Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    'Iron Knights' train with lightweight mortars

    Up and away

    Photo By Staff Sgt. Grady Jones | Spc. Christian Law and Pfc. Brian Mondragon, indirect fire infantrymen, Headquarters...... read more read more

    CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – The distinct sound of mortar fire and the not so distant impact from high explosive projectiles could be heard at Camp Buehring’s Udari Range Complex.

    Indirect fire infantrymen, also known as mortar-men, from 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, conducted a live-fire exercise, March 9, 2015.

    “Our mission today was to conduct 60mm mortar familiarization,” said Staff Sgt. Steven Stabile, mortar platoon sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st, Bn., 66th Armor Reg.

    Mortar-men in mechanized or armor units are usually fitted with the M120, 120mm mortars, which weigh over 300 pounds requiring it to be towed by a wheeled or tracked military vehicle. However, these Soldiers fired the M224, 60mm mortar, the primary mortar system for light infantry units, and is more than 200 pounds lighter, weighing in at 46.5 pounds.

    “Going from the heavier mortars to the lighter mortars is a huge transition,” said Pfc. Daniel Tintera, indirect fire infantryman, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Bn., 66th Armor Reg. “It’s a lot more simple and easier because you don’t have to move a lot of (weight) around.”

    Cpl. Keith Schwartz, mortar platoon team leader, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st, Bn., 66th Armor Reg., said that training with the M224 enhanced his leadership skills and abilities.

    “Usually, we’re mounted,” said Schwarz. “Today, we learned more about how the light infantry units operate.”

    About 120 projectiles were fired during the exercise, which included practice rounds and high explosive rounds.

    “I feel good about (today’s training),” said Schwarz. “I feel that we came out here and accomplished our mission today.”

    3rd ABCT is currently deployed to Kuwait as a part of an on-going security cooperation and partnership mission in the Southwest Asia region. This is the first deployment for many of the mortar-men, who have expressed their readiness to fulfill their nation’s call.

    “I feel prepared,” Schwarz said. “I went to the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., twice before coming here. We train as we fight.”

    Mortars provide indirect fire support for Soldiers who are in direct contact with enemy forces, said Stabile.

    “Shooting the mortars today will bring up the lethality of our platoon as a whole and help provide (indirect) fires whenever it is needed,” said Stabile.

    Besides the weapon systems, also having support from families back home is an asset to overall mission success here, Tintera said.

    “I’ve got my mother and four sisters,” said Tintera. “I feel that my family back home helps me become a better soldier because of their support. I want to do my best here so that I can be that hero back home for them.”

    3rd ABCT, 4th Inf. Div., continues its security cooperation mission in Southwest Asia region.

    LEAVE A COMMENT

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.09.2015
    Date Posted: 03.13.2015 12:49
    Story ID: 156940
    Location: CAMP BUEHRING, KW

    Web Views: 261
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN