Land Component Command Sgt. Maj. visits artillery battalion during key annual training

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SPARTA, WISCONSIN (07/17/2015)(readMedia)-- Illinois Army National Guard Land Component Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Bowman, of Plainfield, Illinois, visited with Soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin July 15 to speak with them about their new equipment and new company.

Recently, the 122nd Field Artillery stood up a new C Battery based in Crestwood, Illinois, during a reorganization in the Illinois Army National Guard. Along with the new personnel, the battalion was designated as a composite field artillery battalion. With the restructure, the 122nd was fielded new M777, 152mm Howitzers, new counter-fire radar, and upgrades to their existing M119A2, 105mm Howitzers.

Maj. Jason Carter of Chicago, commander of the 122nd field artillery battalion, based in Chicago, said the designation doesn't change the battalion's mission, but increases their capability and firepower.

"Getting the new M777s, standing up C. Battery, and getting the upgrades on our existing guns provides more firepower for the battalion and expands our fires capabilities," said Carter. "The digital upgrades to the M119s allow us to set up and fire faster, becoming more efficient, and adding the triple sevens gives us the ability to fire precision guided munitions."

The upgrades to the M119A2 Howitzers that the battalion had include hardware and software component upgrades, a new Global Positioning System for navigation, a digital gunner's display, and a digital connection to the Fire Direction Center.

Staff Sgt. Kenneth Vasser of Chicago, a section chief with A Battery, 2nd Battalion 122nd Field Artillery based in Chicago, said that the upgrades were welcome and would take a lot of the stress from Soldiers.

"These upgrades and new systems are great," said Vasser. "We'll have the capability to not only verify our position by GPS, but we'll also be able to receive fire commands digitally, straight to the equipment we're operating."

Vasser said that it would greatly improve firing times while mitigating some of the human error that can happen on the gun line.

Along with upgrades to their M119 Howitzers, the battalion also received new Lightweight Counter Mortar Radar systems (LCMRs) to supplement and eventually replace their old counter-mortar radar systems. Carter said the new systems are smaller and more easily deployed and give a 360 degree view of the battlefield.

Bowman said that the new additions to the 122nd field artillery are exciting for the Illinois Army National Guard.

"This is awesome for the 122," said Bowman. "This equipment almost makes them an entirely new field artillery battalion. It's not only a huge boost to their capabilities and their overall combat power, but opens up new opportunities within the Illinois Army National Guard for new and seasoned Soldiers."

Carter echoed Bowman, saying that the 122 is an entirely new battalion.

"The guys that are here during this fielding and training are the pioneer group for the new 122," said Carter. "Our next challenges will be using our personnel to their full potential and figuring out how best to use our new capabilities in the fight."

Cutline 1: An M777, 152mm Howitzer sits behind a 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery Medium Tactical Vehicle during fielding and inventory at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin July 15. Recently, the 122nd Field Artillery underwent a reorganization, gaining a new C Battery along with new M777 Howitzers, upgraded M119A3 Howitzers, and new counter-mortar radar systems. The battalion chose to field their new equipment during their annual training period at Fort McCoy. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Bryan Spreitzer, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)

Cutline 2: Lou Carter (right), the M119 fielding team lead from the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey, gives Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Bowman of Plainfield, Illinois, Illinois' Land Component Command Sergeant Major, an overview of the upgrades that the 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery's M119 Howitzers received during a net equipment fielding at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin July 15. Bowman was visiting the unit to get more detail on the 122's new equipment and capabilities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Bryan Spreitzer, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)

Cutline 3: Staff Sgt. Kenneth Vasser of Chicago, a section chief with A Battery, 2nd Battalion 122nd Field Artillery based in Chicago, gives Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Bowman of Plainfield, Illinois, Illinois' State Command Sergeant Major, an overview of the M1115 Enhanced Portable Inductive Artillery Fuze Setter, or "Thor's Hammer" as it is commonly referred to because of its shape. Vasser explained that with the new technology, adjustments at the gun line can come straight from the Fire Direction Control, greatly reducing the amount of human error. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Bryan Spreitzer, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)

Cutline 4: Supply personnel with the 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery based in Chicago, inventory equipment being fielded to them at during their annual training period at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin July 15. . Recently the 122nd Field Artillery underwent a reorganization, gaining a new C Battery along with new M777 Howitzers, upgraded M119A3 Howitzers, and new counter-mortar radar systems. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Bryan Spreitzer, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)