Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. Wesley Todd has developed a muzzle break removal device for light towed howitzers in an effort to help increase warfighter safety and equipment longevity.
The U.S. Army said Friday Todd — a member of the Bravo Company, 935th Aviation Support Battalion — created the device to help soldiers remove seized muzzle brakes without the use of potentially damaging force that might impact the howitzer’s barrel.
“Various units throughout Illinois contact our department … looking for possible changes to issued equipment that will meet their specific needs,” said Todd.
“In the future, I would love to work in a position researching and developing various military equipment and systems.”
The muzzle brake removal technology is Todd’s first self-designed and -fabricated piece of equipment, the Army noted.
He also modified various automotive tools to facilitate the replacement of parts and reduce the risk of damage to the components during the repair process.