Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Stephanie Widemond | Sgt. 1st Class James Copeland, 2-306th Field Artillery Regiment, 188th Infantry...... read more read more
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FORT STEWART, Ga. – One of the many weapons at an artilleryman’s disposal is the M109A6 howitzer. The Paladin is a self-propelled tracked weapons system that provides artillery support to ground troops. As observer-coach/trainers in 188th Infantry Brigade, the Soldiers of 2-306th Field Artillery Regiment are primarily responsible for training, advising and assisting National Guard and Reserve component Soldiers in core competencies, but do not have any Paladins native to the unit. However, they are still able to maintain their proficiencies and stay current on their training with the help of the Call For Fire Trainer training facility on Fort Stewart.
“The Soldiers get to train on some howitzer crew drills and practice safety procedures,” said Randolph Scales, site manager for CFFT and FSCATT.
He said that the purpose of the simulator is to bring the fire direction center and the firing battery together for some drills that will enable them to work more efficiently in and around the Paladin.
The Fire Support Combined Arms Tactical Trainer enables the 2-306th to get the same training their National Guard and Reserve training unit partners get. This common operating picture allows the O-C/Ts to better assist the Reserve components during after-action reviews.
Providing feedback during AARs is one way 188th O-C/Ts assist the training unit with maintaining their standard operating procedures and tactics, techniques and procedures in accordance with Army doctrine.
“We are able to cross train and prepare ourselves for training a unit that has this equipment,” said Sgt. 1st Class Chrisobal Cruz, Bravo team O-C/T. “This trainer gives us the additional assets we need to train.”
The FSCATT allows the Red Dragon battalion to focus on crew drills which are essential to mission success. Four team members must talk to each other, as well as receive instructions from the fire direction center so that the rounds land on target each time. At any point, if there is a breakdown in communication, the mission may fail.
“Slow is smooth and smooth is fast,” said Sgt. 1st Class James Copeland, also of Bravo team.
Copeland said that this methodology ensures no mistakes are made. This also helps mitigate any unnecessary, and expensive, safety risks.
“This simulator saves the Army thousands of dollars,” said Scales.
The savings come in the form of transportation, fuel, ammunition and supplies. A misfired round as a result of miscommunication is wasted money. In a time when fiscal responsibility is a reality, the FSCATT trainer is an option that makes use of technology to keep Soldiers ready.
“We are able to hone our skills,” said Copeland.
The 2-306th FA took advantage of the artillery simulator, but the CFFT offers other classes as well.
“We offer great opportunities to train and learn to all MOSs,” said Scales.
The facility also offers land navigation and map reading classes to any unit regardless of their military occupational specialty.
He went on to say that these perishable skills are those that help Soldiers throughout their career. As a former Soldier, Scales takes pride in still being a part of Soldiers’ lives.
“I am a Soldier for life, it speaks to my heart. The values, the thought processes and wanting to be there for your country never goes away,” Scales said.
He enjoys being part of the total Army team.
These engrained values are the same ones shared by Soldiers. When coupled with Army doctrine that 188th Infantry Brigade O-C/Ts use as a reference when advising and assisting their Reserve component partners, it helps preserve operational capability and readiness.
| Date Taken: | 11.20.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 11.21.2014 14:00 |
| Story ID: | 148495 |
| Location: | FORT STEWART, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,056 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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