U.S. Army Certifies Artillery and M270 MLRS Units in Europe Ahead of Live-Fire Evaluations
The U.S. Army certified artillery and M270 MLRS units in Europe, completing structured evaluations before live-fire qualifications, according to Army images and unit releases.
In late January 2026, the 41st Field Artillery Brigade conducted Artillery Tables I through V across training areas in Europe. These structured drills move from basic individual and section-level tasks to full crew certification, checking procedures such as emplacement, orientation, communications, and ammunition handling.
The 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment (1-77 FA) led the crew evaluations, supported by brigade-level long-range fires systems including the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS).
Training Overview and Doctrine
Artillery Tables I to V are central to U.S. Army field artillery doctrine. They ensure crews understand fundamental gunnery skills and can perform consistently under evaluation conditions. Training emphasizes adherence to established procedures and accurate processing of fire missions through fire direction elements.
Although the 1-77 FA battalion focuses on tube artillery, its certification is nested within the broader long-range fires mission of the 41st Field Artillery Brigade. That brigade integrates rocket and missile systems with traditional cannon units to provide fires across multiple ranges.
M270 MLRS: System Overview
The M270 MLRS is a tracked, armored rocket artillery platform produced by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, in service with the U.S. Army since the 1980s. It carries two pods of six 227 mm rockets or Army Tactical Missile System missiles, with a three-person crew operating from within the protected cab.
In the commonly fielded M270A1 configuration, an improved fire control system uses GPS integration to speed targeting data processing from headquarters, radars, or joint sensors. The launcher’s mechanical improvements cut aim and reload times, enhancing survivability against counter-battery fire.
Standard rockets reach targets beyond 32 kilometers, while ATACMS missiles can strike more than 300 kilometers away, depending on variant.
Brigade-Level Fires and Interoperability
At the brigade level, the 41st Field Artillery Brigade coordinates sensors, radars, and shooters across multiple formations and national boundaries. Integrating tube artillery with MLRS units supports deep fires and responsiveness to joint targeting.
The presence of M270 systems within NATO members’ forces supports shared technical and procedural baselines for combined fire missions and multinational exercises, improving coalition interoperability and reducing friction during operations.
Strategic Context
Publishing imagery of certification activity highlights visible readiness of U.S. artillery units in Europe. It underscores artillery fundamentals and the integration of advanced rocket systems at a time of sustained tension along NATO’s eastern flank.
By validating artillery fundamentals and MLRS integration, the 41st Field Artillery Brigade contributes to a security posture focused on preparedness, credibility, and the ability to deliver fires decisively across the depth of the battlefield.
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