The U.S. Army’s 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment (Long Range Fires Battalion) has achieved two groundbreaking milestones in its mission to advance long-range precision fires.
These accomplishments, conducted under the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF), highlight innovations in strategic capabilities and operational readiness.
In early November 2024, the battalion executed its first live-fire test using the Mid-Range Capability (MRC) system with fully organic Army sensors and shooters.
The MRC, known as the Typhon Weapon System, is a ground-launched system designed to provide multi-domain fires against specific threats. The system leverages existing Raytheon-produced SM-6 missiles and Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Conducted at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, the test validated the MRC’s ability to strike a moving surface target with precision. Soldiers trained intensively at the site in preparation, focusing on fire team coordination and reload drills.
“This test event not only expands the capability of MRC but also builds the competence and confidence of those who operate it,” said Capt. Michael Geissler, Delta Battery commander.
Sgt. W. Teloh of Delta Battery made history by becoming the first U.S. Army Soldier to fire both the Tomahawk cruise missile and the Standard Missile-6 (SM-6). His expertise, honed during specialized training, exemplifies the unit’s commitment to cultivating adaptable and highly skilled personnel.
Lt. Col. Ben Blane, the battalion commander, praised the team’s success, stating, “It’s not just about mastering the MRC; it’s about building a culture of continuous improvement. Our Soldiers are doing an outstanding job, and I couldn’t be prouder of their efforts.”
In a separate landmark event, the battalion successfully loaded the MRC system onto a chartered vessel at the Port of Tacoma. This exercise validated the use of maritime transport for the system, enhancing the Army’s ability to deploy land-based fires in coastal and amphibious environments.
“This battery didn’t even exist a year ago. Now you have qualified crews and systems demonstrating new methods to deliver fires and move in theater,” said Lt. Col. Blane. “We’re building capability faster and more efficiently while providing increasingly lethal options to support commanders in the Indo-Pacific.”
The exercise, conducted in partnership with Lockheed Martin engineers and the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, reflects the Army’s focus on rapid mobility and strategic deployment.
The 1st MDTF, assigned to the Indo-Pacific, plays a critical role in neutralizing adversary anti-access and area denial networks. With five Multi-Domain Task Forces now directed globally, the Army’s layered precision fires are creating multiple dilemmas for adversaries while strengthening U.S. strategic positioning.
These milestones demonstrate the Army’s ability to adapt and innovate, underscoring its commitment to enhancing long-range precision fires and maritime mobility for modern conflict scenarios.