Photo By Cpl. Kanoa Thomas | U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Brian Hibbard, command senior enlisted leader, 14th Marine...... read more read more
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FORT CAVASOS, Texas -- U.S. Marines with 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, conducted the Regimental Fire Exercise across the United States June 4-11, 2025. The training enhanced 14th Marine Regiment’s ability to command and control fires at a regimental level, increasing mission capabilities and operational readiness.
Across the country, 14th Marine Regiment Marines and Sailors conducted fire-support missions with M777A2 155mm howitzer in multiple locations, from the fire direction center here at the headquarters of 14th Marine Regiment.
The training brought together Marines from artillery batteries throughout the regiment, focusing on the regiment’s capacity to coordinate and direct fires in support of maneuver elements. Regimental FIREX serves as a critical test of the regiment’s capability to integrate and manage dispersed artillery assets, ensuring timely and accurate fires in support of Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations.
“Our culminating event for annual training was massing fires with other batteries from across the regiment located around the United States both practicing and showcasing our ability to mass fires and expertly execute the punctual arrival of fires as needed by the Regiment.” said 1st Lt. Bastien Andruet, a field artillery officer with November Battery, 5th Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division. “Through our training internally and in conjunction with the battalion, we were able to maintain proficiency at meeting timelines ensuring that the regimental commander’s intent is always met and that our ability to do so at a moment’s notice is never in question.”
Although the Marine Corps is constantly developing and enhancing new technologies such as the high-mobility artillery rocket system, or HIMARS, cannon artillery plays a considerable role in controlling the battlespace and limiting the enemy’s ability to engage with allied forces.
“The M777A2 howitzer remains today as it always has been the King of Battle.” said Andruet “It has the ability to range over 22 kilometers unassisted and with special munitions can range close to 40 kilometers. From providing illumination and smoke obscuration, to suppressing or destroying targets in the battle space, it remains one of the Marine Corps’ most capable and versatile indirect fire assets.”
The exercise also allowed leadership to assess unit readiness and identify areas for improvement, ensuring artillery Marines are prepared to support operations both at home and abroad.
“Our Marines have a unique challenge: to increase their tactical and technical proficiency at their military occupational specialty while also balancing their civilian jobs and obligations.” Andruet said. “Because of this, expectations and the bar are higher, as they have more of an onus to study and master their craft on their own. Thankfully our Marines are truly commensurate professionals whose passion for excellence drives them to consistently perform and exceed expectation.”
The 14th Marine Regiment’s training from the individual Marine to the regimental level ensures artillery remains a vital asset to the Marine Corps Reserve and total force.
| Date Taken: | 06.11.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.11.2025 10:33 |
| Story ID: | 500279 |
| Location: | CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 56 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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