Release Date: Jan 14, 2013

Staff Sgt. Timothy D. Hughes

75th Public Affairs NCO

Big Bang Theory

FORT SILL, Okla. – I hear you calling; calling for me. King of the battle, field artillery…

Virtually all Soldiers who serve in the Army have heard that cadence.

Many Soldiers, new and old, have and openly debated their different perspectives concerning which element of battle, field artillery or infantry, is truly the king of the battlefield – in comparison to the king and queen pieces on a chess board.

Although both present a strong case for being crowned the king or queen, one thing is for certain; Neither can function properly without the other. The 75th Fires Brigade tested this theory during a brigade-level field training exercise Oct. 29 – Nov. 8, .

The 'Tough As Diamonds' brigade conducted the 11-day exercise to hone its staff's ability to operate as a combined-arms headquarters with newly integrated ground and air combat maneuver units.

Major supporting elements involved in the exercise were 1st Battalion 17th Field Artillery (1-17th FA), 3-13th FA Regiment and 100th Brigade Support Battalion, all stationed at Fort Sill with the brigade.

In order to create more realistic training involving multiple units, the brigade collaborated with 2-2nd Infantry and 1-6th FA, of Fort Knox, Ky., and Soldiers of the 75th Ranger Regiment.

The brigade coordinated basic necessities from living quarters and chow to the coordination of an ammunition and mine resistant and ambush protective vehicles draw.

As each unit received its equipment, pre-execution checks were conducted to verify that safety hazards were mitigated.

For our equipment [the M119A1 howitzer], we conduct a fire control alignment test, said Sgt. Edward C. Green, a section chief assigned to 1-6th FA. The test measures the accuracy of the data for the howitzer; it also measures its alignment devices.

Although the unit was not firing with its normal equipment, its artillerymen remained confident in their ability to effectively engage the enemy.

"This battalion is pretty accurate," said Green. "We could shoot a dime out of the sky."

The units used one of their one of their most expendable resources, extra time, to plan for various scenarios that could challenge them during the exercise.

"We are anticipating a division-plus sized element," said Staff Sgt. Chris Chambers, a platoon sergeant with A Co, 2-2nd Inf.

If all goes according to plans, the 75th will reduce those forces with artillery rounds so the 2-2nd can engage light infantry, he said.

After logistical arrangements and pre-execution checks were complete, the fun began.

The 75th FiBs headquarters was located at Training Area 59; its plan was simple. The headquarters element and its subordinate units would conduct one day of dry-fire rehearsals followed by a day of dry and live-fire training events.

Excitement loomed throughout the camp as the troops prepared for the ensuing live-fire events.

Although 2-2 Inf. returned from combat operations less than a year ago, many of its Soldiers were new to the Army, or the unit, and had never experienced a combined-arms exercise or real world event.

"Approximately 40 percent of our Soldiers have never been in combat," said Chambers.

"This is different training than what the Soldiers normally go through," he said.

They normally assault the enemy or objective without it being hit by actual artillery, he said.

This training gets our guys accustomed to having artillery rounds actually coming in, said Chambers. Now, they're getting the chance to feel the impact of the rounds that land as well as assault the enemy while traversing terrain that has been modified by actual artillery rounds.

As darkness fell, the royal family of battle did not waiver in their efforts to defeat its approaching enemy.

The units remained vigilant while looking and listening for any signs of any hostile advancement.

Boom, boom, boom…was echoed throughout the cold night as artillery shells from 1-6 FA, 3-13 FAR and 1-17 FAR rained havoc on the enemy position.

The remaining notional enemies who were fortunate enough to survive the well orchestrated barrage were engaged, as anticipated, by 2-2 Inf.

As the enemy advanced toward the infantrymen's fighting position, the infantrymen continually redistribute small-arms ammunition and mortar rounds amongst its personnel.

"ENEMY WITHIN 200 METERS!" was yelled across the gun line. "GO BLACK, GO BLACK…"

The unit, then, nearly depleted its arsenal [i.e. go black] in a successful attempt at eliminating the advancing enemy.

After the dust settled, the operation shifted from a defensive posture to offensive operations.

The 75th FiB, in conjunction with its higher headquarters, 1Infantry Division, sent orders to its subordinate units to suppress and destroy the remaining enemy.

Throughout the operation, the headquarters personnel worked diligently to ensure that plans and missions were thoroughly understood by all participating parties.

Rehearsal of conduct drills became increasingly important as the training event incorporated additional elements, such as gunships.

The new addition of Army aviation units further challenged the Air Defense and Airspace Management Cell as it had to ensure that units on the ground were fully aware of where air support elements were prior to firing munitions toward a target down range.

Once offensive operations commenced, the enemy's position was littered with artillery rounds. The infantrymen simultaneously moved into their respective positions and assaulted the enemy.

As the infantrymen closed in on the objective, they called in close air support from attack helicopters in order to assist with the further elimination of enemy ground units.

After a successful fire fight, the 75th FiB and its units were able to eventually overwhelm the enemy opposition.

As 1-6 FA and 2-2 Inf. wrapped up its mission and major combat operations came to an end, the 75th FiB transitioned to stability operations.

As the 2-2 Inf. regrouped and conducted an informal after action review, they were reminded of the impact of the support they have at their disposal while engaging the enemy in combat.

"Take a look at this piece of shrapnel," said Capt. Ronald Vinyard, the commander of A Co, 2-2 Inf. "I want you guys to see the effect of what happens when you guys call in artillery and air support. I want you guys to have confidence in our military's capabilities."

Although major enemy threats were neutralized, the new task was to locate and disband residual disruptive activities.

A special group of Soldiers was tasked to destroy various targets of military interest in order to maintain peace and ensure the safety of the citizens of the area was maintained.

As the exercise ended, the 75th FiB Soldiers were able to reflect on the training they received. They returned to the garrison environment with a more profound understanding of their role within the brigade and of its capabilities to perform as a higher-headquarters element.