The M109a1 is a self propelled howitzer also known as artillery. It is an upgraded version of the standard M109 featuring a longer 155mm barrel for increased accuracy over distances. The M109a1 was introduced in the early 70’s as a new armored artillery unit. The new barrel gave the M109a1 3.5 kilometer range, about 2.2 miles, advantage over its predecessor. The M109a1 shot 155mm HE, high-explosive, rounds to assist ground advancements made by MBT’s, main battle tanks, and troop’s. The M109a1 has been used in multiple conflicts and by multiple countries including, Yom Kippur War by Israel, as well as the Lebanon War, Iran-Iraq war by the Iranians, and finally in the Gulf War by American, British, Egyptian, and Saudi forces. The M109a1 has been exported to 26 countries outside of the US originally NATO allies and eventually the Middle East. While artillery pieces are typically overlooked for “cooler” tanks they play a major role in actual warfare providing crucial support to boots on the ground.