JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – Various infantry and artillery units, and an element of U.S. Special Operations Command on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, will conduct day and night artillery and mortar training here over the next three weeks using M777 155mm Howitzers, as well as 60mm, 81mm and 120mm mortars.
At this time, no artillery or mortar training is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 20 or Saturday, Aug. 27; however, daytime training on those days remains possible.
DATE Monday, Aug. 15 through Friday, Aug. 19
Monday, Aug. 22 through Friday, Aug. 26
Monday, Aug. 29 through Wednesday, Aug. 31
TIME Day and nighttime field artillery and mortar training
FIRING OF M777 155mm Howitzers, and 60mm, 81mm and 120mm mortars
PURPOSE The purpose of the field artillery and mortar training is for infantry, artillery and special operations units to conduct small and large-unit evaluation and certification. This is required readiness training, which allows military members to practice and improve skills necessary during combat.
Increased Joint Base Lewis-McChord home-station training
As the U.S. military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan changes after 14 years of near-constant deployments, the Army is becoming more of a U.S.-based force, rather than a deployed one. The big difference now is that our forces must be ready all the time for a variety of missions, as evidenced by operations in the Middle East, Afghanistan, and the Pacific.
Given this increased training tempo at JBLM, we will continue to publicize scheduled nighttime training, as well as major training events that will result in significant noise for the surrounding community.
We appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience as our Soldiers train to be globally ready to deploy and fight to protect the interests of our great nation – anytime and anywhere.
Queries or comments about noise may be directed to the JBLM Public Affairs Office’s External Communication Division hotline at (253) 967-0852, daily.
Pierce Prairie Post 