Now with the new 777 that supposedly takes awhile to emplace and displace that seems almost reckless in regards to near peer combat.
You and I (I'm guessing) had the M198. I have to say I had old man skepticism towards the M777 when I first heard about it. But I've got to see it up close a few times, and it's a beautiful gun. The weight reduction is incredible, and it was kind of funny seeing that curved ramming staff.
I haven't heard about it being more difficult to emplace and displace, but it seems the much lighter weight should make it easier to manhandle on awkward ground, etc...
I do miss fire direction -- loved that job, and the sharp Marines that were in the 0844/0848 MOS's.