Photo By Spc. Wyatt Davis | Forward observers from 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Infantry...... read more read more
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FORT STEWART, Ga. - Forward observers from 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division Artillery competed in a biannual Best FiST competition to determine the best fire support team in the battalion Feb. 9 - 15 at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
Forward observers from 1-9 FA directly support 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry division by coordinating artillery fire support with ground commanders and higher echelons. The forward observers act as the eyes and ears of long-range artillery commanders.
“The purpose of this competition is to decide who is the top dog,” said Maj. Erik Jorgensen, brigade fire support officer for 2nd IBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. “It's good because it generates a high level of competition.”
Fire support teams, FiSTs, completed a stress shoot, written test, land navigation course, call for fire missions, army physical fitness test and 12-mile foot march.
“For this competition, we will test a variety of skills necessary for a forward observer,” said Jorgensen. “Physical fitness is incredibly important for forward observers. They often need to carry a heavier load than infantry units.”
Forward observers often bear extra weight due to additional radio equipment they carry, according to Jorgensen.
Before calling in fire missions, Soldiers completed training simulations to demonstrate their ability to accurately and quickly call for fire. Forward observers directed fire from 105mm and 155mm artillery Howitzer cannons, as well as mortar fire. They were judged on the accuracy of their grid plotting and the speed at which they executed the mission.
Judges determined the team attached to 3-15 Inf. was the best FiST this competition. Staff Sgt. Qualeem Green, a forward observer attached to Charlie Company, 3-15 Inf., was one member of the winning team, and gained attention from judges for the skill and determination he demonstrated during the competition.
“Staff Sgt. Green was an absolute machine during the stress shoot,” said Staff Sgt. Anthony Delask, a range safety officer during the stress shoot portion of the competition. “He went harder and faster than anyone else.”
Green, however, stated their win was a team effort.
“The key to winning was my fellow fire support sergeants,” said Staff Sgt. Green, “They were real tough and extremely knowledgeable.”
| Date Taken: | 02.15.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 02.28.2017 14:20 |
| Story ID: | 225188 |
| Location: | FORT STEWART, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 144 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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