Rail Gunners train with Ravens

Photo By Sgt. Garett Hernandez | U.S. Army Spc. Ryan Dickinson, a Multiple Launch Rocket System fire direction specialist with Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Fires Brigade, throws a Raven unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during training, to launch it over Fort Hood, Texas, June 26, 2013. Soldiers assigned to the 41st Fires Brigade spent two weeks learning how to operate the Raven UAV, which is a hand-launched remote-controlled vehicle used by the Army. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Garett Hernandez/Released)  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

06.26.2013

Story by Sgt. Garett Hernandez 

41st Field Artillery Brigade

FORT HOOD, Texas – The Battle of Fleurus in 1794 marked the first time in history in which a military utilized aerial surveillance during combat. The hot air balloon, L’Entreprenant (“The enterprising one”), gave the First French Republic Army the upper hand during the battle as they fought a Coalition Army comprised of Great Britain, the Dutch Republic and the Habsburg Monarchy.

In today’s modern military, aerial surveillance and photography play an integral role in most missions, from planning through to execution. Having the ability to control aerial surveillance is what gives soldiers an advantage over our adversaries, and in order to have that control, they need specialized training.

Soldiers from the 41st Fires Brigade “Rail Gunners” spent two weeks learning how to operate the Raven unmanned aerial vehicle in combat situations here.

The Raven is a hand-launched, rapidly-deployable, remote-controlled vehicle used by the Army. The small vehicle’s versatility allows U.S. soldiers to use it in a number of different situations.

“With this you can go ahead before you plan a fire mission on a particular area and you can send the Raven instead of Troops,” said Staff Sgt. Preston Johnson, the instructor and air traffic controller with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

The Rail Gunners were quick learners. They moved past learning the basics and on to the advanced flying techniques, Johnson said.

“I’m really looking forward to using this,” said Spc. Ryan Dickinson a Multiple Launch Rocket System Fire Direction Specialist with Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Fires Bde.

The Raven can fulfill a number of roles for a field artillery unit. Utilizing the Raven, a unit can spot enemy forces up to 10 kilometers away, determine their direction of travel and ensure routes are free of possible threats.

• Date Taken: 06.26.2013
• Date Posted: 07.01.2013 15:32
• Story ID: 109583
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US