Task Force 3-29 Sphere of Influence Fire Mission

by: Staff Sgt. Mark Wojciechowski, 133rd MPAD

"Photo illustration by: Staff Sgt. Mark Wojciechowski, 133rd MPAD"

MUQDADIYAH, Iraq - The ability to suppress the enemy and protect other forward operating bases from a great distance is key to coalition efforts for a free Iraq.

A few days ago, Anti-Iraqi Forces attacked FOB Cobra, home to a battalion-sized force of Iraqi army Soldiers, with several mortar rounds resulting in no causalities. U.S. forces in an adjacent FOB responded in kind to the AIF.

The 4th Infantry Division's 1st Platoon, Alpha Battery, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery from Fort Carson, Colo., and 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division from Fort Campbell, Ky., at FOB Normandy planned and executed a fire mission to protect and defend their Iraqi brethren at FOB Cobra from FOB Normandy.

M109A6 Paladins fired six high-explosive, rocket-assisted projectiles that traveled more than 25 kilometers - far enough to hit any AIF causing trouble in FOB Cobra's area of operation.

1st Lt. Rufino Flores, fire support officer for Task Force 1-32 Cavalry from the 101st Airborne Division, said, "We can support and defend our people as well as the Iraqi army in other areas from FOB Normandy, all the way to FOB Cobra."

This fire mission, known as a "Sphere of Influence" fire mission, was a battalion-level effort.

"The Iraqi army still needs our assistance when it comes to indirect fire assets," said Flores.

Anthony D Buchanan
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