Skip to agency navigation
Skip to main content

Official website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means it's official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Together We Serve - Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy

    Cadets Participate In The 2-166 RTI LFX

    The military club of Class 25-1 participated in the Live Fire Exercise (LFX) with 2-166 Regional Training Institute (RTI). The 2-166 RTI conducts a 30-day NCO professional developmental course which culminates in a LFX where those soldiers demonstrate their knowledge in proper gun drills and supervision of how to manage all three of the Army’s Howitzers; M119, M777, and M109. Our cadets got a chance to both meet those young professional soldiers and walk through crew drills. 

    Additionally, our cadets had the opportunity to stand where most soldiers never get the chance to stand, right behind the artillery piece. Between salvos, the soldiers talked to the cadets and explained the proper operation of the gun crew, how to establish and maintain round counts, and what it takes to lead a group of soldiers in the operation of the firing sequence. 

    They also had the chance to enter the M109 and see what it took to be a crew member inside the tight quarters of that armored howitzer. During the live fire portion, the cadets were both surprised by the force and concussion of the Howitzers firing and that they could actually see the projectile fly through the air. The experience was a huge success and all who attended left there with a greater appreciation for those soldiers who man, operate and fire those systems.