Artillery training right on mark
Friday, December 08, 2006

A 105 mm round is loaded into a C3 howitzer during EX PROWLING GUNNER in Shilo.

Private Jason Bilan of 10th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA, from Yorkton, Saskatchewan, takes up a firing position on the gun line during a stand-to.

SHILO, Manitoba — Gunners from 38 Canadian Brigade Group's (38 ATG) artillery tactical group spent the last weekend of October training on Exercise PROWLING GUNNER 1. For some of the Reservists taking part in the exercise who are preparing for a deployment to Afghanistan, it was another chance to make sure their drills are solid.

A lot of the gunners out for the training can't drop everything for a tour, but augmenting Regular Force units for a deployment to Afghanistan is increasingly common and very rewarding professionally. Quitting good jobs or putting an education on hold demonstrates the commitment that many Reservists have when they volunteer for a deployment.

Bombardier Justin DeRoo of the 26th Field Regiment Regiment, RCA, observes an incoming fire mission as he provides local security for the forward observation officer.

"During the summer, we fired over a hundred missions to support the infantry," stated Bombardier Justin de Roo, a Reservist with 26 Field Artillery Regiment, RCA, in Brandon.

"We were firing the M777 155 mm howitzer. It's a good gun, and very versatile." 

Bdr de Roo recently returned from OP ARCHER, Roto 1 with a lot of hard won experience. He pointed out that the gunners don't often see the troops they're supporting.

"When we do see them and a guy who's been in combat says 'Thanks', it means a lot, knowing that we've been able to help out with the fight," he added.

The training during the weekend was right on the mark and, although 38 ATG is not scheduled to deploy, the unit is proving to be a good source of gunners to support the mission in Afghanistan.

Article and photos by Sgt Dennis Power