Photo By Matthew Manning | Marines fire a high-explosive projectile from an M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzer...... read more read more
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YAUSUBETSU MANEUVER AREA, HOKKAIDO, Japan – Marines with Battery K took part in the battery phase of live-fire artillery training Aug. 24-27 during Artillery Relocation Training Program 14-2 at Yausubetsu Maneuver Area in Hokkaido, Japan.
The program is regularly scheduled, routine artillery training completed in accordance with prior agreements between the governments of Japan and the U.S.
“As part of the ARTP, we come over to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s ranges to perform live-fire training,” said Sgt. Aaron M. Rasey, a field artillery cannoneer with Battery K, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. “This range is different than being in 29 Palms where we usually train. It is more similar to training at Camp Lejeune.”
The large training area provided in the Yausubetsu Maneuver Area gives the Marines a huge benefit when training for contingency operations, according to Lt. Col. Neil J. Owens, the commanding officer of 3rd Bn., 12th Marines.
“We are able to fire at greater distances here than any of the other training areas under the ARTP,” said Owens.
The battery uses the M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzer, an artillery piece capable of firing high-explosive projectiles at targets approximately 15 miles away.
During any artillery mission or training, teamwork is essential for success, according to Rasey, from Antwerp, Ohio.
“You have to continuously train, even when you are not in the field, to obtain that well-oiled machine,” said Rasey. “Once you get that well-oiled machine, everything falls into place, slow is smooth and smooth is fast.”
This fluid teamwork is essential for all aspects of the battery, according to Capt. Jonathan W. Zarling, the commanding officer of the battery.
“Besides the gun line, which everyone thinks of when it comes to artillery, there are several different sections helping to send a round down range,” said Zarling, from New Ulm, Minnesota. “We have a fire direction center which computes data, and we also have a robust communication system that enables all the different sections to talk to each other. Last but not least, we have a motor transport section to get us from one firing position to another.”
As the battery phase of ARTP 14-2 draws near an end, the Marines are ready to dominate the battlefield during the battalion portion of the exercise, according to Zarling.
“This was our chance to improve all elements of the battery, from the command and gun line, to the fire direction control and communication centers; being more proficient in our shoot, move and communicate tactics,” said Zarling.
To become proficient in the artillery mission, Marines need to be motivated to do the job, according to Rasey.
“Being an artilleryman is very serious to me,” said Rasey. “My brother enlisted right after I did, and he was with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, which is an infantry unit. They deployed to Afghanistan the same time I did, and we actually supported his unit in combat.
“I take it very seriously because it is my family member on the other end of this gun line,” added Rasey. “When they need help, we come in to give them the fire support they need to get out of whatever sticky situation they might be in.”
| Date Taken: | 08.27.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 09.19.2014 03:05 |
| Story ID: | 142659 |
| Location: | HOKKAIDO, JP |
| Hometown: | ANTWERP, OHIO, US |
| Hometown: | NEW ULM, MINNESOTA, US |
| Web Views: | 87 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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