US Army soldiers recently completed live-fire artillery qualifications in Latvia, a training exercise designed to maintain military readiness and reinforce NATO’s eastern flank, according to the US Army.
Strengthening NATO’s Eastern Presence
On December 18th, soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, belonging to the 1st Cavalry Division, participated in Table 11 and Table 12 qualification exercises at Camp Ādaži. These exercises involved firing the M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzer.
The Table 11 and Table 12 qualifications represent the final stages of US Army gunnery training for artillery units. The US Army states that these events assess crew coordination, communications, fire mission processing, and the accuracy of indirect fire. Successful completion of these exercises validates a unit’s ability to function effectively as a team in potential combat situations.
Modernizing Artillery Capabilities
The M109A7 Paladin is the newest version of the M109 family of self-propelled howitzers. The US Army and BAE Systems describe the platform as providing improved survivability, digital fire control systems, and compatibility with other tracked platforms for armoured brigade combat teams. It is considered a key component of the Army’s artillery modernization efforts.
US Army officials indicated that the training in Latvia also supports broader alliance objectives. The presence of US artillery units is intended to enhance interoperability with NATO partners and demonstrate the US commitment to collective defense in the region. The US Army has consistently deployed rotational forces to Latvia as part of these NATO assurance measures, viewing live-fire training as essential for maintaining combat credibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Table 11 and Table 12 qualifications?
According to the US Army, Table 11 and Table 12 events are the final stages of US Army gunnery qualification for artillery units, focusing on crew coordination, communications, and accurate fire delivery.
Where did these exercises take place?
The live-fire artillery qualifications were conducted at Camp Ādaži in Latvia, a primary military training area for the country.
What type of artillery was used during the exercises?
Soldiers fired the M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzer during the Table 11 and Table 12 qualification exercises.
Looking ahead, continued rotational deployments and exercises like this could be expected as NATO seeks to maintain a strong presence in the Baltic region. Further modernization of artillery systems, such as the M109A7 Paladin, is also likely to continue.
