015 S07 Ep 01 – Employing Indirect Fires in Complex, Restrictive Terrain with 2-77th Field Artillery (2nd SBCT, 4th Infantry Division) w/LTC Ropelewski

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the fifteenth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Today’s episode is hosted by the Task Force Senior of the Fires Task Force, LTC Aaron Thomas on behalf of the JRTC COG. Today’s guest is the commander for 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment of 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, LTC Adam Ropelewski. The SBCT’s Hollywood call-sign is “Steel” while the regiment’s motto is “En Garde” or “On Guard.”
 
The 2-77th FA was first constituted in July 1916 and served has valiantly in World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terror campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.
 
Their rotation at the JRTC was the first Stryker rotation in nearly five years as the rotational training unit. This rotation was an extremely complex rotation as TF Steel Fires had their normal compliment of field artillery batteries as well as a M-109A6 Paladin 155mm self-propelled Howitzer battery from 1st Armored Division.
 
In this episode they discuss some of lessons learned from operating indirect fires assets across complex, restrictive terrain in support of a Stryker brigade combat team during large scale combat operations. They discussed the need to pre-plan and rehearse fires procedures when operating with adjacent units, such as a supporting armored-mechanized team or advisor teams, as well as when conducting operations as part of a coalition force with our multinational partners. They emphasized the necessity of “leading with HE” during large-scale combat operations and the balancing act between deep fires and supporting the close fight for BCT operations. When used effectively, a Stryker BCT can over-match the enemy as it brings organic M-777 155mm self-propelled Howitzers and M-121 120mm mortars organic to companies and maneuver battalions, which gives the SBCT the ability to develop an echelonment of fires plan in depth.
 
Part of S07 “Joint Fires Discussions” series.
 
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