Kentucky Guardsmen forge firepower for Florida

FRANKFORT, Ky. - For four multiple launch rocket system crewmember instructors from the Kentucky Army National Guard, being asked to share their long-range artillery expertise at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville is a regular occurrence.

But their latest mission presented a unique challenge when they were asked to reclassify Soldiers from the Florida Army National Guard in the middle of a deployment, halfway around the world.

This is precisely the kind of agile, on-demand mission that the Mobile Training Team, or MTT, from the 1st Battalion (Field Artillery), 238th Regiment Training Institute is designed to execute-exporting critical skills directly to Soldiers wherever they are needed.

From Oct. 31 to Nov. 16, the MTT traveled to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, and qualified 15 Soldiers from Florida's 3rd Battalion, 116th Field Artillery Regiment as multiple launch rocket system or high mobility artillery rocket system crewmembers (13M).

"When a National Guard deployment concludes, the unit often loses personnel due to ETS [expiration term of service], retirement or Soldiers returning to their original unit of assignment," said Sgt. 1st Class David Hughes, 13M course manager. "By training these Soldiers overseas, we not only help backfill any anticipated losses, but we also provide 3-116th with a significant head start in filling launcher positions that will open as they transition to the 3x9 structure."

The "3x9" structure refers to a field artillery battalion's reorganization into three batteries, each fielding nine High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launchers, a move that increases the unit's firepower and its need for qualified crews.

The Florida Guard's request was a proactive measure to enhance combat readiness by certifying more Soldiers for the critical artillery role.

Led by Hughes, the team included three 13M instructors - Staff Sgt. Scott Basham, Staff Sgt. Daniel Mann and Staff Sgt. Justin Noll. They provided the training and subject-matter expertise, while the 3-116th supported classroom operations, maintenance and logistics.

"The instructors from the KYARNG demonstrated exceptional professionalism and adaptability, effectively addressing challenges in the environment of Camp Arifjan, Kuwait," said Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Eads, 3-116th. "Their expertise ensured comprehensive and high-quality training for our Soldiers, equipping them with essential skills to fill critical 13M vacancies and support the battalion's future operational growth."

This was the first time the 1-238th had conducted the course for a unit while deployed in the U.S. Central Command region, and its timing was critical. As the Army expands its field artillery forces to meet the demands of large-scale combat, it also needs to recruit qualified crew members.

This training directly addressed that urgency while offering Soldiers a clearer, more attractive path to promotion.

"The most exciting opportunities in the Army right now are in the 13M space, and Soldiers are excited to transition to the MOS [military occupational specialty]," said Lt. Col. Clifford Evans, commander of the 1-238th. "The instructors on our MTT did a great job, and the response from our counterparts in 3-116th was very positive."

The 1-238th is responsible for training field artillery Soldiers across the active and reserve components, providing expert-led courses for specialties like cannon crewmember (13B), fire support specialist (13F), fire direction control specialist (13J), multiple launch rocket system/high mobility artillery rocket system crewmember (13M) and weapons locating radar operator (13R).

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