ANA certifies artillery battery for Paktika operations

CJTF-1 Afghanistan

By U.S. Army Maj. Joseph P. Buccino
RC-East PAO

GARDEZ PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The D30 artillery battery from the 4th Kandak, 2nd Brigade, 203rd Afghan National Army, was certified for real-world operations in Paktika province by the Ministry of Defense following a successful live-fire exercise, March 13.

Courtesy Photo

An Afghan National Army soldier, from the 4th Kandak, 2nd Brigade, 203rd Corps, adjusts the sights of a D30 howitzer during a live-fire certification, March 13. Having successfully certified, the battery will now reposition to Forward Operating Base Orgun-E, Paktika province, to support operations along the Pakistani border. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joseph P. Buccino, Task Force Blackhawk Public Affairs)

During the one-day exercise the eight-gun battery fired 96 high-explosive rounds and 41 smoke rounds making it eligible to relocate to eastern Paktika province, to integrate indirect fire into coalition force and Afghan National Security Force operations along the Pakistani border.

Afghan National Army Capt. Dawood Shah Han, commander of the artillery battery, explained the live fire certification process.

“We fired 137 rounds in 16 fire missions. With a five-kilometer range, we were accurate within 100 meters with the first round every time.”

Afghan National Army Brig. Gen. Zmaray Khan, commander of the 2nd brigade, 203rd Corps ANA in Paktika province was excited about the practical application of the battery.

“Previously, we did not have indirect fire support from the Afghan side in Paktika,” Khan explained. “Our D30 artillery is all we need to defeat the insurgents once the Americans leave. With accurate artillery, we will never lose an engagement.”

Afghan National Army Staff Sgt. Afwhan Attaullah, first gun chief, explained the battery’s proficiency.

“We understand deflection, quadrant elevation, and how to make adjustments after the first round,” Attaullah said. “When we get back to Paktika, we will have four guns available to shoot all the time and our fire direction center will always be available.”

Afghan National Army Staff Sgt. Ahmed Alimzai, second gun chief, spoke optimistically about the battery’s future.

“We will fire on the insurgents with pleasure,” Alimzai explained. “This spring, the enemies of Afghanistan will find that they cannot cause problems in Paktika province because of our artillery."

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