26 June 2024
Members of 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery (4 Regt RAA), engaged in a danger close activity during Exercise Chau Pha at the Townsville Field Training Area.
Gunners conducted dry and live-fire serials, exploiting the M777A2 155mm howitzer weapon system.
The M777 provides direct support to combat troops through offensive and defensive fires with conventional and precision-guided projectiles.
Commanding Officer 4 Regt RAA Lieutenant Colonel Simon Frewin highlighted the complexity of executing a danger close activity.
“Today, we had rounds landing at 350 metres from friendlies, which is a significantly complicated task to do – it has high risk,” Lieutenant Colonel Frewin said.
“One little mistake could have catastrophic consequences.”
Army forward observers are trained in precise communication and accurate targeting to ensure the safety of friendly forces, while maximising the effectiveness of the artillery.
Lieutenant Colonel Frewin discussed support provided by members of 9th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, using Puma and Wasp all-environment capabilities to provide insight on how the serials looked from above.
“The incorporation of 9th Regiment enables us to get a better understanding of how we can improve on our drills and skills, to survive longer on the battlefield,” he said.
The culmination training, held in May, was led in preparation for Exercise Brolga Run, where the regiment fired combined arms effects in support of 3rd Brigade.
“We have been working on streamlining these drills to demonstrate to the brigade and supporting coalition partners the effects we can achieve,” Lieutenant Colonel Frewin said.
“We want to display the weight of combined-arms fire, specifically artillery that can destroy.
“This will instil confidence that when the brigade needs its fire power, it will land in a timely manner, exactly where it needs to.”
