FA Lessons Learned Primer
“Organizational Culture and Change.” The organizational culture produces norms that powerfully shape the behavior of individuals and groups within the organization. A specific event or situation usually triggers an organization’s decision to change its culture. A change in world situation, mission, technology or even a reduction in force could provide the reason for the desired shift in culture. Laura Roeloffs states that “culture change is difficult and time consuming because culture is rooted in the collective history of an organization, and because so much of it is below the surface of awareness.” (Organizational Culture, 2004). An organizational cultural change is a long-term effort, possibly taking five to ten years to complete.The Modern Battlefield will not wait five or ten years to make the changes. We all know that the enemy is adapting rapidly and our Soldiers must change just as quickly. Using all available technology can assist you in your efforts. The FA Lessons Learned Webpage functions to provide you with most current information possi-ble. Check out the page and let us know if you need more topics covered. Share your TTPs, SOPs or any other information, rapidly with other FA Soldiers using the AKO FKN webpage. More...
Showcased Articles:
Afghans Reach Out to U.S. Route-Clearance Patrol
FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHARANA, Afghanistan - As Army 1st Lt. Phil Kirk pulled the walkie-talkie from his hip, disappointment was obvious on his face and in his voice.
"Did you hear that?" Kirk asked, shaking his head. "Sounds like medevac is 'red.' We're not going anywhere."
The lieutenant was referencing radio traffic from the tactical operations center informing him that his newly formed route clearance patrol's first mission would be delayed for several hours because helicopters were unable to fly, presumably due to poor weather.
More...
FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHARANA, Afghanistan - As Army 1st Lt. Phil Kirk pulled the walkie-talkie from his hip, disappointment was obvious on his face and in his voice.
"Did you hear that?" Kirk asked, shaking his head. "Sounds like medevac is 'red.' We're not going anywhere."
The lieutenant was referencing radio traffic from the tactical operations center informing him that his newly formed route clearance patrol's first mission would be delayed for several hours because helicopters were unable to fly, presumably due to poor weather.
More...
Bobcats Call Out HIMARS: Airborne Artillery Troopers Attend Professional Basketball Game
More than 100 Soldiers and Family members with 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery, 18th Fires Brigade (Airborne), were in attendance at the Charlotte Bobcats game against the New Orleans Hornets, Feb. 6, in Charlotte, N.C. More...
The Family That
Re-enlists Together, Sticks Together
FORWARD OPERATING BASE FENTY, Afghanistan - A recent re-enlistment ceremony had observers seeing double at Forward Operating Base Fenty in eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, Jan. 18.
This was because the two Soldiers re-enlisting shared the same last name, the same looks and the same DNA.
More...
BG Ridge Message1. With the announced Troop Increase in support of OEF, the Field Artillery (FA) School stands ready to assist units as they prepare for their upcoming deployments. The FA School has several programs readily available to assist with individual training and collective training during the Reset phase of the ARFORGEN Cycle. In addition, the FA Lessons Learned Team has compiled articles and tactics, techniques and procedures that cover operations in the Afghanistan operational environment. It is our intent to provide whatever assistance is needed based on the commander's assessment or requirements. Listed below are the links to the FA School resources, AKO sign-in is required:
- FA Reset Site on AKO - https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/584601
- FA Lessons Learned Page on AKO - https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/593650
- Master Gunner's Link - https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/130718
- Fires Knowledge Network Link -https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/130700
- JACI (Joint Fires Observer) Link - https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/387833
- NCOA (NCO Academy) Links - http://sill-www.army.mil/usancoa/index.htm
https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/408
2. We can provide assistance from a wide range of training support packages that include AFATDS operations, Field Artillery and FIST Table Certifications to EW Training. We have a very robust Collective Training Evaluation Team that can train and certify from Artillery Table VIII to Table XVIII.
3. If there is a subject or training support package that we have not listed at these links, then please do not hesitate to contact me or the FA School. Artillery Strong!
-V/R
BG Ross E. Ridge.
Red Knights assume authority
Written by Army Pfc. Christopher McKenna
KHOST PROVINCE, Afghanistan – After a year of training and weeks of transit into Afghanistan, the Soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, have assumed authority for U.S. military operations in the eastern portion of Khost province.
The Red Knight Rakkasans assumed authority of the area from the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division following a brief ceremony, Feb. 18.
“This is going to be a challenging mission,” said Maj. Robb Mitchell, 3-320 FAR executive officer. “But, we look to improve on what the units before us have already accomplished.”
During their time in the area, the 2-377 PFAR successfully provided security for the elections, worked together with the Afghan National Security Forces, and helped install the Afghan Border Patrol on the Afghanistan and Pakistan border.
“We conducted countless missions together that degraded Haqani’s ability to intimidate the proud people of Khost, the centre of gravity for the war,” said Col. Michael Howard, 4th BCT, 25th Inf. Div., commander. “And, with their Afghan partners in the lead, we tactically dominated every fight we entered and the enemy had no chance.”
Consisting of nine companies, including those from various other 3rd BCT and subordinate units, the Red Knight’s will hold the largest battle space in
Task Force Rakkasan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
“It is an honor to be here in Afghanistan partnered with the best Afghan security forces in the country and at such a critical time in this nation’s history,” said Lt. Col. Richard Ullian, 3-320 FAR commander. “The impressive accomplishments of the many brave Afghan and Coalition Soldiers, police officers and civilian leaders assembled not only here today, but on patrol in the city ... are well known across Afghanistan.”
Ullian said that he has been told that in Afghanistan, a man’s word is his bond and that the Red Knight’s will work tirelessly to ensure the area continues to improve.
