CAMP WILLIAMS, Utah - US Army photo by Sgt. Nathaniel Free / Public Domain
SALT LAKE CITY –The Utah National Guard (UNG) expects to hold artillery live-fire exercises at Camp Williams this week.
On Saturday, May 15, the UNG will also hold a recruiting event at Camp Williams. And on that day, members of the public who have an interest in joining the Utah National Guard can request to view a portion of the live-fire training exercise.
It is important to note that only those interested in joining can request to view the training exercise. You must bring identification to Tarbet Field at Camp Williams, clear a security check, and bring a face mask to wear.
This event is subject to weather and fire conditions.
According to the UNG website, these exercises will run from May 12 through May 16, 2021.
Because the expected training hours are between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., nearby residents may hear sporadic artillery fire.
The cities of Bluffdale, Riverton, Herriman, Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, and Lehi are all within a distance from Camp Williams that residents may hear the artillery fire.
The Utah National Guard provides this type of training so new recruits can become more familiar with the weapons they will use when deployed. The live-fire artillery training also gives troops an opportunity to fire live ammunition without the added worry and pressure of an enemy returning fire.
According to the UNG, soldiers from the 2-222nd FA participate in live-fire exercises using the M109A6 Paladin, which is a self-propelled 155mm howitzer. The Paladin entered into service in 1991 and is operated by a crew of five soldiers. When not loaded with ammunition, it weighs more than 28 tons.