Battery continues on despite change of mission

Photo By Sgt. Jason Mikeworth | Spc. Josh Forrest, a gunner with B Battery, 1/17th Field Artillery, demonstrates proper escalation of force techniques for other Soldiers preparing to conduct a combat logistics patrol at Logistical Support Area Anaconda.  

BALAD, IRAQ

05.19.2006

Courtesy Story

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BALAD, Iraq-When the Army needs fire support from the "big guns," it usually turns to field artillery. The war in Iraq saw many field artillery units fill that role in the early days of the operation. Now that the mission requires more mobile fire support, the Army is again calling on the field artillery to provide fire support from gun truck platforms.

The "bulldogs" of B Battery, 1-17th Field Artillery, from Fort Sill, Okla., are providing security and fire support services for combat logistics patrols at Logistical Support Area Anaconda. Less than six months into their tour, the battery has covered more than 160,000 miles of road, helping deliver supplies to a wide section of Iraq.

Capt. Tripp Smith, the battery commander, said the battery wasn't sure what to expect when they received their gun truck mission.

"There were mixed emotions. Some Soldiers liked it," Smith said. "Now, they're saying it's one of the better missions here."

Some of the bulldogs are on their second tour in Iraq, and Smith said they've embraced their new role with enthusiasm.

"Last time they were over here in OIF [Operation Iraqi Freedom] 1, they did some field artillery missions," said Smith. "They did some roadblocks and raids, too. Now they're doing non-stop combat logistics patrols and they're seeing constant action. A lot of the Soldiers like that. I just signed a sheet giving a whole bunch of Soldiers a secondary MOS of 88M (truck driver)."

Smith said his Soldiers have adapted well to their new mission.

"There are no major obstacles to our job. Some little things, but our [transfer of
authority] was great. They did a good job training us," Smith said.

The commander added that LSA Anaconda is a great duty location.

"The facilities here at Anaconda are second to none," Smith said. "They have good living conditions, a good chow hall and we're located close to our motor pool. We
couldn't ask for better conditions."

He also said that prior to the deployment it was difficult to acquire similar up-armored humvees for training, and that the equipment the unit has to accomplish its mission is better than he expected.

"I was surprised to find how well the vehicles are equipped," said Smith. "We have a lot of armor and at battalion we have Skunk Werks. They fabricate a lot of new products for us. As we notice the enemy changing their tactics on us, we adapt to the battlefield."

Smith said the adaptability his Soldiers have displayed while changing their mission focus, combined with the nearly unlimited possibilities Skunk Werks adds for their equipment, is essential for the modern battlefield.

"Being flexible is one of the most important things," Smith said. "Being able to change based on what the enemy is doing and based on new or changing equipment is very important."

Pfc. Sam Rasmussen, who works on improvised explosive device countermeasure systems, said he wasn't concerned about the change in mission.

"I just said "hooah, let's get the job done,"" said Rasmussen. "That's why I came in the Army."

Pfc. Chris Gasca, a driver, had a different reaction, "I thought "oh, that's not good." I work on [multiple launch rocket systems]. But, it's been pretty easy. All of the Soldiers get along great, and the NCOs made it really easy. They're good leaders, so there have been no problems."

Rasmussen said maintenance and training keep him busy most days.
"We PMCS [preventive maintenance checks and services] the vehicles and make sure they're ready to go, a lot of the time we're going back to back," said Rasmussen. "I work on the [countermeasure systems], that's all I do."

Rasmussen said he enjoys his role as a trainer. "I have to make sure the systems are up and running and we go around and help other batteries out," Rasmussen said. "I've helped train a few NCOs and trained people from other batteries on the systems."

Gasca said he doesn't feel his mission is difficult. "There's nothing really hard about it. Maybe dodging holes in the road," Gasca said. "Our missions can last one night, or we've had one mission that lasted 13 days. We get plenty of rest, though, so it's not that bad."

Sgt. Chad Boeke, a truck commander, said the hardest part of his job is the days he spends in the motor pool instead of on the road.

"When we have to do vehicle maintenance in the heat is probably the hardest part," said Boeke. "I love going out on missions, being out on the road. It makes time go by faster and makes us feel like we're doing our job."

Boeke said the unit spends a lot of time coordinating with the truck drivers they will escort on each mission.

"We go over our procedures with KBR [Kellogg, Brown and Root] or whoever we'll be escorting that night and show them what we'll do in case a vehicle breaks down or if there's an attack," Boeke said. "It's important that they know what to expect. If they're injured, or a vehicle breaks, they know what will happen. They don't have to sit there and wonder what's going on."

The battery commander said he's pleased with the effort his Soldiers are putting into the mission.

"I couldn't ask for a better performance. Some of them have extended beyond their ETS, and many of them are gunners," said Smith. "Despite the fact they've been extended, they want to perform beyond expectations. They're happier when they're
outside the wire."

• Date Taken: 05.19.2006
• Date Posted: 05.19.2006 04:28
• Story ID: 6437
• Location: BALAD, IQ