I Corps Artillery.

I (US) Corps Artillery, headquartered at Camp Williams, Utah, continues to provide Total Force fires and effects for I Corps-America's Corps. I Corps Artillery remains battle-focused and continues to train for deployment in any contingency, anywhere, anytime as a joint, combined or coalition force.

Training the Corps Artillery. With the return of our two in-state battalions from Operation Noble Eagle in Kosovo, I Corps Artillery had the great opportunity to support 2-222 FA and 1-145 FA as they began training in their traditional roles of fire support. We attribute realistic training and excellent leadership to the success of these units in performing missions outside the normal fire support venue. The battalions have returned ready to assume the mission of training our Redleg officers and NCOs at home station and at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and other institutional training schools.

The I Corps Artillery tactical operations center (TOC) and liaison personnel had the unique opportunity to coordinate with a variety of state and Federal law enforcement agencies conducting homeland security missions and training. Our first-line leaders excelled in their leadership tasks and performed these unique missions with the utmost professionalism.

I Corps Artillery's training plans for the year were based on preparing for the next I Corps Warfighter Exercise (WFX) in 2005. This exercise will take place in Japan during the Yama Sakura exercise. We focused the training to improve our deficiencies, sustain our strengths and prepare for the Warfighter based on the lessons learned from Iraq as well as previous exercises.

In addition to this training, we participated in two major exercises with I Corps. In January. I Corps Artillery deployed to Japan for a successful Yama Sakura exercise. In August, we deployed to Korea for Ulchi Focus Lens. I Corps Artillery used all available deep systems, such as ATACMS, to influence the battles significantly during the exercises; we targeted high-payoff targets (HPTs) deep in the corps and division zones and planned, coordinated and executed all suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) and joint SEAD missions in support of corps deep attacks. By employing advanced techniques for fighting the corps deep battle, we were instrumental in defeating the opposing force (OPFOR) overwhelmingly.

In preparation for the I Corps' Warfighter, we participated in several fires and effects coordination cell (FECC) exercises, to include Cascade Cudgel held at Fort Lewis, Washington. The exercise emphasized improving timely target analysis and the responsiveness and accuracy of fires and providing the appropriate effects needed on the battlefield in support of I Corps operations.

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Utah ARNG. As well as its warfighting mission for I Corps, I Corps Artillery assumes an important and active role in the Utah Army National Guard (UTARNG). Serving as a major subordinate command, we provide administrative, logistical, operational and training support for two instate battalions: 1-145 FA (155-mm towed) in Salt Lake City and 2-222 FA (155-mm self propelled) in Cedar City. We also support the firing battery and fire support team (FIST) of B/1-148 FA (155-mm self propelled) and a detachment, 3/HHB/1-148 FA, which are located in Logan and Salt Lake City, respectively. These elements are part of 1-148 FA, headquartered in Boise, Idaho, that is DS to the 116th Armored Cavalry Brigade. The 116th Brigade recently deployed to Fort Bliss. Texas, in preparation for an OIF III mission.

I Corps Artillery continues to be a leader in providing training assistance, guidance and coordination for a major portion of the Reserve Component Field Artillery brigades. These units and their Field Artillery battalions are located throughout the US. Participation with these brigades during exercises and training conferences continues to be one of the highlights of I Corps Artillery's responsibilities. America's Corps Artillery is proud to be associated with these high-quality Soldiers who are committed to the defense of our country.

I Corps Fire Support Conference. January 2004 brought the I Corps fire support community together for the 22d Annual Fire Support Conference at Salt Lake City. The I Corps Artillery Commander hosted the conference and presented command guidance and direction for the corps fire support units. This guidance set the standards for productive mission-oriented training for the upcoming year.

Conference presenters covered a variety of fire support issues and subjects, focusing on "Fires and Effects Beyond the Horizon." They included the Commander of I Corps; the Director of the Army National Guard Bureau; the Chief of Field Artillery and Commanding General of Fort Sill and his Program Managers from the Field Artillery School; the Deputy Commanding General of Fort Sill for Army National Guard; the Commander of the 311th Corps Support Command (COSCOM); the Commanders of the 138th and 45th FA Brigades from the Kentucky and Oklahoma ARNG, respectively; the National Guard Field Artillery Advisory Chairman (FAAC); the Chief of the I Corps Simulation Center out of Fort Lewis, Washington; Training and Doctrine Command System Managers; the I Corps G2 and G3; and the I Corps Artillery Deputy Commander.

In attendance were representatives from a large portion of the Field artillery brigades, division artilleries, our COSCOM and many Field Artillery battalions. The conference continues to provide an excellent opportunity for command interface in I Corps and the fire support community.

The next I Corps Fire Support Conference will be 6 though 8 January 2005 in Salt Lake City.

The changes of transformation, homeland security missions and new equipment fieldings are challenging, but all take a "back seat" to ensuring the nation has a viable fire support team ready to deploy worldwide.

I Corps Artillery is committed to meeting the challenges and fusing the Total Force into one. America's Thunder!