CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan -- U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, participated in Central Training Area High Mobility Artillery Rocket System field training exercise, known as CTA HIMARS, on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, from Aug. 15-30, 2019.

During the field exercise, the Marines refined tactics, techniques, and procedures for HIMARS. They also improved the standard communication practices between the operating battery and their higher command in order to facilitate more effective communication in future HIMARS operations.

This allows the unit and the division to increase their readiness to plan for and operate HIMARS across the Indo-Pacific area.

“The basis of [CTA HIMARS] is to increase efficiency,” said Sgt. Joshua Luedtke, a launcher chief with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment. “We are trying to set a higher standard for future [standard operating procedures], but it’s really encouraging to see what we’re capable of now and exciting to wonder how much better we’ll be capable of in the future.”