US Army National Guard - M777A2 155mm Field Howitzer First Live Firing [1080p60]

Soldiers in the Arkansas National Guard fired newly issued M777A2 towed 155 mm howitzers during a live fire training exercise at Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center, near Barling, Arkansas, 28 July.

The howitzers were fielded to the newest formed unit in the state of Arkansas. Charlie Battery "Cold Steel", 1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery Regiment, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team is headquartered in Booneville, Arkansas.

This is the first time in history that the M777A2 howitzer has been issued to the Arkansas National Guard. Charlie battery was specifically formed just to receive these new artillery pieces and they have been tasked with the responsibility of handling and maintaining the newly fielded howitzers. The M777A2s are commonly referred to as "Triple 7s". The battery was issued the weapons on 16 July, 2018.

The 1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery Regiment is now designated as a Composite Artillery Battalion since the battalion has now been issued the M777A2 howitzers along with the newest variant of the M119 howitzer. Composite Artillery Battalions deliver fires to suppress, neutralize and destroy the full spectrum of enemy ground based combat, combat support and combat service support forces. The battalion strikes throughout the depth of enemy formations interdicting ground forces and suppressing enemy air defense and fire support and command and control systems. Due to the upgraded technology and enhanced capabilities the composite battalion may be called to perform all four of the standard tactical missions: direct support, general support, general support reinforcing and reinforcing.

Video filmed by SPC Stephen M. Wright.