CAMP FUJI, Japan - Okinawa-based artillerymen are currently deployed to the Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, from Sept. 25 - Oct. 18 in support of Artillery Relocation Training Program 13-3.
Battery F is with 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Bn., 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.
The artillery personnel are scheduled to execute artillery live-fire, small-arms and crew-served weapons evolutions, along with various types of sustainment training throughout the exercise.
The overall objective of ARTP 13-3 is to conduct standards-based artillery live-fire and basic field training to enhance combat readiness and support the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, according to Lt. Col. Jason P. Brown, the commanding officer of 3rd Bn., 12th Marines.
This training ensures combat readiness of Marine artillery units, improving their ability to support combat operations.
Within III MEF, artillery is a vital long-range support asset for increasing the effectiveness of the ground combat elements stationed in the Asia-Pacific region should a contingency operation arise.
“We have been (training in) reconnaissance, selection and occupation of (gun) positions; a basic practice for artillery units to stay mobile and continue to support infantry units through long-range firepower,” said Cpl. Ioan V. Cardos, a field artillery cannoneer.
Battery F is slated for 10 days of artillery live-fire training while at CATC Camp Fuji.
“We are conducting this training to maintain our proficiency, evaluate where we are weak, and to improve on our accuracy,” said Cardos. “Also evaluated will be the time it takes to shoot rounds down range and our ability to maneuver to and establish a new gun line in an expedient manner. This (training) helps increase our reaction for real-life scenarios that could occur anywhere in the Pacific, since we are a deployable asset of III MEF.”
By following the standards of operations and executing each phase of the training correctly, the battery will achieve the time standards and accomplish what is required of it as an artillery unit in III MEF, according to Brown.
“My intent is for this battery to get better,” said Brown. “We have room for improvement, and in order to do that, we have to do the simple things exceptionally well and build upon working as a team.”
Marine Corps artillery live-fire training has taken place on mainland Japan since 1997, and its current sites at CATC Camp Fuji have supported such training in accordance with Special Action Committee on Okinawa’s Final Report and agreements between the U.S. government and the government of Japan.
“We’ve done this before, but the environment is new and if we can conquer it here, we might see it later and conquer it again when the time comes to support operations in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Cardos.