Home Africa US, France in first artillery drill in Djibouti in 4 years

US, France in first artillery drill in Djibouti in 4 years

French-US live-fire drill in Djibouti
US and French forces took turns firing their weapons systems and demonstrating their capabilities. Photo: US Air Force

US and French Army soldiers have completed a live-fire joint artillery training event at the Djiboutian Range Complex, Djibouti.

US Army soldiers assigned to the East Africa Response Force (EARF) in support of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) joined their French counterparts assigned to the 5th Overseas Intermarines Regiment (RIAOM) for the training on February 2.

The purpose of the joint training was to share French and US artillery techniques and further the relationship between EARF Soldiers and the 5th RIAOM.

“This is the first time in over 4 years the US and French have conducted a joint artillery training exercise like this,” said US Army Capt. Charles Hartwig, battalion fire-support officer.

Starting in December of 2020 the US soldiers invited the French artillery unit to Camp Lemonnier to conduct call-for-fire training.

“We did some joint observer training where the French came here and they used our call-for-fire trainer with us which is a computer system to practice call-for-fire,” Hartwig said.

A week later, the French returned the invite and hosted US soldiers at the French base.

“We went over to the French base and they had kind of an artillery show and tell,” Hartwig said. They showed us their howitzer, computer systems, vehicles and we went to observe and during that time we started to really plan the joint fire exercise for the beginning of February and we had a few safety meetings after that.”

Photo: US Air Force

Both the French and US agreed there are more similarities than differences in their artillery procedures.

“There are some differences, but the chain of command is roughly the same,” said French Lt. Cedric Duqenois. “It’s very important for our Nations to teach each other procedures so it’s easier to fight together when we go on international missions.”

According to Hartwig and Duqenois the live-fire event was a huge success and they have already started planning their next one.

“Having that commonality is something that every Soldier from both the French and U.S. forces has said needs to continue to happen and that it was some of the best things that they have ever done in their careers — so we want to make sure we continue this moving forward with the incoming units,” Hartwig said.