DRAWSKO POMORSKIE, Poland (Sept. 16, 2015) -- There's a lot of coordination that takes place between a mortar platoon and the fire support specialists (forward observers) to ensure their lethal rounds make their way to the proper target.
For the forward observers, they have to accurately and quickly relay what they see from their vantage point to the mortar platoon. Only then can the mortar platoon make the proper adjustments to ensure the rounds go precisely where they need to.
They got the chance to put their skills to the test when three separate platoons, assigned to P Troop, 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, participated in a mortar range at the Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area in Poland, Sept. 16.
This was also a chance for the fire support specialists to become teachers by helping their fellow troopers become better acquainted with calling in artillery and mortar rounds.
Spc. Gunner Franks, a fire support specialist assigned to P Troop, said having the opportunity to train with the other Soldiers of the troop is beneficial for him, as it allows him to share his knowledge with others, who may be unfamiliar with this critical task.
"We've done a lot of training with the scouts previously, and it seems like they're integrating that training really well," Franks said. "For a lot of these guys, it's their first time being able to call for fire outside of a classroom environment."
Franks said when they're not in the field they use a call for fires trainer to help them stay proficient, as well as teach the other troopers how to call in artillery and mortar rounds, and although it's a good asset for the troop, there's nothing that replicates field time like field time.
"Most of the time, the call for fires trainer is giving you the ideal conditions, but here it's real world so it's going to be harder to judge the distance to your target," Franks said. "Here you're able to see how different types terrain effects your ability to see your target."
Franks said having the mortar platoon involved in the training adds a degree of realism they can't get from a trainer.
"When we use the trainer, we have speakers simulating what the sound of an impacting round makes," Franks said. "In the training, we play the role of the mortar platoon, but here they're using real radios and are talking to the actual mortar platoon."
One Soldier reaping the benefits of this training is Spc. Devin Welch, a cavalry scout assigned to P Troop.
"For me it's the first time doing this type of training," Welch said. "Usually we use a projector screen to replicate this type of training, but now we're doing actual call for fire with actual mortars."
Welch said he thinks having the ability to train in this type of scenario is critical for him and his platoon.
"Calling for fire is our main way of destroying the enemy, because the radio is our main weapon while on patrol," Welch said. "Having the different platoons out here working together strengthens our troop and allows us to see where we're at as a whole."
2nd Lt. David Nelson, the fire support officer for P Troop, said calling for fire is a basic level skill for the cavalry scouts and this type of training helps keep them proficient at this skill.
"I think this is a great opportunity for them to see how to observe and adjust rounds," Nelson said. "They get to see how this works in real life versus just the simulator."
Nelson said he's proud of the teaching role his platoon has taken on during this training, and feels like it's something that will strengthen them.
"I'm really proud that my team gets the chance to teach and mentor our fellow Soldiers," Nelson said. "These exercises not only benefit the scout platoon, but ours as well by incorporating all the different assets of the platoon."
The Soldiers of P Troop are here as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, an ongoing multinational partnership focused on combined training and security cooperation between NATO allies. Led by the 4th Infantry Division Mission Command Element and in conjunction with European partner nations, Atlantic Resolve is intended to improve operational capacity in a range of missions and ensure continued peace and stability across Europe.
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