CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Marines with Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment and 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company participated in a joint, live-fire exercise aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 9, 2015.

The exercise allowed 2nd ANGLICO to practice providing support to artillery unit, while 1/10 used it as an opportunity to complete training for their upcoming unit deployment program to Japan.

“This exercise gives us a gauge of where our capabilities stand when it comes to using both the howitzer and mortar systems, as well as our ability to integrate with other units,” said Cpl. Dakota H. Carter, a mortar section chief with 1/10.

Artillery units typically direct their own fire, but having 2nd ANGLICO provide reinforcement allowed the artillerymen to focus on familiarizing themselves with the Expeditionary Fire Support System, a 120mm rifled mortar system.

The artillerymen were evaluated on how quickly they set up the EFSS and how efficiently they fired them. More mobile than the M777A2 Howitzers, the EFSS gives artillerymen versatility during amphibious and ground operations.

“As a combat support element, the faster and more accurately we can set up and put rounds down range, the better equipped we become at providing support and cover to units who need it,” Carter said.

During the second portion of training, the mortar section traded in their EFSSs for additional Howitzers and reinforced their unit’s gun section at a nearby range.

2nd ANGLICO practiced directing the artillery fire of the mortar systems and Howitzers. This exercise provided them with a rare opportunity to integrate solely with a U.S. unit.

2nd ANGLICO primarily serves as a liaison between the U.S. military and joint, allied and coalition forces operating within Marine Corps battlespace, and works to coordinate air, ground and naval fire support.

“This is a good opportunity for ANGLICO and allows us to touch up our surface-based fire skills in a live setting, instead of relying on computer-based simulation,” said Capt. Steven M. Valentin, a Fire Power Control Team lead with 2nd ANGLICO. “In the digital training, the rounds always go where you want them to, whereas working with the artillery unit has allowed us to see areas we could improve on. This exercise will help both units minimize human error and makes us more accurate on the battlefield.”