“Firing alongside the Indian Army at Yukon Training Area shows that we’re not just allies on paper — we’re partners who can put rounds on target together,” said Capt. Chapman Johnson, Charlie “Chaos” Battery commander, 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Arctic), 11th Airborne Division. The exercise focused on interoperability, readiness and trust between both forces.
American artillerymen demonstrated precision and coordination more than 7,000 miles from home, firing lightweight M119 105mm howitzers with their Indian counterparts observing at close range. The exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures covered rapid emplacement, sustained fires and coordination with forward observers in cold weather and high altitude conditions.
“Every round we sent downrange was a reminder that readiness is built shoulder to shoulder, no matter the terrain or the challenge,” Johnson said. The 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment brought Arctic expertise to the drills, giving the Indian Army valuable exposure to extreme climates.
“My crews train for this moment — harsh conditions, real weapons, and trusted partners at our side. That’s how you prove you’re ready for the fight,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Youngkin, platoon sergeant, Bravo “Brutal” Battery, 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Arctic), 11th Airborne Division. His words reflected the shared focus on discipline and resilience.
“Working alongside our Indian Army counterparts is more than just training, it’s building trust between our units,” Youngkin added. “That trust strengthens our ability to work together should we be called to do so.”
