DA Form 5969: Section Chief’s Report (105mm & 155mm) – U.S. Army field artillery soldiers operating M119 (105-mm) or M777/M109 (155-mm) howitzers rely on DA Form 5969, the Section Chief’s Report, as a critical document. It supports safe, effective indirect fire operations by providing essential position and safety data to platoon leaders and fire direction centers (FDC/POC).
What Is DA Form 5969?
DA Form 5969 (Section Chief’s Report for 105-mm and 155-mm Howitzers) is an official U.S. Army form used by howitzer section chiefs to report key tactical and technical data after occupying a firing position. It enables platoon leaders to consolidate information, verify minimum quadrant elevation (min QE), and ensure overall firing safety and capability.
The form supports both towed (e.g., M119, M777) and self-propelled systems in conventional field artillery batteries. Current doctrine in ATP 3-09.50 (The Field Artillery Cannon Battery) and related publications like FM 6-50/ATP 3-09.70 reference it for cannon battery operations.
Purpose of the Section Chief’s Report
Section chiefs complete DA Form 5969 for each position area or firing point occupied. It serves these primary functions:
- Safety Verification — Provides data for determining and verifying minimum quadrant elevation (min QE) to prevent rounds from striking friendly forces or obstacles (mask clearance).
- Platoon/FDC Consolidation — Supplies the platoon leader and FDO with standardized inputs for reports, fire planning, and command decisions.
- Operational Readiness — Tracks position-specific details like azimuth of fire, crest data, deflection limits, ammunition status, and propellant temperature.
- Degraded Operations Support — Remains vital even in denied, degraded, or disrupted environments (D3SOE) when digital systems fail.
Accurate submission ensures compliance with safety protocols and maintains the battery’s ability to deliver timely, accurate fires.
Key Information on DA Form 5969
Typical entries (based on doctrinal examples) include:
- Date-Time Group (DTG)
- Howitzer number and bumper number
- Azimuth of fire
- Lay deflection (from lay circle or reference howitzer)
- Distance from lay circle to howitzer
- Site to crest (in mils)
- Distance to crest (in meters)
- Crest object (e.g., tree, ridge line)
- Minimum and maximum quadrant elevation
- Left and right deflection limits
- Propellant temperature
- Sensitive items inventory
- Ammunition status (projectiles by type, weight, lot; fuzes; primers)
The form often includes space for additional remarks or updates on missions fired and equipment status.
Pro Tip: Always cross-reference with DA Form 5698 (Weapon Location Data), DA Form 4513 (Record of Missions Fired), and the Gunner’s Reference Card (DA Form 5212).
Who Uses DA Form 5969 and When?
- Primary User — Howitzer Section Chief (13B Cannon Crewmember).
- Recipients — Platoon Leader, Platoon Sergeant, or directly to the FDC/POC.
- When Required — After every occupation (RSOP), position change, or as directed by unit SOP. It supports the 8-minute drill and other certification tasks.
Section chiefs bear responsibility for accuracy, as errors can impact safety computations and mission effectiveness.
How to Complete and Submit DA Form 5969?
- During/After Occupation — Use TLABSPAP memory aid for emplacement and gather required measurements (site to crest with M2 compass/aiming circle, distances, etc.).
- Record Data Accurately — Double-check calculations for min QE and limits.
- Submit Promptly — To the platoon leader or FDC for consolidation.
- Retain Copies — Per unit SOP for records and after-action reviews.
Digital systems (e.g., AFATDS) may automate some data, but the manual form ensures redundancy in contested environments.
Download the Official DA Form 5969 PDF Here:
https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/DA%20FORM%205969.pdf
Fillable versions are also available on authorized Army sites and tools like PDFRun or TemplateRoller for training/practice (always use the official source for operations).
Importance in U.S. Army Field Artillery Training and Operations
DA Form 5969 directly supports Artillery Tables in TC 3-09.8 (Fire Support and Field Artillery Certification and Qualification) and ATP 3-09.50 procedures. Mastery of this form is part of section certification and qualification, emphasizing manual gunnery skills alongside automated systems.
In large-scale combat operations (LSCO), accurate Section Chief’s Reports help batteries maintain firing capability despite electronic warfare threats.
Best Practices and Common Pitfalls
- Verify all measurements on the ground.
- Coordinate with the gunnery sergeant or platoon leadership for consistent lay data.
- Update for changes in ammunition lots or environmental conditions (e.g., propellant temp).
- Avoid incomplete submissions — they delay min QE verification and increase risk.
Unit SOPs may add specific requirements; always prioritize current doctrine and local policies.
Stay Current with Army Publications
Refer to these trusted sources for the latest guidance:
- Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil)
- ATP 3-09.50 – The Field Artillery Cannon Battery
- ATP 3-09.70 – Paladin Operations
- TC 3-09.8 – Certification and Qualification
- FM 3-09 – Field Artillery Operations
DA Form 5969 remains a foundational tool for every 105-mm and 155-mm howitzer section chief in the U.S. Army. Proper use enhances safety, accuracy, and combat effectiveness for artillery units supporting maneuver forces. Download the form, train your section, and integrate it into every occupation drill.