FORT HOOD, Texas - On the command of "Fire," the sound of thunder reverberates throughout the training area.
On one side of the field are tracked artillery known as the M109 Paladin, capable of firing a 155mm round up to 18 miles away. Located a couple miles away are the M207 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, which feature a rotating turret that can swivel to the proper position just before firing a round.
Together the 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team and the 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Fires Brigade synchronized Paladin and rocket propelled MLRS to simultaneously engage a single target area Sept. 18 at Fort Hood, Texas.
"This is referred to as massing fires, a critical capability for brigade-, division- and corps- level commanders," said Lt. Col. Ryan McCormack, commander of 2-82 FA. "It has been about 10 years since training like this has occurred on Fort Hood."
Usually 2-82 FA would hold individual Paladin crew training and qualifications. Once the teams fire in individual teams, then they would fire together as a platoon and then as a battalion. Combining different types of artillery across multiple units while synchronizing fires upon a single command, however, presents a greater level of complexity.
"This is probably one of the hardest things to do in the field artillery world, to mass on target," said 1st Sgt. Michael Cabrera, first sergeant for Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2-82 FA.
In addition to the two firing locations, 2-82 FA set up an observation point at a higher elevation to monitor and observe the impact zone. From there, observers used target acquisition radars to track incoming artillery fire and confirm that the multiple fire systems were on target.
This in-depth engagement compelled 2-82 FA and 20th FA fire support teams to communicate with each other and work together as a cohesive team on the battlefield.
"We need to know where our friendly forces are," said Cabrera. "We are firing big bullets and big rockets."
From the planning phase to the Soldier pulling the lanyard, their dedication did not go unnoticed.
"I would like to thank all of the hard work of our Soldiers, noncommissioned officers and junior leaders out here for the past few weeks," said Lt. Col. Jonathan Velishka, commander of 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Fires Brigade. "They worked through the weather and elements to make sure we optimize the last few days in the field."
"Greywolf continues to conduct tough, realistic training that provides the complexity to develop leaders," said McCormack. "We train our Soldiers to be mentally, personally and professionally grounded, along with being physically tough."
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