History in the making: Reactivating the 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment

Photo By Staff Sgt. John Todd | A M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System is moving toward an intended target during a live fire exercise at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Oct. 28, 2020. Each rocket, weighing approximately 5,000 pounds, has a maximum range of approximately 200 miles. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. John W. Todd)  

GRAFENWOEHR, BY, GERMANY

10.28.2020

Story by Sgt. John Todd 

7th Army Training Command

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- The 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment conducted its first live-fire exercise Oct. 28, 2020, since the unit reactivated less than two months ago.

As part of the 41st Field Artillery Brigade, this unit is the only U.S. long-range, precision-strike capable, Multiple Launcher Rocket Systems, or MLRS, unit in Europe. The unit is not only unique but also has greater depth because they have the dual capability of firing the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS.

“Historically, this is a huge day for the battalion,” said Brunner. “This is the first time the unit has conducted a live-fire exercise, as well as being a MLRS battalion and certifying on HIMARS,” said Lt. Col. Anthony Brunner, 1st Bn., 77th FAR commander.

The unit is more than ready and capable of deploying and supporting NATO allies and partners.

“This is a big deal,” said Brunner. “We have the capability to deliver long-range precision fires to assure our allies and deter and defend against adversaries in the European theater.”

In order to develop flexibility, the Soldiers are training on multiple platforms to conduct a variety of missions for long-range precision fires.

U.S. Army Europe is committed to being engaged, postured and ready with credible force to assure, deter, and defend in a complex security environment.

“With the HIMARS capability, this gives greater flexibility during engagements,” said Capt. Justin Bland, Alpha Battery commander in the 1st Bn., 77th FAR. “The HIMARS vehicles have wheels, which increases our capability. This alone gives greater mobility, which is an asset for our European allies.”

Brunner said the Soldiers train on multiple platforms in order to develop flexibility in their ability to conduct a variety of missions for long-range precision fires.

“This improves the U.S. Army’s readiness and lethality to win against adversaries,” said Brunner.

U.S. Army forces, in support of allies and partners and the stability and security of Europe, strive to maintain the security and stability of Europe. Our personnel must remain at a high level of readiness, which means consistent testing and monitoring of COVID-19 within the Soldier ranks.

“COVID-19 has not affected the training of our Soldiers,” said Brunner.

However, the virus has not stopped their efforts to continue their mission. All Soldiers participating in the live-fire exercise received a negative test result before they were allowed to participate in the exercise.

“Fortunately, this live fire for us hasn’t been affected by COVID-19,” said Brunner. “We take those protective measures such as wearing masks, social distancing, and washing of hands to make sure we keep the health and safety of our force priority, even in our sealed environment.”

As the unit prepared to conduct their training, Brunner said he was humbled by the experience.

“We have a lot of great leadership in this battalion, and a lot of great Soldiers,” said Brunner. This is a huge day for the battalion, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

• Date Taken: 10.28.2020
• Date Posted: 10.30.2020 15:29
• Story ID: 382094
• Location: GRAFENWOEHR, BY, DE