From the Gun Line 2002 Author's Guide.

From the Gun Line (FGL) is a one magazine page column featured in Field Artillery written by an Army Command Sergeant Major (CSM) or Marine Sergeant Major (SgtMaj) sharing his expertise or point of view with our readers. The purpose of the column is to encourage or validate a positive trend; solve problems; inspire; explain a new program, system, procedure or concept; or outline training and leadership techniques. Your column's contents are not limited to Field Artillery- or fire support-related topics. Although the magazine has a theme for each edition, your column's contents do not have to relate to the theme.

Since its founding in 1911, one of Field Artillery's objectives has been to serve as a forum for professional discussions. Therefore, your viewpoint, explanations, recommended techniques and procedures, or discussions of concepts do not have to agree with those of the branch, Army, Marine Corps or the Department of Defense. However, your column's contents must be logical, accurate, complete, address disadvantages as well as advantages (as applicable), promote only safe procedures and include no classified information.

Magazine Readership. A bimonthly magazine, Field Artillery is the professional journal for US Army and Marine Corps Field Artillerymen stationed around the world. Approximately 40 percent of our readership is company grade-- officer and enlisted. The remaining 60 percent are more senior Army and Marine personnel, members of other branches and services DoD and other civilians, military retirees, allies, defense contractors, ROTC and USMA cadets, and our political leaders. Our readership includes active duty, Army National Guard and Marine Reserve personnel.

Writing Style. Write clearly and concisely and put your column's thesis statement (bottom line) up front in the first couple of paragraphs. The body of your column should systematically contribute to your thesis. One way to check your column's organization is add a subhead for each of your main points and check to see if each contributes to your bottom line; if not, then either rewrite your point or bottom line.

Don't discuss only general concepts, such as training and leadership; give our NCO readers practical information on how to implement the concepts--tell them what to do to improve. Be specific about your points, giving examples whenever possible.

When writing, always keep in mind your readers, many of who are not in the Army or Marines or even in the military. When you use an acronym, spell it out the first time. When mentioning a new or rare concept, system or technique, briefly explain it, even if it isn't the point of the paragraph.

Submissions. Please send or email the following--

* A clean three and one-half page, double-spaced typed column. Please do not send a column to Field Artillery while it is being considered for publication elsewhere.

* A comprehensive biography outlining your experience, training, and military and civilian education. Please include any information that credentials you as the author of your column. Include your full name, job, military address, telephone and fax numbers, and email and home addresses. Please keep this information current as long as we are considering your column.

* A graphic to illustrate your column. The column can be a photograph, chart, military crest, slide, map, etc. If the graphic is a photo, include a caption. Please go to our web site and read the "Digital Photo Shooter's Guide" before you shoot or send us a digital photo: sill-www.army.mil/famag.

Send your column, bio and graphic to--

Field Artillery

P.O. Box 33311

Fort Sill, Oklahoma 73503-0311

Email: [e-mail]

The Field Artillery staff will edit your column and put it in our style and format. You'll receive a "Check Copy" of the edited version for review before we publish it. Feel free to access copies of the magazine back to 1979 on line: sill-www.army.mil/famag. If you have questions, call us at DSN 639-5121/6806 or [phone]/6806. Our fax is 7773 and works with both prefixes.

2002 Field Artillery Themes and Deadlines


Edition  Theme           Deadline

Jan-Feb  Training XXI    1 Oct 01
Mar-Apr  FA Science and
          Technology     1 Dec
May-Jun  The FA NCO      1 Feb 02
Jul-Aug  History         1 Feb: Contest [*]
                         1 Apr: Other
Sep-Oct  Close Support   1 Jun
Nov-Dec  Red Book-       1 Aug



(*)History Contest submissions are due; all other articles are
due 1 April.