Gunners take inspiration from the pre-War United States Armed Forces in their organization, with certain modifications. Their military rank system is lifted wholesale from the pre-War Army: Gunners rank from the basic recruit, through privates, all the way to colonel. However, they also tattoo their members on the forehead to distinguish their membership and ensure loyalty. Blood types are also tattooed, to expedite medical care.

In terms of training, the Gunners are one of the most well trained military forces out there, on par with the Brotherhood of Steel, but lacking the corresponding moral fibre. They operate in a strict military fashion, with a well-defined chain of command and procedures for dealing with unforeseen circumstances, such as losing a ranking officer in the field or running operations while off the grid (without radio contact with Gunner command). To improve their power projection capabilities, the Gunners operate a variety of strongholds throughout the wasteland, located in strategic spots that are easy to defend. Even temporary camps, such as those established during long range reconnaissance missions, and always set up in a way that makes them difficult to attack.