/DA%20FORM%205698.pdf

This is the fillable, current version. Always access forms through official Army channels (armypubs.army.mil) to ensure you have the latest edition.

Best Practices and Training Tips

  • Train advance parties and section chiefs on rapid completion during occupations.
  • Cross-check with survey control and other forms (e.g., DA Form 5699 Howitzer Range Card).
  • Incorporate into unit SOPs for consistency.
  • Review ATP 3-09.50 for full techniques on cannon battery operations, RSOP, and laying.

Accurate use of DA Form 5698 directly contributes to responsive, safe, and effective artillery support to maneuver forces.

  • ATP 3-09.50: The Field Artillery Cannon Battery (May 2016)
  • TC 3-09.81: Field Artillery Manual Cannon Gunnery
  • DA Form 5969 and DA Form 5699

Stay mission-ready — Proper documentation saves time, enhances accuracy, and protects the force. For official guidance, consult your unit leadership, FDC, or the latest Army publications.