The 34^th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade participated in an Exportable Combat Training Capability exercise as part of their annual training in July. This training event is the first time that the aviation brigade has had the opportunity to work directly with its subordinate battalions in a centralized location. 

On June 20,2024, Charlie Company 2nd Battalion, 147th Assault Helicopter Battalion provided two UH-60 Black Hawks and Bravo Company 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion) deployed one CH-47 Chinook to help transport Alpha Company 1st Battalion, 194th Field Artillery Regiment, who were conducting artillery raid training. This artillery company works with the M119A3 howitzer, which is a lightweight 105 mm gun. 

“We sling load since we’re a mobile unit,” said Army Staff Sgt. Alexandria Bierstedt, an Alpha Company gun chief. “Our equipment is designed to be quickly deployed, allowing us to fire and then move before the enemy can track and counterfire.”   

An artillery raid involves the quick relocation of artillery guns to a more advantageous location when the enemy target is out of range for their current position.  

The exercise demonstrated the advantages of aerial transport over traditional ground transport. When asked about her preference, Bierstedt said that she thinks helicopters are “cooler” because they can get into tighter spots where vehicles couldn’t enter.  

For many Soldiers, this type of training is not new. Bierstedt mentioned that their unit frequently trains at Camp Ripley, although this was her first summer in a leadership role.  

 “We come here almost every summer for training, so it’s familiar territory,” Bierstedt said.  

The collaboration between the aviation and artillery helps ensure a quick response, while preparing Soldiers for real-world scenarios that require speed and mobility, Bierstedt said.  

Story By Capt. Kate Sulzle 

Minnesota National Guard