“This is part of making sure every individual section of the battery is able to execute their real-world mission,” said U.S. Army Capt. Hugh Kennedy, commander of Alpha Battery, 1-320th FAR, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). “Today we executed table V certifications which is our individual section certification for all of our gun sections.”
The certification includes 27 primary tasks and 354 subtasks, requiring teams to perform safe and efficient artillery fire under strict criteria. The exercise trains each Soldier in their specific duties and strengthens their proficiency in all aspects of artillery operations.
Kennedy underlined the importance of this process, stating, “I think this the most critical piece of this training as far as getting us ready, this is the foundation of everything we do.” He added, “So if an individual gun section is not ready that leads to lesser results in the battlefield for our maneuver partners.”
Artillery provides crucial indirect fire support during combat, and proper training is essential to avoid endangering friendly forces and civilians. “As a cannon section chief I’m basically a safety, verifying that my gun is doing the right thing and that my Soldiers are doing the right thing,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Mark Sauceda of 1-320th FAR.
“I need them to know what they are doing at all times and to be hungry to light up the next target,” Sauceda added. Ensuring each gun section’s competence contributes directly to mission effectiveness and battlefield safety.
The deployment of 1-320th FAR to Romania reinforces NATO’s eastern flank and reflects the alliance’s enhanced defence posture in response to evolving security challenges. The presence of U.S. forces in the region strengthens deterrence and supports collective defence efforts.
“Training in Romania provides a unique opportunity especially for Soldier who has never left the country before,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brandon Carter, another cannon section chief. “They get to explore different cultures and learn how to work with foreign nationals.”
