DA Form 5964: Gunner’s Exam Scorecard – Mortars (PDF)

DA Form 5964: Gunner’s Exam Scorecard – Mortars (PDF) – U.S. Army mortar teams rely on precision, speed, and crew coordination for effective indirect fire support. DA Form 5964, officially titled Gunner’s Examination Scorecard – Mortars, is the key document used to evaluate and certify the proficiency of mortar gunners. This form plays a critical role in maintaining combat readiness for 60mm, 81mm, and 120mm mortar systems.

What Is DA Form 5964?

DA Form 5964 is a standardized U.S. Army scorecard that records a soldier’s performance during the Gunner’s Examination for mortars. It tracks scores across key tasks such as mounting the mortar, making deflection and elevation changes, referring the sight, realigning aiming posts, and reciprocal laying.

  • Date of Issue: March 1, 2017 (current version).
  • Proponent: U.S. Army (prescribed by TC 3-22.90, Mortars).
  • Purpose: To objectively measure gunner skills, support crew certification, and document proficiency for unit readiness and command inspections.

Units conduct the examination semiannually (or as required) to certify gunners. A copy of each soldier’s completed DA Form 5964 is often required in mortar packets during live-fire training and inspections.

Why the Gunner’s Examination Matters?

The Gunner’s Examination tests a candidate’s ability to perform under timed conditions with assistants, simulating real combat scenarios. It evaluates not only technical skill but also leadership and teamwork, as the gunner selects and works with three qualified assistants.

Qualification Standards (per established doctrine):

  • Expert Gunner: 90–100 points
  • First-Class Gunner: 80–89 points
  • Second-Class Gunner: 70–79 points
  • Unqualified: 69 or below

High scores demonstrate reliability in delivering accurate, timely mortar fire—the backbone of infantry fire support.

Key Sections and Tasks on DA Form 5964

The form typically covers five main stations for ground-mounted mortars (with variations for track-mounted systems):

  1. Mounting the Mortar — Proper setup, sight installation, and initial laying.
  2. Small Deflection Change — Quick, precise adjustments.
  3. Referring of the Sight and Realignment of Aiming Posts — Maintaining accuracy during operations.
  4. Large Deflection and Elevation Changes — Handling significant shifts in fire direction.
  5. Reciprocal Laying — Coordinating with other mortars or an aiming circle.

Evaluators record times, trial scores (usually two record trials after practice), and credit points at each station. The candidate carries the scorecard between stations.

Download the Official DA Form 5964 PDF Here:
https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN2896_A5964_final.pdf

How to Prepare for the Gunner’s Examination?

Successful performance requires thorough preparation:

  • Master mechanical training, crew drills, and fire commands.
  • Practice under timed conditions with your squad.
  • Focus on accuracy first, then speed.
  • Use the best available unit equipment and ensure proper sight settings (e.g., bubbles centered, correct deflection/elevation).

Reference primary sources:

  • TC 3-22.90, Mortars (2017 with changes) – The definitive manual.
  • Older FM 23-90 for historical context (superseded but still informative).

Leaders should rotate squad members through positions to build all-around proficiency.

Who Needs DA Form 5964?

  • Mortar platoon/section personnel (MOS 11C and others).
  • Commissioned officers and enlisted soldiers assigned to mortar units.
  • Anyone required to maintain mortar proficiency per commander’s guidance.

It supports individual qualification, unit METL (Mission Essential Task List) validation, and overall indirect fire readiness.

Tips for Filling and Using the Form

  • Evaluators (examining board of one officer and senior NCOs) complete the scores.
  • Record times, trial results, and totals clearly.
  • Ensure consistency across candidates for fairness.
  • Retain copies for records and inspections.

Always use the latest official version from Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil) to comply with current regulations.

Stay Mission-Ready

Mastering the tasks on DA Form 5964 directly translates to more accurate and lethal mortar fire on the battlefield. Whether you’re a new mortarman preparing for your first exam or a leader certifying your platoon, this form is an essential tool for excellence in U.S. Army indirect fire operations.

Official Download: DA Form 5964 PDF

For full procedures, consult TC 3-22.90 Mortars available through official Army channels.