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Fort Drum Troops Train With Howitzers

Story Published: Mar 13, 2013 at 3:56 PM EDT

Story Updated: Mar 13, 2013 at 6:38 PM EDT

Field training is underway for the 1st Brigade's 3-6 Field Artillery Regiment on Fort Drum and it's loud.

In fact, there have been reports of people hearing the firing exercises all the way in Redwood and Theresa.

"We're training, we're here shooting, just know we're training for them, not for any other reason," said Captain Rodney Bunyan, Bravo Battery Commander, 3-6 Field Artillery Regiment.

The troops are firing howitzers, a type of cannon.

"First round always gets me.  After that it's like riding a bike.  A round goes off, you're like, okay, cool," said Staff Sergeant James Meyer, gunnery sergeant.

Soldiers in the Fire Direction Center send fire commands to the soldiers on the gun line. 

They take the information and aim for the target.

On Wednesday, they were shooting out about 6 miles.

"We are training, making sure that we're prepared at all times just in case we get called up to support," said Captain Rodney Bunyan, Bravo Battery Commander, 3-6 Field Artillery Regiment.

And although safely firing howitzers is hard work, for the soldiers, it can also be a lot of fun.

"Definitely hard, but definitely fun.  We get a kick out of it," said Meyer.

There's good news for anyone who lives near Fort Drum and might be startled by the sounds of artillery - the field exercise will wrap up by the end of the week.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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