Artillery Unit Conducted Joint Forcible Entry Exercise
The 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment trained on integrated fire capabilities at Malamute Drop Zone.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Military
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On September 24, 2026, the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment executed a joint forcible entry exercise in Anchorage. The operation centered on the integration of mortar teams with airborne heavy artillery units at the battalion level.
Why it matters
This rare integration allowed soldiers to synchronize fires and select the most effective assets for specific target engagement. The operation tested a full communications chain from sensor to shooter to improve combat readiness.
The exercise involved the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, marking a rare instance of integrating mortar and heavy artillery assets. This setup required mortar teams to secure the air strip for artillery deployment.
The players
2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment
This military unit is a specialized artillery organization tasked with rapid deployment and airborne operations.
The details
Paratroopers worked alongside mortar teams and heavy artillery during the mission at Malamute Drop Zone. By using a full communications chain, the unit was able to identify, track, and engage targets with increased precision.
Timeline
The joint forcible entry exercise occurred on September 24, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of increased military training frequency often argue that such exercises place unnecessary strain on local infrastructure and the environment. Critics also raise concerns regarding the cost-benefit analysis of deploying heavy artillery units for frequent field exercises instead of focusing on alternative defense priorities.
Residents in Anchorage may experience increased noise levels and activity near Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson during high-level training operations. These exercises are essential for maintaining the operational capabilities of local units stationed in the state.
The takeaway
The successful integration of mortar and artillery teams signifies a shift toward more flexible, combined-arms battalion operations. Mastering these communications chains is critical for improving target engagement efficiency in future deployments.
Further reading
For more on military readiness and exercises, see Military.
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