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thedrifter
12-12-08, 05:55 AM
THE WAY OF THE GUN
3/12 completes Yausubetsu artillery relocation training
Lance Cpl. Thomas W. Provost

YAUSUBETSU MANEUVER AREA, HOKKAIDO, Japan (December 12, 2008) -- A sound of thunder pierces the frigid morning's dry air. The 100-pound piece of metal and Composition B explosive tears through the atmosphere, a piercing scream foreshadowing the senders' intent of turning everything at the round's destination into dust.

Marines and sailors with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, concluded the live-fire portion of an artillery relocation training deployment at Yausubetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan Nov. 29, the tenth consecutive day of live-fire drills.

The purpose of the regularly scheduled training was to allow the battalion to remain operationally ready and increase the Marines' proficiency in all aspects of artillery operations so the unit can respond to any potential Asia-Pacific contingency where artillery support becomes necessary, according to Maj. Walker Field, the commanding officer of 3rd Bn., 12th Marines.

"The Yausubetsu training exercise afforded 3/12 an opportunity to concentrate entirely on artillery-specific skills while conducting live-fire training in a cold-weather environment," Field said. "I would like the Marines to take away from this exercise an immediate appreciation and an indelible understanding of how an artillery battalion fights in its intended role."

Approximately 230 Marines participated in this year's training, firing the relatively new M777 155mm Lightweight Howitzer during day and night drills.

"Every time you shoot artillery it enhances your senses on the gun, your particular job," said Lance Cpl. Brandon J. McMillan, an ammunition team chief with Battery K. "It proves how fast you can be, just in case you get called into combat. I'm most confident we'd be good to go."

The Marines and sailors also trained in individual skills intrinsic to the full spectrum of artillery operations, including convoy tactics and medical evacuations. They also fired other weapons such as the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, MK19 40mm machine gun and M16A4 service rifle.

"We need to get out and practice these skills the Marines are trained in, otherwise, they will begin to lose them," said Staff Sgt. Paul D. Mousseau, the battery gunnery sergeant of Battery K.

The live-fire training began on Nov. 20, and the battery achieved its goal of completing 10 firing days within a fourteen-day window. Four alternate firing days were not needed, as the sub-zero temperatures and occasional inclement weather did not delay the battalion from meeting its requirements.

"Within the context of our on-hand personnel and equipment set, the Marines and sailors of 3/12 are prepared to fulfill any assignment ? as individuals or collectively as a unit ? that may be levied by higher," Field said.

Ellie