Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery sharpened their artillery skills and adapted to modern battlefield threats during annual training from June 6-21, 2025.
The exercises emphasized core competencies with the M109 Paladin howitzer while integrating lessons learned from recent deployments about countering unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
Returning from mobilizations alongside the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery, the unit focused on live-fire drills, placement maneuvers, and rebuilding gun crew cohesion. For many soldiers, it marked their first time operating the Paladin, underscoring the need for individual and team proficiency.
“From the time the mission drops, you’re less than 30 seconds until that first round is out the tube, and less than 30 seconds for follow-up rounds,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Sweeney, a gun crew section chief with Alpha Battery. “Essentially, we have these fused up and ready to go – we can just rip them out and shoot them. That’s why I always have six ready to go.”
Readiness remains critical for the 2/138th. Spc. John Sallee, the number one man on his gun in Charlie Battery, emphasized the life-or-death nature of rapid artillery response.
“Having those rounds ready means that’s another life that could be saved,” Sallee said. “If we don’t have a round ready, every second they’re waiting on us is time off their life. So, if we can have rounds ready at all times, we can be ready to go and help save them.”
The battalion trained 18 gun crews, building collective cohesion and ensuring mission-capable teams following two mobilizations and the return of nearly 90 soldiers.
The exercises also included collaboration with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery of the 101st Division Artillery. This partnership, which has lasted nearly seven years, allows for mutual refinement of tactics and procedures.
“This cooperation allows our teams to gain an understanding of working with units that we don’t train with on a consistent basis,” said 1st Lt. Nick Villani of the 101st. “Every unit will have at least a slightly different approach to missions, and learning to adapt and collaborate effectively is crucial.”
Beyond traditional artillery training, the 2/138th incorporated counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) drills, reflecting real-world experiences with drone threats during recent overseas deployments. Soldiers stressed that preparation against drones is now vital for force protection.
“Training alongside another component of the Army allows us to see that despite different approaches and day-to-day lives, we can work together, adapt and put mission success first,” Villani said.
As the battalion strengthens its artillery fundamentals and addresses new battlefield realities, its efforts reflect a broader commitment within the National Guard to maintain a ready and adaptive force prepared for the complex operational environment of today’s conflicts.