M777A2 Howitzer Fielding, Firing Makes History

Latest Images

National Guard supports 59th Presidential Inauguration

Latest News

National Guard security mission at U.S. Capitol concludes
May 23, 2021 — ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Guard’s U.S. Capitol security mission to support the U.S. Capitol... MORE

National Guard Soldiers provide security outside the U.S. Capitol during the 59th Presidential Inauguration Jan. 20, as part of the National Guard’s Capitol Response security mission.

Nevada National Guard trio honored for aiding crash victim
May 17, 2021 — LAS VEGAS – Three Nevada Guard Soldiers from 1st Squadron 221 Cavalry were recognized for helping a... MORE

Capt. Tyler Wistisen, left, 1st Lt. Michael Flury and Capt. Tana Gurule were honored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars with the Life Saving Award at the Clark County Armory in Las Vegas May 14, 2021. While in the nation's capital in January supporting the presidential inauguration, the Soldiers assisted a Virginia woman injured in a car crash.

Synchronization a must in continued Guard support to Capitol
April 7, 2021 — ARLINGTON, Va. – When discussing the most recent rotation of National Guard members supporting U.S... MORE

Soldiers with the New Jersey Army National Guard’s A Troop and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 102nd Cavalry Division, and U.S. Capitol Police officers confer with each other hours after a vehicle rammed a barricade killing one Capitol Police officer and injuring another one at the U.S. Capitol April 2, 2021. The New Jersey Army Guard unit is one of several that continue to support the security mission at the Capitol — made possible by the synchronization efforts involving the National Guard Bureau, the District of Columbia National Guard and Guard units from 11 states.

National Guard units supporting Capitol mission return home
March 17, 2021 — WASHINGTON – More than half the 5,000 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen who have been supporting... MORE

A Soldier supporting the Capitol Response mission in Washington, D.C., out-processes at the District of Columbia Armory March 12, 2021. Soldiers in the nation's capital are redeploying to their home states, with about 2,000 Guard members asked to continue to assist federal law enforcement with security, communications, medical evacuation, logistics, and safety through mid-May.

DCNG inauguration support ribbon recognizes service
March 15, 2021 — WASHINGTON – National Guard members from any state, territory or the District of Columbia who... MORE

Military awards worn by a District of Columbia Army National Guard Soldier in Washington, D.C., March 10, 2021, include the D.C. National Guard Presidential Inauguration Support Ribbon on the bottom right. The ribbon is authorized for award to National Guard members from any state, territory or the District of Columbia who supported the 59th presidential inauguration on Title 32 orders.

In historic year, Washington National Guard answers the call
March 11, 2021 — CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – To describe 2020 as unprecedented would be an understatement. "This past year... MORE

Staff Sgt. Melinda Grounds, a medic with the 141st Medical Group and a registered nurse in Idaho, goes through a questionnaire with a visitor to the mass vaccination site at the Clark County Fairgrounds in Ridgefield, Wash., Jan. 28, 2021. The Washington National Guard is helping at four vaccination sites.

Father, daughter serve together in nation's capital
March 1, 2021 — WASHINGTON – "Keeping families involved is important to the success of all our Soldiers," said 1st... MORE

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Carl Mattonen stands with his daughter, Spc. Carlie Mattonen, both with Forward Support Company, 107th Engineer Battalion, Michigan National Guard, near the U.S. Capitol in Washington Feb. 26, 2021.

Michigan National Guard helps sustain the force in DC
February 12, 2021 — WASHINGTON – Soldiers with Forward Support Company, 107th Engineer Battalion, Michigan Army National... MORE

Soldiers from the Michigan National Guard’s Forward Support Company, 107th Engineer Battalion, based in Marquette, and the 177th Military Police Brigade, based in Taylor, join other Soldiers in food distribution at the U.S. Capitol Feb. 7, 2021. The National Guard is supporting law enforcement in the nation's capital through mid-March.

Michigan Soldier maintains connection with home, work
February 9, 2021 — WASHINGTON – Soldiers with the 1433rd Engineer Company, Michigan National Guard, served in the... MORE

1st Lt. Darren Tanis, executive officer of the Michigan Army National Guard’s 1433rd Engineer Company, based in Fort Custer, Michigan, stands near the U.S. Capitol in Washington Feb. 3, 2021. The National Guard is supporting federal law enforcement in the nation's capital through mid-March.

Australian Army captain continues to serve with DC National Guard
February 8, 2021 — WASHINGTON - January's inauguration support by the National Guard was unique in many ways, with more... MORE

Australian Army Capt. Dustin Gold, a reserve officer from the Royal Australian Artillery 9th Regiment, participates in a Reserve Forces Foreign Exchange Program with D.C. National Guard in Washington D.C., Jan. 23, 2021.

Videos

Video by Spc. Stephen Wright

M777A2 Howitzer Fielding, Firing Makes History

Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs Office

July 28, 2018 | 4:08

Soldiers in the Arkansas National Guard fired newly issued M777A2 towed 155 mm howitzers during a live fire training exercise at Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center, near Barling, Arkansas, 28 July.

The howitzers were fielded to the newest formed unit in the state of Arkansas. Charlie Battery "Cold Steel", 1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery Regiment, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team is headquartered in Booneville, Arkansas.

This is the first time in history that the M777A2 howitzer has been issued to the Arkansas National Guard. Charlie battery was specifically formed just to receive these new artillery pieces and they have been tasked with the responsibility of handling and maintaining the newly fielded howitzers. The M777A2s are commonly referred to as "Triple 7s". The battery was issued the weapons on 16 July, 2018.

The 1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery Regiment is now designated as a Composite Artillery Battalion since the battalion has now been issued the M777A2 howitzers along with the newest variant of the M119 howitzer. Composite Artillery Battalions deliver fires to suppress, neutralize and destroy the full spectrum of enemy ground based combat, combat support and combat service support forces. The battalion strikes throughout the depth of enemy formations interdicting ground forces and suppressing enemy air defense and fire support and command and control systems. Due to the upgraded technology and enhanced capabilities the composite battalion may be called to perform all four of the standard tactical missions: direct support, general support, general support reinforcing and reinforcing.

(U.S. Army National Guard video by Spc. Stephen M. Wright)

Additional information:

The M777A2 is a towed 155 mm howitzer developed by the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps. It is the first ground combat system whose major structures are made of high-strength titanium alloy resulting in a weight savings of 3,175 kilograms (6,999 pounds) in comparison to the M198 155 mm howitzer.

The M777A2 incorporates innovative design technologies that reduces system weight to less than 4,500 kilograms (9,920 pounds) while increasing mobility, survivability, deployablility and sustainability for expeditionary operations. The M777A2 provides accurate, predictive fires in order to support maneuver forces. It can easily be transported by several types of aircraft, to include the UH-60 Black Hawk.

The M777A2 fires a 155 mm ordnance using a similar barrel as the M109A6 self-propelled howitzer. The elevating mass comprises two sub-assemblies, the cradle and the cannon tube assembly. The cradle includes four extruded titanium tubes, an accumulator, two recoil cylinders and balancing gear.

The cannon tube assembly includes the cannon tube, muzzle brake, towing eye, primer feed mechanism and screw breech. The M777A2 makes extensive use of hydraulics to operate the breech, loading tray and suspension system to reduce crew size and fatigue. Additionally, the M777A2 provides significant time savings for displacement and emplacement. Its primer feed mechanism supports a maximum firing rate of four rounds per minute and a sustained rate of two rounds per minute.

In firing position, two stabilizers are deployed at the front and two split trails fitted with self-digging spades and dampers at the rear. A small hydraulic hand pump is installed at each wheel station to raise and lower the system into and out of action.

The M777A2 is operated by nine Soldiers to handle the various functions of the howitzer. It can be ready to fire in less than three minutes and can leave its firing position in the same amount of time.

The M777A2 fires 155 mm ammunition including unassisted projectiles to a range of 24 kilometers (14.9 miles) and assisted projectiles to 30 kilometers (18.6 miles). With upgraded systems, it can also fire Excalibur Precision 155 mm projectiles, GPS-guided at a maximum range of 40 kilometers (24.9 miles). The target, platform location and GPS-specific data are entered into the projectile’s mission computer through an Enhanced Portable Inductive Artillery Fuse Setter. Excalibur’s capability allows for first round effects on target, simultaneously minimizing the number of rounds required to engage targets and minimizing collateral damage.