Cannon Corner March 2008

1Lt. Jonathan J. Springer took home the grand-prize in our first ever Win a Canon® photo contest but there is more to this Soldier than a winning photo. CannonArtillery.com had the opportunity to converse with Springer and discussed his favorite things and his experiences as an artilleryman currently serving in Iraq.

Name: Jonathan J. Springer
Service Branch and units: 
Officer Side: Field Artillery, Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment
Enlisted Side: Public Affairs, 16th Military Police Brigade (Airborne)
Rank: 1LT
Number of years served: 5 years
Current location/assignment: Platoon Leader and Fire Direction Officer for A/2-320th FAR at FOB O’Ryan, Iraq
Hometown: Warsaw, Indiana

Artillery in Today's Fight

In your opinion, what advantage(s) does cannon artillery bring to today's battlefield? 
The great thing about the Field Artillery is that it is all-weather, it’s accurate, and the effects are lethal. Artillery plays an instrumental role in the success of all counterinsurgency operations the 2-320th FAR are conducting while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-08.

How does cannon artillery's role in combat today further the case for cannons? 
I’ve seen the devastating effects of artillery first-hand during Operation Fulton Harvest II. During that historic operation, A/2-320th FAR shot over 1100 HE rounds in 48 hours while in Direct Support of 2-327 Infantry Regiment – the most artillery fired in that short of time since OIF I. During that operation, we cleared the objective, accurately mind you, from over 12 kilometers away before the Infantry moved in on their targets. Let me say that the Infantry’s success during that mission was a direct reflection of the outstanding dedication and preparation A-320th FAR put into training before that full-spectrum COIN operation.

The Field Artillery will never go away in this current fight or in future fights. The U.S. Military will always need the Field Artillery on the battlefield … and that’s what makes the “King of Battle” so special.

How has the evolution of cannon artillery helped shape your military career? 
Since becoming a Field Artillery officer, I’ve been introduced to some of the finest Officers, Noncommissioned Officers, and Soldiers that are serving in the Army today. The experience that I’ve gained working within the “Balls of the Eagle” battalion will no-doubt make me a better Army Officer in future.

What guns are you currently using while serving in a combat zone? How do you rate the performance of the various guns? 
The M119A2 howitzer.


Have you had the opportunity to witness the firing of the Excalibur precision munitions? 
If so, what benefits does it bring to the fight? No, I haven’t seen these exciting munitions as of yet. I have some friends that are in units that have fired these rounds, and they’ve had nothing but positive things to say about the Excalibur. I believe these munitions will further the progression of the Field Artillery and help shape the battlefield in the future.

Just for Fun

What is your favorite movie? Rudy
Favorite book? The Bible
Favorite sports team? Notre Dame Football
What restaurant do you miss most while outside the states? Anything that serves a good beer
What songs/artists are currently on your iPod playlist? I have over 7000 songs on my iPod right now. My favorite artists are Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Coldplay and Rammstein