28th Infantry Division (Mechanized) Artillery.

This year's most dynamic training exercise for the 28th Div Arty, PAARNG, was the V Corps War-fighter at Grafenwoehr, Germany. This exercise provided the opportunity to train with USAREUR units and control the fires of two reinforcing FA brigades and associated Firefinders. With this firepower added to the 28th's organic assets, the DivArty out-fired every other division artillery participating in the exercise and completed this notable accomplishment without the Red Force's acquiring or engaging a single assigned radar. Also this year, all three direct support battalions received the howitzer crew trainer. This fire support combined arms tactical trainer (FSCATT) system will enable units to hone their gunnery and crew skills.

The 1-107 FA completed one of the most aggressive and successful training years in recent history. It attended AT at Fort Pickett, Virginia, and conducted a formal Army training assessment model (TAM). The unit's many accomplishments included participating on an M109A5 howitzer direct-fire range and, in a Div Arty first, using engineer-prepared, dug-in, hardened positions for the howitzer and FDC crews in the battery defense.

The 1-108 FA conducted AT at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. AT focused on the execution of the Field Artillery tables through battery qualifications and then continuing on to battalion missions. A schedule of fires was executed that totaled 195 rounds from call-for-fire to end-of-mission. The FSEs conducted joint operations with the Air Force (A-10s and F-16s), using the M981 FIST-V and G/VLLD to execute CAS missions.

1-109 FA supported the 55th Brigade with live fire and ended its AT with a 72-hour combined arms multi-echeloned exercise. Two soldiers from the battalion received Soldier's Medals. Sergeant John Karpovich, HHB, rescued a family from a burning house, and Specialist John Orsos, C Battery, pulled an unconscious driver from a burning car. In continuing its long tradition of service, the 1-109 FA observed its 225th anniversary on 17 October.

The 28th Div Arty enters the coming year with a new commander and three new battalion commanders who are eager to build the future of this proud unit and remain Charged to Excellence!