FORT DRUM, N.Y. (April 14, 2016) -- Artillerymen assigned to 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment "Allons," 2nd Brigade Combat Team, conducted prequalification training on how to safely operate the M119A2 105 mm howitzer, April 4-8, on Fort Drum. This training allowed commanders to assess their batteries' levels of readiness before heading into certifications later this month.
"I couldn't stress how important this training is," said Capt. Colby Sortevick, officer in charge of training. "We have certifications that are annual and biannual to keep up with the safety requirements that are needed to fire live rounds in the Fort Drum training area."
With certification only weeks away and skill levels ranging from novice to seasoned crewmember, the "Allons" Battalion had one shot at leveling the playing field before Soldiers fire explosive rounds down range.
"We are bringing the whole entire 13 series (field artillery) community together to re-glue all the skills that may have been lost after their last deployment to Afghanistan," Sortevick said.
To be successful, the unit integrated the two aspects of field artillery: the section that computes and sends firing data and the section that receives and fires based on that data.
The computing section is the field artillery automated tactical data systems specialists who play a critical role in the safe, accurate and lethal delivery of fire support by calculating target locations.
The second aspect is the receiving section or the cannon crewmember who delivers the weapon system via Humvee, emplaces the equipment, and bears responsibility for loading and firing the gun.
To accomplish these tasks in a garrison environment, Fort Drum's Division Hill was selected for its convenient and spacious training area.
Artillerymen also need to be able to operate the M2A2 Aiming Circle. This device is used to measure the azimuth and elevation angles of ground or aerial targets to ensure the gunner of the howitzer has an accurate reading while preparing the gun to fire.
Teams worked side by side to earn their certification, and their combined efforts grew the confidence of the more junior Soldiers.
"I have learned a lot more out here, (more) than what I have learned in AIT (advanced individual training)," said Pvt. Manuel Mendoza, cannon crewmember. "Our noncommissioned officers are breaking down each firing procedure by the book to ensure we are doing it correctly and safely."
One NCO felt the event's step-by-step training method helped him to train his Soldiers on every firing position and ensure his team's future success.
"I feel that this training has been broken down to a level that is more in-depth so our Soldiers have a chance to learn everyone's job," said Sgt. Marco Rubio, cannon crewmember. "By taking these steps, artillerymen will feel more confident when they are put into a chief-level position."
On the last day of practical exercises, key leaders took advantage of the video teleconference system offered at the Mountain Training Center to have a meeting with trainers at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, La., to discuss upcoming training.
Capt. Robert Kelly, A Battery commander, said that it's very hard to get all of the artillerymen together in one place.
Using the training aids at the Mountain Training Center on Fort Drum, combined with using Division Hill, has allowed all of "Allons" to come together and train as one team.
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