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FORT SILL, Oklahoma -- The new M777 155mm howitzer coming into service with the Artillery in November will extend the range and lethality of fire missions supporting ground operations. Captain Jeffrey Pederson (left), takes part in war games at the U.S. Army Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The Triple 7, as gunners call it, is a lightweight 155mm towed howitzer that is air-portable and air-droppable. The design is the result of a joint British-American project, with the guns being manufactured in the United States. Firing conventional munitions, the gun has a range of 30 km. With precision munitions,...

Kinder, Gentler Artillery by Nat MoffatPosted Sep 29, 2005By any historical standard, Americans at war are scrupulous to avoid inflicting collateral damage (which is why those brave Iranian mullahs dig their bunkers next to shrines and mosques). Now even artillery fire is getting compassionate, which is amazing when you think about the physics involved: Artillery hasn't been all that helpful in the Iraq counterinsurgency. Even in trained hands, heavy, indirect fire is pretty indiscriminate. Bystanders often get killed, while intended targets slip away.Which is why the Army has been bankrolling "Excalibur," a Raytheon effort to build a 155mm artillery shell...

BAGHDAD (Army News Service, Sept. 23, 2005) — The newest addition to the Army’s artillery arsenal was successfully fired this month during Operation Restoring Rights in Tal Afar, Iraq, and Operation Sayaid in Iraq’s Al Anbar Province. The Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System destroyed two insurgent strongholds from a distance of more than 50 kilometers away. Battery B, 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery Regiment fired eight guided rockets in Tal Afar Sept. 9 and 10, killing 48 insurgents, said Maj. Jeremy McGuire, deputy of operations, Force Field Artillery, Multi-National Corps – Iraq. Battery A, 3-13 FAR fired another six rockets...

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in Your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. ...................................................................................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel...

ABERDEEN, Md. (Army News Service July 15, 2005) – More than 24 Common Remotely Operated Weapon Stations have been installed on vehicles in Iraq and an additional five will be fielded in the next few weeks. The CROWS allow Soldiers in Iraq to engage the enemy from a light tactical vehicle without exposing the gunner at a distance. “We’ll have a total of 245 systems in the hands of Soldiers by early spring,” said Lt. Col. Kevin. P. Stoddard, Product Manager for Crew Served Weapons at Picatinny Arsenal, N.J. Stoddard explained that an urgent material requirement provides a way to...

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The DD(X) National Team and the Navy conducted the third consecutive successful guided-flight test of the 155mm Long Range Land Attack Projectile (LRLAP) June 16. Preliminary results indicate the munition successfully conducted preplanned maneuvers along a 60 nautical mile flight path during the 280-second flight. “This important test highlights another successful milestone to develop and field long-range, GPS-precise gun munitions for our fleet,” said Rear Adm. Charles Hamilton, the program executive officer for ships. “The success of LRLAP is vital to our efforts to deliver DD(X) to the fleet as planned. Each one of these shots brings...

April 11, 2005: The U.S. Army continues to try developing an artillery shell that can hit with precision accuracy. Two new such shells are about to enter service: Excalibur and PGK. Back in the 1980s, the 155mm Copperhead round was developed, at great expense, to take out tanks with one shell. The Copperhead was laser guided. That is, it homed in on laser light that a forward observer, with a laser “gun”, was creating by pointing the laser at the target. Same deal with laser guided bombs. But this was expensive technology. Each of the 3,000 Copperhead shells cost several...

NEAR FALLUJAH, Iraq, Nov. 10 -- U.S. Army observers watched as the white pickup truck sped from house to house in Fallujah on Wednesday morning, stopping more than 20 times to drop off armfuls of rocket-propelled grenades. Every few stops, the driver threw dirt on the roof of the cab, apparently in an attempt to disguise his vehicle. A few miles away, soldiers in the 1st Infantry Division's 1st Platoon, Alpha Battery trained their M109A6 Paladin, a self-propelled 155mm howitzer, on the truck. Minutes later, a shell shot out of the cannon, whizzed across the sky and landed next to...

Artillery Soldiers accomplish it all while in Iraq [Link to Article]By Spc. Gretel SharpeeThe United States Army and its Soldiers remain the strongest fighting force in the world due to it’s flexibility to accommodate a changing battlefield. Nowhere is this flexibility more apparent than in field artillery units that are currently deployed overseas, like the 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), who is making FOB Endurance their last stop before they redeploy to the states. The 1-37th, out of Fort Lewis, Wash., has spent the last 10 months serving in Iraq...

  Before departing for the day’s mission, U.S. Army 1st Lt. Jamie Vasquez, a platoon leader from Company C 160th Infantry Regiment, California Army National Guard, gives a patrol briefing. Keeping the unit informed of what the convoy’s route, destination, mission and potential enemy activity is key to the survival of his soldiers and passengers. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. John Queen   Steel Dragons Reach Half-Million Mile Mark By U.S. Army Sgt. John Queen / 3rd Brigade Combat Team BAGHDAD, Iraq, Sept. 15, 2004 — Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division reached a milestone...

Friday, September 17, 2004 Artillerymen try keeping peace in Ramadi By Seth Robson, Stars and StripesEuropean edition, Wednesday, September 15, 2004 Seth Robson / S&S Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Division's Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 17th Armored Regiment encountered this young driver selling blackmarket fuel by the roadside during their first patrol in Iraq. The youngster was told to sell the fuel somewhere else since it might be dangerous if an improvised explosive device went off nearby. Seth Robson / S&S Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Division's Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 17th Armored Regiment prepare for their first patrol in...

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in Your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. ...................................................................................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel...

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in Your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. ...................................................................................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel...

Enemies beware of M198's wrath: Fox 2/11 test fires CWC 729's HowitzersSubmitted by: MCLB BarstowStory Identification #: 20049316850Story by Lance Cpl. Nich R. Babb MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, Calif.  (Sept. 2, 2004) -- After being in Iraq for the first months of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Marines of Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, stationed at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., tested 19, M198 Howitzers at the Prospect Range Aug. 27, that were rebuilt by Maintenance Center Barstow's Cost Work Center 729 at the Prospect Range. The battery was attached to the 31st...

Cannoncockers build miniature version of Fenway Park in IraqSubmitted by: 1st Marine DivisionStory Identification #: 20049123827Story by Cpl. Veronika R. Tuskowski CAMP RAMADI, Iraq (Aug. 31, 2004) -- Captain Stephen Pritchard has the ultimate offer to the Boston Red Sox CEO, John Henry, and Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein. "If the Spring Training venue in Sarasota, Fla., ever proves to be untenable, then you are more than welcome to hold Spring Training here in Ar Ramadi, Iraq," said Pritchard, a logistics officer with 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment. Why such a gracious offer? Cannoncockers of 3rd Battalion 11th...

The U.S. Army is going to buy a bunch of new M119A1 towed 105mm howitzers. The army’s reorganization into light brigade combat teams has created a need for more cannons to spread around, another 111 for active duty units and 164 for reserve units. Previously, the army had planned to remanufacture its existing stock of older M102 towed howitzers, originally fielded in the ‘60s and ‘70s. But the new M119 will be close to the same price as the refurbished M102s, and will have much greater capability. Fielding the newer cannon will allow the army to consolidate howitzer types; currently,...

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in Your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. ...................................................................................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel...

Artillerymen guard governor in NajafBy Sgt. Christopher Stanis May 27, 2004 AN NAJAF, Iraq (Army News Service, May 27, 2004) – A field artillery battery has been tasked with the unique mission of guarding the An Najaf governor’s compound and protecting the governor’s life. “He receives daily assassination threats,” said Capt. Brandon Anderson, commander of Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, Task Force 1st Armored Division. “It’s the (Muqtada Militia’s) attempt to undermine the coalition.” Anderson and his men have secured a block around the compound and nearby government buildings. They are assisting the Iraqi Police Service...

Fallen Artillerymen Remembered, Honored   By U.S. Army Sgt. Shauna McRoberts 1st Armored Division BAGHDAD, Iraq, May 13, 2004 -— Eight 1st Armored Division soldiers were honored May 2 in a memorial service at Striker Forward Operating Base on Baghdad International Airport.The soldiers honored were: Staff Sgt. Esau G. Patterson Jr., of Ridgeland, S.C.Staff Sgt. Jeffrey F. Dayton, of Columbus, Miss. Sgt. Ryan M. Campbell, of Kirkville, Md. Spc. James L. Beckstrand, of Clarksville, Tenn. Spc. Justin B. Schmidt, of Bagley, Minn.Pfc. Ryan E. Reed, of Colorado Springs, Colo.Pfc. Norman Darling, of JamaicaPvt. Jeremy R. Ewing, of Miami, Fla....

Airborne Soldiers demonstrate their teamwork by emplacing and firing cannons within minutes of landing on Fort Sill, Okla., during a Joint Close Air Support exercise. This week troops from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force will combine their firepower on a simulated enemy target.Spc. Matt Meadows Live bombs to drop for more realistic trainingBy Sgt. 1st Class Marcia Triggs May 4, 2004 WASHINGTON (Army News Service, May 3, 2004) – The home to field artillery, Fort Sill, Okla., is re-instituting joint live fire in an exercise this week involving troops from across the country, and a new...

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - U.S. troops battling insurgents in west Baghdad pounded rebel positions with artillery fire Monday, the Army said. Troops from the Army's 1st Cavalry Division called for artillery support, and the division's gunners opened fire, launching a series of rounds from 155mm self-propelled Paladin artillery pieces, said Lt. Col. James Hutton. The series of eight or more heavy blasts caused by the shelling could be heard in central Baghdad Monday night. Hutton had no information on casualties or the nature of the fighting. --

April 26, 2004 Howitzer Test Firing We mentioned a while back that General Dynamics has developed a 105mm howitzer prototype for the Stryker vehicle platform. The system was successfully tested at Elgin AFB this month. The folks at GDLS sent me a few photos from the test, which can be viewed in our photo gallery (one, two and three). The following articles describe the event. Howitzer Test-firing Draws Four Militaries' Attention By MEGAN SCULLY Top U.S. Army artillery officials are evaluating a new, 105mm howitzer, developed by General Dynamics and South Africa-based Denel, that packs the same punch as 155mm...

April 05, 2004 Stryker Howitzer Prototype General Dynamics Land Systems has, as a private venture, developed a 105mm self-propelled howitzer for the Stryker vehicle platform. General Dynamics is the current manufacturer of the Stryker vehicles. The company will be test-firing them in Florida this month. See below for photos.

Whatever it Takes: Redlegs and Riflemen December 2003 By Maj. Peter K. Bacon "Shoot, move and communicate." This three-part catch phrase is the key to tactical success in combat operations. Combined with the five elements of accurate predicted fire, they form the basis of the tactical and technical training of every junior leader in Field Artillery. The officer's basic course and career course, as well as the basic noncommissioned officer's course and advanced course, drill leaders in the understanding of these skills and their practice by professional soldiers. The majority of field training addresses tactical and technical problems related...

According to legend, Saint Barbara was the extremely beautiful daughter of a wealthy heathen named Dioscorus, who lived near Nicomedia in Asia Minor. Because of her singular beauty and fearful that she be demanded in marriage and taken away from him, he jealously shut her up in a tower to protect her from the outside world. Shortly before embarking on a journey, he commissioned a sumptuous bathhouse to be built for her, approving the design before he departed. Barbara had heard of the teachings of Christ, and while her father was gone spent much time in contemplation. From the windows...

Part one of a three-part series on the United States evolving armed forces. NORRISTOWN - Transformation is the guiding principle for today's U.S. military, and top Defense officials have mandated sweeping changes aimed to quicken the pace of warfare and streamline the Pentagon's cumbersome bureaucracy. On Nov. 24, President Bush signed the $401 billion Defense Authorization Bill of 2004, the largest defense budget in history. And though the military's fighting capability is second to none, officials warn that the time it takes to develop some weapons renders them obsolete by the time they are finally produced -often 15 to 20...

Four mortar shells hit a U.S. military compound Friday in the northern city of Mosul, killing a soldier from the 101st Airborne Division, the military said. MEANWHILE, AN EXPLOSION slightly damaged a highway overpass in western Baghdad Friday, and a U.S. soldier died on Thanksgiving from a gunshot wound of unknown origin in a base west of Baghdad, the military said. In Mosul, an Iraqi worker in the compound was slightly wounded in the attack at around 11 a.m. local time, Master Sgt. Kelly Tyler said.