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FORT SILL (KFDX/KJTL) — For folks living around Fort Sill, the sensation of hearing an explosion in the distance isn’t uncommon, which is why so many jumped at the chance to see one of the regiments in action.

A flash of light and a sudden boom. That’s what people came to see at the 2-18 Field Artillery Regiment’s community day. Sergeant First Class Carlos Bedolla, who organized the event, said it’s important and a rare opportunity for folks to get a behind-the-scenes look at the training at Fort Sill.

“So, the families can understand, or know what the explosions that they hear are, and what shakes their house throughout the day and night, essentially what causes that. And that’ll be us,” Bedolla said.

The piece of equipment people came to see is the M270 Multi Launch Rocket System. As guests watched from the hillside, Captain James Richards was sitting in the battalion’s driver’s seat.

“We went through the whole process today,” Richards said. “So, we received the mission, they got sent to the fire direction center, which is just right behind me. And then they pushed it to the launcher and the fire mission was conducted.”

While many people know Fort Sill for artillery like howitzers, guests getting the opportunity to watch an MLRS in action is a real treat. According to Captain Richards, it holds a level of distinction among the fort’s many artillery systems.

“These MLRS behind me, you can shoot at extreme distances and they’re able to out-range the basic cannon artillery, which is what most people see as it’s the most common artillery here used at Fort Sill,” Richards said.

When it comes to its application on the battlefield, its range is used to target assets that normal artillery or even airplanes might not be able to reach.

“So, the Mike 270 Alpha Ones are able to range those deep targets,” Richards said. “We’re able to engage in the deep battle fight, so to say.”

With how rare a live fire demonstration of an MLRS is, Captain Richards is proud of how many families got to see one in action.

“It’s pretty special to bring the families out here and to be able to observe just kind of the power that comes behind the long-range rocket capabilities that we have here at Fort Sill,” Richards said.

After observing an MLRS in action, those who attended left with a deeper understanding of how the 2-18 Field Artillery Regiment remains mission-ready.