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Artillerymen stay flexible adjusting to missions.

Photo By Sgt. Jason Mikeworth | Spc. Paul Smithey, a gunner with A Battery, 3/321 Field Artillery, signs for grenades...... read more read more

IRAQ

06.19.2006

Courtesy Story

207th Public Affairs Detachment

The Marines call it Semper Gumby. The Army says, Adapt and Overcome. Whatever the saying for change, the Soldiers of Battery A, 3-321st Field Artillery, operating as a gun truck unit, demonstrated the military's commitment to adjusting to counter enemy tactics while staying Always Flexible.

Trading in howitzers for humvees, the field artillery Soldiers are still providing fire support services as they operate gun truck security for combat logistics patrols at Logistical Support Area Anaconda.

Sgt. Gerald Knighten, a truck commander, said maintenance is a must for the battery to complete its new mission. We make sure the vehicles are up to date on maintenance and get them ready for the next mission, said Knighten. We don't want any break downs on the road.

Knighten said the battery is constantly training in every aspect of their mission. If we get into a situation, we won't have anyone freeze up, Knighten said. We need a quick reaction. That way, I know they've got my back, and they know I've got theirs.
He said the hardest part of the job is taking care of everyone on the road.

When you're on the road, you have to make sure you're staying vigilant, said Knighten. We're in charge of a lot of trucks, ours and [Kellogg, Brown and Root].

Knighten added that he enjoys working with KBR.
They're great people. They're very professional, and they help us in any way they can, Knighten said. Everything runs smooth.
Staff Sgt. A.J.Wilson, Jr., a CLP commander, agreed with Knighten.
I love working with KBR, Wilson said. They love the military.

They would pretty much do anything for the military.
Knighten said the change over from an artillery battery to a gun truck unit showed him a new side of the Army.
At first I thought, I'm not doing my job, but when you're in the Army you're a Soldier, so you adapt and overcome, said Knighten. Now, that I'm doing it, I don't mind. If it were a [military occupational specialty] I'd pick it.

Wilson said the unit has adapted well to their new mission. We are versatile, we have to be flexible at all times, said Wilson. I knew we could do this mission, and I knew we could do it better than a lot of others.

Sgt. Natael Predestin, an assistant CLP commander, said the training is paying off with each mission the battery completes successfully.

At first I wasn't sure, but the good thing is that everyone has a role, and everyone knows their role, so it's easier to train, said Predestin.

When it's time to train or time to work, everyone knows their position. I really enjoy that. Predestin said he takes pride in his role during combat logistics patrols.

When we're on the road, I'm the person responsible for making sure sensitive items are up, personnel are up and staying in contact with other maneuver units, Predestin said. That way, if something happens or I call them up for help, they already know where we are.

The assistant CLP commander added that he thinks the new mission focus is something the unit has already experienced.
They bring us out here, and we may not do our main mission, but it's still good, Predestin said. In every combat unit, your main thing is security. That's basically what we're doing out here.
Predestin said the unit has a solid track record, with no serious injuries to the Soldiers.

We've had a pretty good run, said Predestin. Every time something has happened, it's only been minor injuries.
Predistin also said the mission makes him feel good.

You feel a sense of pride because you're serving your country and doing all the things you're asked to do. That's only half of it, Predestin said. The other half is when you come in and everyone is safe, no one lost a limb, eyesight or life, that's a great feeling.
For Wilson, the roads of Iraq give him a feeling of freedom.

I feel more free on the road than I feel at Anaconda. I feel a sense of urgency, direction and purpose, Wilson said. I feel like I'm contributing [to the mission in Iraq].
Wilson added that his Soldiers do more each day than he can ask of them.

My Soldiers go above and beyond. It's hard to do this. It's hard to go outside the wire, said Wilson. You look at CNN every day and someone has been killed by a roadside bomb. Thank God I've got this type of Soldiers.

Knighten said that although the mission may not be all glitz and glamour, he knows the battery is helping to win the war.
I know if I do my part, my little piece of the puzzle, it'll make a big difference, Knighten said. Then maybe I won't have to come back over here.