Forward Observers conduct fire missions at NTC

Photo By Sgt. Ryan Hallock | A soldier from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, unloads his Stryker armored fighting vehicle after a long day of conducting fire missions at the National Training Center Aug. 12.  

FORT IRWIN, CA, UNITED STATES

08.20.2011

Story by Spc. Ryan Hallock 

28th Public Affairs Detachment

NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, Calif. – Operation Baton Rouge: a sniper fires down from a rooftop on Staff Sgt. David J. Castillo and his team in Iraq. Comprised of infantrymen and forward observers, the team found themselves boggled down by the sniper four blocks into their patrol. After failing to receive air support, the team had a nearby tank blast the sniper’s position. Whatever the circumstances are, forward observes neutralize the threat by calling in for fire support.

Castillo, a fire support trainer with Ops Group Sidewinders at Fort Irwin, now trains Soldiers in fire mission tactics at the National Training Center.

“We’re training the fire supporters how to properly utilize fire markers and how to adjust fire,” said Castillo.

Forward observers from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, conducted fire missions at NTC Aug. 12.

The Soldiers observed potential enemy threats using lightweight laser designator range fire. This equipment uses thermal optics, which allow the observers to pinpoint their target by shooting a laser. Air support can identify the coordinates of the laser and rain in fire support.

The objective of fire missions is to identify threats of indirect and direct fire. Sniper fire, ambushes on patrol, and tree-line fire are common threats that forward observers must quickly identify. Upon acquiring accurate target position, forward observers call for artillery and mortar fire to neutralize the threat.

Sgt. Matthew J. Niemann, a forward observer from Charlie Company, 2-3 IN, set the scenario for a typical fire mission while out on patrol.

“We’re walking down the road. We receive sniper fire from a building. We’re unable to eliminate the sniper. We call in mortars to take out that building.”

Forward observers must be proficient in both infantry and artillery tactics to successfully complete their mission. Whether patrolling through villages or securing a forward operating base, they provide timely intelligence to their fire support.

“We’re Infantrymen on steroids,” said Niemann.

Niemann and his fire support team called in fire support on targets around 300 meters away from their position high on the mountainside. The blast echoed out seconds after the flash of the fire.

Fire mission training is designed for Soldiers to hone in on the basics and to become proficient with the technology.

“This shows observers what effects they can expect to see when they call a fire mission,” said Capt. Christopher M. Cook, fire support officer from 2-3 IN.

Cook said the fire missions conducted at NTC translate into village stability operations in Afghanistan. These operations involve securing safe houses and villages from Taliban attacks.

“This is about neutralizing insurgency,” said Cook.

• Date Taken: 08.20.2011
• Date Posted: 08.20.2011 18:18
• Story ID: 75674
• Location: FORT IRWIN, CA, US