FORT HOOD, Texas - Approximately 28 mortarmen, assigned to the 4th "Dark Horse" Squadron, 9th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducted dismounted mortar live-fire exercises here, Feb 4 to 8.
Mortarmen from Troops A, B and C, 4-9 Cav., conducted the live-fire to certify mortar crews and gain advanced training on three separate weapons systems, 1st Lt. James Williams, Dark Horse assistant fire support officer, said.
"We have five mortar crews comprised of some experienced and some less experienced mortarmen, certifying our crews with emphasis on the gunner's proficiency," Williams added.
Gunners' position is key and every soldier that takes the gunners exam doesn't pass, Williams said. Other key elements to crew qualification is learning all three weapons systems, mounted and dismounted operations.
Crews trained with more than 1,200 60 mm, 81 mm and 120 mm mortar rounds and their designated tubes within all aspects of their individual positions.
"The systems are new to young soldiers and not utilized as much by the experienced," said Staff Sgt. Jerry Adamick, a section leader with Troop B. "It's great advanced training and ensures every mortarman knows his job and level above too."
Cross training at different levels allows the experienced mortarmen to help assist and instruct the less experienced, Adamick said.
With two years experience as a mortarman, Spc. Hyson Largo with Troop B said the familiarization with the three mortar systems was great.
"Refreshers are always great," he added.
Largo explained training paid off as the rounds continued to strike the impact zone successfully.
"Successful training leads to successful impacts, which leads to successful enemy suppression on the battlefield," Largo said.
"Great thing about mortar rounds in combat is sizable impact of the larger rounds and maneuverability on the battlefield with smaller ones such as the 60mm round," Williams added.
As the week finished out, Dark Horse motor crews took lessons learned from the live fire, and prepared for any overseas rotations, Williams said.
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