• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

1/12 gets the fire going at PTA

USMC News

Story Identification Number: 2003317115016
Story by Lance Cpl. Monroe F. Seigle

POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, ISLAND OF HAWAII, Hawaii(March 14, 2003) -- POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA - An unknown enemy force has been spotted near the perimeter. It appears to have a massive amount of troops and weapons. It's coordinates are known, and something must be done fast. They are approaching quickly.

The artillery jumps into action and sights a massive cannon in on the enemy's equipment. The enemy is unaware that they have no chance of breaking the perimeter. Several hundred pounds of explosives are heading their way.

Marines from 1st Bn., 12th Marine Regiment, have trained non-stop since arriving at the Pohakuloa Training Area, on the Big Island of Hawaii, Feb. 13.

They have worked hand-in-hand to support the vital mission of the infantry with artillery fire.

In a common combat situation, the artillery can provide fire-support with screen smoke, which is fired from the artillery cannons at the enemy troops. Afterward, more artillery is fired to suppress the enemy, then helo-borne infantry Marines are dropped into the mix. The infantry is then able to destroy the remaining enemy forces and equipment.

"We can destroy the majority of enemy forces with fire support," said Master Sgt. Kelly Pratt, Artillery Bn. operations chief for 1/12. "This makes the infantry's mission much easier. We are here to support them."

While at PTA, the determined leathernecks have maintained artillery support in a variety of climates. Even though the weather has played a serious factor in training, the Marines from 1/12 have had a 95 percent reaction time.

"It's always cold or hot here at PTA, no matter what time of the year it is," said Cpl. Phillip Vega, a fire direction control operator for Headquarters Battery, 1/12.

"We've had a lot of new Marines come into the unit. They have exceeded my expectations despite the terrain and climate, keeping each other motivated."