Bring the rain: 2nd LAR conducts call-for-fire

Courtesy Photo | Lance Cpl. Robert Marino prepares 81mm high-explosive mortar rounds during a call-for-fire training exercise at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 7, 2017. Marines conduct call-for-fire training, a method of fire support used to suppress an enemy or set up a defensive screen, multiple times throughout the year to maintain expeditionary readiness. Marino is a mortarman with Alpha Company, 2nd LAR. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Leynard Kyle Plazo)  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

12.12.2017

Courtesy Story

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

Marines with Alpha Company, 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division fire mortars during a call-for-fire at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, December 7, 2017.

The training provided the unit the opportunity to sharpen their call-for-fire capabilities and offered supplementary training in using the M252A1 mortar weapon system.

2nd Lt. Parker D. Graham, the weapons platoon commander with the unit, explained that every platoon commander and sergeant are expected to be able to call-for-fire in a very accurate and timely manner.

“A call-for-fire is fire support used to suppress an enemy or set up a defensive screen.” said Sgt. Waylon Seelke, a platoon sergeant with the unit. “Marines using the mortar system and those inside the Fire Direction Center are given the opportunity to hone their skills.”

Marines go through three radio transmissions when conducting a call-for-fire. The first transmission is to identify with the FDC and relay the method of engagement. The second transmission describes the enemy and type of round to use, and the third transmission consists of any aim adjustments required to impact the target.

“We’re giving the Marines an opportunity to get repetitions in conducting call-for-fires, being able to use the indirect fire assets they have available,” said Graham. “Being in 2nd LAR, we’re going to be pushed in first and the furthest.”

Aside from routine challenges the Marines deal with on the range, they must also overcome adverse weather conditions to complete their objective. The rain and cold temperatures provided the Marines with more obstacles to add to their training environment.

“You don’t want perfect conditions because there’s no stress benefit that comes along with it,” said Graham. “I think we should be able to get some good training out of the weather today.”

Marines with the unit conduct call-for-fire multiple times throughout the year to sharpen their skills in order to maintain expeditionary readiness.

“If you get in a rut and you need some lead going down range, what better asset is there to use than the mortars you have available,” said Graham.

• Date Taken: 12.12.2017
• Date Posted: 12.12.2017 15:31
• Story ID: 258451
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US