ANA participates in first live-fire artillery shoot

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

02.26.2011

Story by Cpl. Megan Sindelar 

Regional Command Southwest

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The Afghan National Army 215th Corps participated in their first live-fire artillery exercise from Artillery Hill just east of Gereshk, Afghanistan, Feb. 26.

Up to this point in their training, the ANA soldiers had only shot illumination ammunition. This training exercise allowed the soldiers to show off what they’ve learned with live ammunition.

“They were afforded the opportunity to shoot high explosive ammunition in training for the first time here in Helmand province,” said Capt. Charles A. Mallette, brigade platoon commander, 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company.

The impact area was a stretch of desert about five kilometers south of Artillery Hill, and required firing over Highway 1.

The ANA were able to execute several training exercises during the morning hours, and were joined by the British 105 mm howitzers and Danish mortars in the afternoon to conduct joint missions.

Mallette, from Jacksonville, N.C., said the ANA have been training for the past five months. After seeing their British counterparts shoot in support of missions, they were excited to be able to shoot more than just illumination ammunition.

“This is a milestone event signifying the ANA’s ability to move one step closer to supporting their own soldiers with an organic fire support weapon; the one weapon they possess that the insurgents do not,” Mallette said.

• Date Taken: 02.26.2011
• Date Posted: 03.04.2011 09:57
• Story ID: 66475
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF