Spc. Erin Robicheaux
256th Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq " For the first time in six decades, the mortar platoon of 2nd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment of the 256th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, conducted an area-denial mission in combat on March 9.
It was the first such mission for the brigade since World War II.
Lt. Col. Conrad Gavel from Mandeville, La., commander of 2nd Bn., 156th Inf. Reg., said he is proud of his Soldiers" performance.
"This mortar platoon has been a combat multiplier since the early days of our mobilization. They all scored "expert" on their mortar gunner's exams, and have performed consistently ever since," he said.
Gavel claimed the lack of opportunity to use indirect fires has not affected the mortar platoon's abilities to execute a successful mission. Though it has been months since they conducted a live fire, their first round was within 50 meters of the target and the adjustments were perfect. He said since arriving in Iraq, the mortar platoon was tasked with other duties and has performed the various jobs well.
"Their flexibility and professionalism has been outstanding, and I'm proud to have them represent this task force," said Gavel.
Staff Sgt. Randy Roaix, from Carencro, La., the mortar platoon sergeant for Headquarters Company, 2/156th, said he's very proud his Soldiers made a significant contribution to securing the safety of their comrades.
"Area denial is all about taking out the point of origin, where the enemy fires a lot of indirect fire or rockets," Roaix said. "We wanted the insurgents to know that we can reach them anytime, anywhere, and it seems like it had the effect that we were looking for."
Roaix said the terrorists got the message, adding that the local citizens talked about it for a long time after the fact, and they now know that U.S. Forces can get to them if needed.
Roaix explained even though the platoon was split up for various duties when they arrived in Baghdad six months ago, the mortars did not forget where they came from. He said some of his guys were placed on a personal security detachment, while others were sent to a light infantry platoon.
When they came together for the historical mission, however, they never missed a beat.
"I think it says a lot about the platoon that they haven't worked together for months, but still performed successfully," said Roaix.
Sgt. Ryan McCool, from Prairieville, La., is the fire direction control for the 2/156th mortar platoon, and Roaix endorsed him as the most experienced in the brigade. Prior to deployment, all FDCs were required to be certified on an advanced computer system necessary for conducting mortar missions.
Three FDCs from 2/156th were certified on the first try, and they were the only three in the 256th to do so. In addition, McCool was No. 1 in the brigade.
The process of a mortar mission begins in the field with the forward observers. They find a target and call into the FDC with a location. McCool's job is to compute the data, plot the coordinates and communicate the mission down to the gun.
He said they performed two missions March 9: area denial (or high explosive) which was the primary focus, and illumination.
Illumination missions are conducted at night and provide light for the forward observers, and hopefully, to catch someone in the act of emplacing an improvised explosive device. McCool said both missions were successful.
"With the high explosive mission, we were right on target, and we hit everything we shot at," he said. "The illumination mission was successful in that we accurately engaged our targets, but the forward observers didn't see anyone out there."
When McCool called the directions down to the guns, there was a rush of combat boots as the crew with the weapon prepared the coordinates for fire.
Sgt. Chad Welch, from Pineville, La., was the squad leader who received the directions, and he said once the call came in, one would never know this was their first mission since arriving in Baghdad.
"When the FDC gave instructions, the gunner, assistant gunner, and ammunition bearer went to work to set the fuse, and prepare the gun for fire," he said.
When those magic words, "Fire for effect!" were spoken by McCool, the round was dropped and the mortars of 2/156th could chalk up another success.
Spc. Camille Fossier, from Lafayette, La., served as a mortar infantryman on active duty and now serves with the 256th BCT in Baghdad. He puts everything into his missions, literally. While hanging a round for fire, Fossier pulled a muscle in his chest.
"I don't know what happened, something just caught and I was in pain," he said.
In the end, the mission was completed with the desired effect, and Fossier returned to duty.
Welch said that at times, the job can be a little stressful.
"The squad leader's job is to observe for safety and accuracy, and at the same time, receive commands from the FDC and give them down to the gunner," he said. "You really have to pay attention to everything going on around you."
Roaix said he agreed that as a leader, when the directions were given, he was very anxious. After the first round went off, however, they were right on top of it.
"That was the longest 34-and-a-half seconds of my life," he said.
| Date Taken: | 04.22.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 04.22.2005 09:16 |
| Story ID: | 1649 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 99 |
| Downloads: | 11 |
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