Direct Fire

KILLEEN, TX, UNITED STATES

06.16.2016

Story by Sgt. Brittany Johnson 

155th Armored Brigade Combat Team

Paladins traditionally release indirect fire, because of this, Soldiers aren’t as well rehearsed on direct fire.
“We normally get to do direct fire one time a year,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jimmy Harper, platoon sergeant with 2-114th.
This exercise motivates Soldiers, because they can see when they hit their target.
“ It an amazing thing,” said Pvt. Jamarcus Smith, a gunner with 2-114th, “usually we don’t get to see the rounds go off.”
This training teaches Soldiers how to aim and engage an enemy target anywhere between 500-2000 meters.
“This exercise keeps us safe while also allowing us to eliminate the enemy at a close range,” said Harper.
This event prepares the Soldiers for a rotation at the National Training Center, at Fort Irvin, Calif. the summer of 2017.
“This really prepares us for NTC,” said Harper, ”because the training we’ve accomplished here is identical to what we’ll see at NTC.”
The mission of the field artillery: is to destroy, defeat, or disrupt the enemy, while also keeping themselves safe. This exercise provides them with the knowledge and expertise to complete this mission. (Mississippi National Guard story by Army Sgt. Brittany Johnson, 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs/Released)

• Date Taken: 06.16.2016
• Date Posted: 06.30.2016 10:14
• Story ID: 201619
• Location: KILLEEN, TX, US