Private First Class, Michael Klinetop, Battery A, 1/9 Field Artillery, 2HBCT, 3rd ID, guards the rear of a Paladin with a MARK 19 from his Carrier Ammo Transport Vehicle during the "Battle Kings" week-long Table XVIII firing exercise on Fort Stewart,...

FORT STEWART, Ga. - The 1st "BattleKings" Battalion, 9th Field Artillery, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, Third Infantry Division, went back to the basics and focused on core competencies when they had a rare opportunity to mass all of the battalion's fire power during gunnery Table XVIII live-fire evaluation, Feb. 27 - March 2.

"Table XVIII is the final step in the gunnery certification process for a fires battalion," said Sgt. 1st Class Mark Martin, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Master Gunner. "This table evaluates the entire fire battalion's ability to employ their howitzers while moving tactically, shoot degraded fire missions, as well as treat and evacuate casualties."

The Batteking's train-up to Table XVIII started when they drew their M119 A2 Paladin last May said Lt. Col. Wayne Hertel, Commander, 1/9 FA.

It was during that time the unit began training their artillerymen on fire support fundamentals and tactical decision making.

The training period concluded with the fire supporters competing in two events: the best Forward Observer and best Fire Support Team competition.

"In the beginning we focused on weapons proficiency, combat-focused physical training and artillery fundamentals. Now we are using lessons learned from multiple combat tours and focused on massing our guns as a fires battalion," Lt. Col. Hertel said.

Due to deployments and mission requirements this was the battalion's first opportunity to conduct live fire training qualification Table XVIII.

Conducting Table XVIII has been an extremely rare occasion for the 'Battlekings.'

"The last time the we completed a Table XVIII live-fire was eight to ten years ago. In the past the Battalion focused solely on platoon and battery level gunnery," Lt. Col. Hertel said.

The end result of this realistic and rigorous training is the Spartan Brigade is provided with highly trained, accurate and lethal fire supporters, Lt. Col. Hertel stated.

"The conclusion of this exercise confirms the thought that the 'Battlekings' are ready for any mission, anytime, anywhere," Lt. Col. Hertel said.