The aim of the joint training was to synchronize reconnaissance elements and fire missions as part of integrated fire support tasks. The soldiers under 1st Lt. Łukasz Ratański, commander of the 152 mm DANA self-propelled howitzer battery, carried out tactical and fire tasks together with artillerymen operating 155 mm M109A6 PALADIN self-propelled howitzers.
In addition to improving the operating procedures of Polish and American crews, the joint training provided an opportunity to become familiar with the capabilities of the ZZKO TOPAZ (Automated Fire Control System) and AFATDS (Army Field Artillery Tactical Data System) used by the artillerymen. The DANA and PALADIN crews used the time between fire missions to familiarize themselves with the equipment of the artillery systems in use and exchange experience in this area.
At the same time, Polish and American reconnaissance teams carried out joint tasks. Participation in the exercise enabled the soldiers to improve their practical skills in detecting and identifying targets, as well as exchange experience concerning the reconnaissance equipment used by the participating subunits.
Besides cooperating with American artillerymen, an important element of the self-propelled artillery squadron’s training was cooperation with other branches of the armed forces. As part of joint training with a subunit of the 1st Engineer Regiment, an engineering company carried out fortification work at the artillery battery’s firing positions, preparing gun pits for DANA self-propelled howitzers. Soldiers from the firing subunits once again had the opportunity to cooperate with engineers while carrying out tasks related to the fortification of firing positions.
There are still many tasks ahead for the artillerymen of the 1st Self-Propelled Artillery Squadron during the subsequent stages of field training. The most important will be testing their ability to carry out missions during a tactical and specialist exercise led by the regiment commander.
