Photo By Staff Sgt. Ruth McClary | North Carolina Army National Guard Soldiers, with Alpha and Bravo Battery, 5-113th...... read more read more
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North Carolina Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Alpha and Bravo Battery, 5-113th Field Artillery Battalion, conduct High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) qualification requirements on May 6, 2023 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina to prepare for annual training.
The battalion traveled from Louisburg, N.C., for the three-day training exercise to conduct tactical field operations. The unit; internally nicknamed, "the premier HIMARS battalion," provides ground support through specialized operations to enhance enemy targeting accuracy.
“This is our crew certification with live fire to prepare us for our annual training (AT) where we will go into our field training exercises,” said Sgt. Maj. Jason Marsh, the non-commission officer in charge of the HIMARS operation. “Our preparation from a coordination aspect is always ongoing, but this training prepares us for AT.”
During the crew certification, Soldiers conduct a HIMARS Table VI qualification operation, which entails training with live ammunition.
“Like most units, our training tables have different level tasks, from individual tasks to group tasks,” said 1st. Lt. Josh Orihood, assigned to A Battery, 5-113th FA. “We use Tables I through XII and we are currently at Table VI live fire, which is completed on an annual basis to certify our launch crew and continue to the next table of training.”
The HIMARS Table VI exercise is primarily designed for artillery leaders at the battalion level to assess the units’ proficiency to perform its mission and accurately sustain field artillery core competencies. Alpha Battery Soldiers expressed the importance of operating the HIMAR system and how this table greatly benefits the unit.
“In terms of readiness, this is a good opportunity, especially for young Soldiers, to get hands-on training,” said Spc. Notorious Harrington, a HIMARS driver. “Putting everything we learned into action gives us a better understanding, familiarizes us, and prepares us.”
Harrington has served in NCNG for over nine years and recently transitioned from a unit supply specialist to a Multiple Launch Rocket System Crewmember. She said this training was her first experience utilizing the system.
“This [training] drastically impacts our readiness in a positive direction,” said Lt. Col. James Hicks, the commanding officer-in-charge of the HIMARS operation. “Right now, we are under the National Guard CRF (Contingency Response Force) unit. At any time between now and September, they could pluck us to go anywhere in the world as a HIMARS battalion; mobilized with wheels up within 45 days of notification.”
The battalion successfully exercised its certification and will continue to train efficiently while maintaining their preparedness for short-notice missions.
| Date Taken: | 05.06.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 05.09.2023 08:26 |
| Story ID: | 444307 |
| Location: | FORT BRAGG, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 420 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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