The Pic of the Day: Rocket Readiness

A rocket from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher convoy shoots off into the night during a training exercise Dec 22, 2020, Ali Al Salem Airbase, Kuwait. Soldiers from the 1-14th Field Artillery Regiment train diligently over the holidays as they work to maneuver their trucks from point A to point B in a timely manner and complete the assigned fire mission.(Photo by U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Jermaine Jackson)

The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System was developed for the United States Army in the late 1990s to deliver precision rocket strike capabilities at stand off range. Mounted on a standard military truck frame, the HIMARS can carry up to six rockets or a single MGM-140 ATACMS missile.

HIMARS have been used frequently in the Middle East and are currently deployed in Syria as a part of Operation Inherent Resolve since 2018. In coordination with the Syrian Democratic Forces, HIMARS teams strike ISIS positions, reportedly firing up to 30 rockets per day.