Operating alongside elements of the 11th Airborne Division, the brigade reinforced the division’s capability to fight and win in one of the Army’s most demanding environments. Integrating long-range fires into Arctic training ensures forces remain capable of responding rapidly and decisively in contested environments.
Exercises such as JPMRC 26-02 provide opportunities to validate systems, refine tactics and confirm that forces can operate effectively in extreme cold-weather conditions. Training in Alaska’s harsh climate is designed to ensure readiness under pressure and across extended distances.
Capt. Benny Rodriguez, battery commander for the 17th Field Artillery Brigade based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, said the training is essential for building an expeditionary force. “It tests our ability to project power into austere environments, forcing us to confront and solve complex problems that we simply cannot simulate at our home station,” said Rodriguez.
Arctic temperatures created significant challenges, freezing key components of the HIMARS launchers and threatening operational timelines. Through coordination and support from the 11th Airborne Division and the 354th Operations Support Squadron, Airfield Operations Flight, the battery secured resources to maintain the launcher systems at operational temperatures, enabling successful execution of the live fire.
“Our battalion’s motto is ‘flexible,’ and this exercise made that word resonate with every Soldier in this Battery,” Rodriguez said, highlighting his team’s ability to adapt and overcome obstacles. By integrating long-range fires into division-level Arctic operations, the 17th Field Artillery Brigade strengthened the 11th Airborne Division’s ability to deliver responsive, accurate effects in support of large-scale combat operations.
JPMRC 26-02 demonstrated that Arctic forces can efficiently deploy, integrate and execute precision fires under extreme conditions. The exercise underscored the Army’s focus on maintaining readiness and effectiveness in contested and austere environments.
