Raven: There seems to be some confusion out there as to what is an armorer.
Until recently there were 5 levels of Maintenance.
1. Organizational or Unit- Company Armorer lives here(limited repair)
2. Direct Support-Battalion repairman(limited repair)
3. General support-Brigade repairman(general repairman)
4. Depot-rebuild (complete system repairman)
5. Manufacturer
In todays ARMY there are 3 levels of Maintenance. (but should be 4 as the MFG is now left off)
1. Organizational or Unit
2. Field
3. Depot
An armorer in todays world is a 76Y Supply person, but not always. He can be a 45B. The Direct level has a limited amount of repair that he may do and is usually a 76Y or 45B. Under General Support is the Small Arms Repairman, (the armorer is not the small arms repairman). The small arms repairman is allowed to replace all parts except the serial numbered part. This is an Ordance Sgt. and is a 45B. Highest rank he may attain is Sgt.E-5. If this Sgt. wants to advance his career he must become a 45K. A 45K is a Tank Repairman. The Tank repairman can advance to SFC. E-7. and each job lessor to his MUST be known by him. ie the 45K must know 45B and be able to demonstrate it. The 76Y can attain the rank of E-9. So this career field can go through the entire rank structure (76)without changing career field. Its the easiest career field advancement in the ARMY. Note that the numerical number following the letter in the designation lists the lever of what was attained in rank.
10= E3
20 to E5
30 to E6
40 to E7
By what has been posted here in the past it would appear that the Ordance Sgt.(appointed) is a supply person and has the responsibility of accountability of all Ordance within his Company. It also doesn't say he repairs anything. This seems to correspond with the evolutionary changes within the ARMY.
I do hope this helps clerify what an Ordance Sgt. is in TODAYS world.
SFC Don Belcher USA ret. 45K40