What is an artilleryman in the marine corps?

Answer 1

Artillery provides support for ground troops. The artillery man the cannons and howitzers. They move them, set them up and fire rounds as directed by spotters. There are many MOS's within the Artillery community. Survey, Fire Control and howitzer maintenance are all parts of the unit.

Answer 2

Artillery adds dignity to what would otherwise be a vulgar brawl. - Unknown source often quoted in artillery circles.

Artillery is used as an indirect fire weapon. It has been and will continue to be used as a direct fire weapon used to secure a perimeter. An artillery round can destroy things that weapons carried by rifleman cannot touch. When coupled with a laser target designator, GPS and a skilled artillery forward observer, it can deliver a first round on target to the enemy many miles outside of the Marine Expeditionary Unit's maneuver area. It is a tool that can Reach Out and Touch Someone. It gives them the ability to hold off larger attacking groups and to hit targets well out of range of shoulder fired weapons.