The accelerated delivery program of the high mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS) continued with Exercise Verbranden Road last month.

Soldiers from 54th Siege Battery descended on Puckapunyal Military Area to focus on troop-level certification, including developing standard operating procedures and operating the HIMARS, building on their successful firing of the platform during Exercise Talisman Sabre. 

Focusing on the platform’s ability to ‘shoot and scoot’, the exercise tested the tactical application of the launchers in the field. This involved occupying hides using camouflage, as well as planning tactical movement while executing firing missions and receiving resupply in the field.

Lieutenant Deklan Boyle, one of the troop commanders at 54th Siege Battery, said the rapid deployment of the platform in the past few months had been rewarding and challenging. 

“They are brand new and fresh off the line, and that comes with pros and cons,” Lieutenant Boyle said. 

“Working through that is very rewarding, and as we’ve proven during the exercise, the soldiers and the platform are more than capable of doing what we need them to do.

“By far the most rewarding aspect though has been seeing the rapid integration of the soldiers displaying their skills, as they have all come from various backgrounds, including M777 gunners, infantry and cavalry.”

Bombardier Felix Holmes said it was great being out in the field for the first real-time HIMARS exercise.

“As the detachment commander, I am in charge of a driver and a gunner, and my main role is to oversee the use of an individual HIMARS,” Bombardier Holmes said.

“That involves being in the middle of the cabin, standing up and out of the hatch, navigating around the terrain, tactically conducting formations and moves, as well as overseeing the operation of the system and the firing missions.

“It's really exciting to see the capability and what is achievable and how well it can move, especially in environments like this. So far it’s proven to be a really manoeuvrable and easy-to-operate piece of equipment.

“The best aspect, however, has been not only the training itself, but getting to know the people around me and everyone within the battery.”