The journey to retrieve the base charge is a time-honored artillery tradition. Fort Sill’s highest leaders made their way up Blockhouse Signal Mountain where it is stored, and added their flavor to the lore.
“It’s Blockhouse Signal Mountain. It’s the mecca of all things artillery. It’s the primo north compass of artillery men and women worldwide,” said Maj. Gen. Kenneth Kamper, Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill commanding general.
Every year, a select group makes their way up to the rundown structure which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Kamper said he could’ve taken the trip with Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Burnley, FCoE and Fort Sill CSM, but he was pleased more leaders joined in the journey.
“My theory is life is more fun with more teammates, parallel to Fires 45. So, thanks for joining us just to go through something unique,” Kamper told the group.
Explosive ordnance Soldiers led the way as the Fort Sill leaders hiked up the impact area. The terrain showed signs of wear and tear as large pieces of red clay were displaced from the ground. The evidence of Soldiers’ training made the trek even more symbolic.
“The base charge represents our line of selfless service and those who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their life in the call of duty. It serves as the base ingredient, as a connection between the old and the new,” said Glenn Waters, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security director.
Waters brought a green book as a log for all those who made the journey.
David Harper, DPTMS Training Division chief, carried a 155 howitzer canister strapped to his back. At the top, he set it down and Waters removed a piece of tape revealing an FCoE command team nameplate on its front.
The charge is retrieved for the Saint Barbara’s Day Ball and then is returned afterward. The origin of the retrieval tradition is unknown. Its legend changes ever so slightly, just like the ingredients inside the actual base charge.
Col. Richard Harrison, Air Defense Artillery School commandant and chief of ADA, and Brig. Gen. Phil Brooks, Field Artillery School commandant and chief of FA, recounted the trip.
“It was a grueling journey. We traveled over several thousands of miles to get here on the back of elephants and tigers. We climbed steep mountains. We actually endured treacherous weather just to get here to retrieve that base,” stated Harrison.
Brooks agreed and said he was surprised they had voices left to tell the tale after combatting the wind.
“The base charge is a key ingredient to every punch that we make at the Saint Barbara’s Day Ball. It’s oftentimes brought in by trusted noncommissioned officers who have wrestled this thing out of the hands of grizzly bears. Without the base charge we have no artillery punch and without artillery punch we have no Saint Barbara’s Day,” said Harrison.
The group left Blockhouse Signal Mountain once the base charge was retrieved. The site that was once used as an observation point and weather and signal station continues as a point for leaders to join in camaraderie and artillery folklore.
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