As part of the Fire Control Training—conducted by the commander of the 1st self-propelled artillery squadron, codename GRZMOT-19, and the commander of the 3rd rocket artillery squadron, codename ULEWA-19—the firing subunits engaged targets in the enemy formation for two days while carrying out fire-support missions.
The purpose of the training was to improve the skills of the squadron Fire Control Posts’ personnel in carrying out activities related to the preparation and organization of fire control, as well as to integrate the rocket and self-propelled artillery batteries in carrying out live-fire missions in accordance with the applicable firing program.
During the Fire Control Training, the batteries of the 3rd rocket artillery squadron (122 mm WR-40 Langusta) and the 1st self-propelled artillery squadron (152 mm DANA self-propelled howitzers) carried out missions from concealed firing positions, by day and at night.
All projectiles hit their targets with the required accuracy, while the squadrons’ high level of training was demonstrated by the times in which the subunits maneuvered within the firing-position area and achieved firing readiness.
Based on the training conducted by the squadron commanders, the commander of the 23rd Artillery Regiment, Col. Grzegorz Potrzuski, conducted an advanced regiment Fire Control Training with live firing. It improved the execution of general fire-support missions by the regiment and squadron Fire Control Posts, as well as by the designated personnel of the command-and-control element responsible for controlling the regiment’s fire.
During the training, the regiment’s reconnaissance system was integrated using the LIWIEC artillery reconnaissance radar and FLY EYE unmanned aerial systems. The reconnaissance forces and assets carried out missions supporting artillery fire adjustment, as well as reconnaissance of firing artillery.
Once again, the firing conducted by the artillerymen from Bolesławiec also enabled them to improve cooperation with other branches of the Armed Forces in reconnaissance and in the practical implementation of “Call for fire” procedures.
Both the squadron and regimental Fire Control Training sessions involved reconnaissance groups from the reconnaissance company of the 10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade, as well as JTAC operators from the Military Unit of Commandos and AGAT. The practical execution of missions during live firing was preceded by refresher classes for the artillerymen on the procedures applicable in this area.
American artillerymen from the Fire Control Centre of the 1st Battalion, 5th Artillery Regiment, which forms part of an Armored Brigade Combat Team, familiarized themselves with the practical execution of fire missions and fire-control procedures at the Fire Control Posts. For the soldiers, the training was another opportunity to exchange experience in practical live firing by squadrons, as well as in procedures for carrying out fire-support missions. In addition, another meeting between the regiment commander and the US Army artillery battalion commander provided an opportunity to detail mutual cooperation in 2019 with elements of the ABCT.
The Fire Control Training, which concluded the regiment subunits’ two-week period of training at the training area, tested their ability to carry out fire missions in accordance with their designated roles and their readiness for the regiment to participate in the command-and-staff exercise codenamed BÓBR-19 and the tactical exercise with troops codenamed DRAGON-19.