Da Form 2188 R - Fill Out and Use This PDF

The DA Form 2188-R is a military documentation tool designated for the setup and tracking of weapon data, including details on ammunition and target data. Defined by the Army's Field Manual 3-22.91 and upheld by the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), this form plays a crucial role in operational preparedness and effectiveness. For a comprehensive approach to filling out the DA Form 2188-R, click the button below.

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Da Form 2188 R PDF Details

The DA Form 2188-R records weapon setup parameters, ammunition inventory, and target engagement data for Army mortar and artillery operations. Three main data blocks appear on the form: weapon setup, ammunition data, and target data. Mortar crews and artillery sections complete this form before and after each fire mission to maintain accurate operational records.

Weapon Setup and Ammunition Data

The weapon setup section captures unit designation, date, and position grid coordinates along with the weapon type and assigned serial number. Operators enter the direction of lay in mils (0 to 6400), weapon altitude in meters above sea level, and time of setup as provided by the fire direction center (FDC). The ammunition data block lists each lot number, propellant charge designation, and projectile type. Round types include high explosive (HE), white phosphorus (WP), and illumination rounds. Crews record the initial count of rounds at mission start and update the running tally after each engagement.

Target Data and Historical Background

Target data fields document target number, grid reference, observer call sign, type of fire, and total rounds expended per engagement. The current version of DA Form 2188-R was issued in March 1991. It replaced an earlier version from March 1977 after a 14-year revision cycle. Field Manual 3-22.91, published by the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), governs the completion and retention of this form across all Army mortar and artillery units.

Who Uses DA Form 2188-R?

Mortar crews, fire support teams (FISTs), and field artillery observers use the DA Form 2188-R in active Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard units. Unit commanders and S3 staff officers review completed forms during after-action reviews to evaluate fire effectiveness and ammunition accountability. For other standard Army documentation you may need alongside this form, see the DA Form 87 Certificate, the DA Form 4856 counseling record, and the Army Leaders Book.

Question	Answer
Form Name	Da Form 2188 R
Form Length	1 pages
Fillable?	No
Fillable fields	0
Avg. time to fill out	15 sec
Other names	A2188_R da 2188 r form

How to Edit Da Form 2188 R Online for Free

Open the DA Form 2188-R using the PDF viewer on this page. You can print the blank form directly or complete the fillable fields on screen before printing. The six steps below walk through each section of the form in order.

How to Fill Out DA Form 2188-R Step by Step

Weapon Setup (Section I): Enter the date, unit designation, and position grid reference. Record the weapon type (such as M224 mortar or M198 howitzer) and the serial number assigned to the crew.
Direction and Altitude: Enter the direction of lay in mils (0 to 6400) and weapon altitude in meters above sea level. These values come from the fire direction center (FDC) and must match the firing data card.
Ammunition Inventory: List each lot number, propellant charge designation, and round type (HE, WP, or illumination). Enter the initial round count available before the first fire mission.
Target Data Entry: For each fire mission, record the target number, grid reference, and observer call sign. Note the type of fire (area, precision, or suppression) and the observation method used.
Round Expenditure Tracking: Update the running count of rounds fired after each mission. Record the time of first round and time of last round for each engagement.
Commander Signature: The section leader or platoon commander signs and dates the completed form. Forward it to the unit S4 for ammunition accountability and to the S3 for operations records retention.

Tips for Accurate Completion

Cross-reference each lot number against the DA Form 581 ammunition request to confirm accountability. Use the firing table or ballistic computer data to verify direction and charge before entering it on the form. Keep all completed DA Form 2188-R records on file for a minimum of 90 days for post-exercise review and audit.

Frequently Asked Questions About DA Form 2188-R

What is DA Form 2188-R used for?

It is the Army's standard weapon data record used by mortar and artillery crews to document setup parameters, ammunition counts, and target engagement data during field operations and live-fire exercises.

What Army regulation covers DA Form 2188-R?

FM 3-22.91, published by the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), prescribes the use and proper completion of DA Form 2188-R for all mortar crew and artillery unit operations.

Where else can I find related Army forms?

You can browse similar military documentation on this site, including the DA Form 5960 for housing allowance, the Military Power of Attorney form, and other Army administrative forms in the Army forms section.