G5 in direct fire mode

The main objective of the Open Day for 2009 was to showcase and confirm the SA Artillery as a National Asset to the general public. Some of the world's leading Artillery equipment is found in South Africa. The Open Day also formed part of the training schedule of 4 Artillery Regiment and it was therefore the culmination of a force preparation exercise for the “gunners” who will take part in a major exercise with other units of the SA Army later in the year.

In addition the Open Day provides motivation to the young men and woman who will be completing their matriculation at the end of the year. Under the Military Skills Development System they can embark on a wonderful career in the Armed Forces of South Africa.

In the modern battle field speed and mobility is everything. In South Africa all military equipment is developed with this aspect in mind. Although, most of the Artillery equipment may be viewed as cumbersome, the Artillery poses a rapid deployment element which incorporates a light element until such time the larger equipment is in position. Currently this capability is found in the M5 120mm mortars. The M5 120mm mortar battery can be deployed by air, either by parachuting into the deployment area or delivered by assault helicopter. As part of the demonstration parachutists jumped into the area and some of the mortars were deployed with the use of the 17 Sqdn Oryx helicopters. In addition the rapid deployment of soldiers in the Infantry role was showcased after an Oryx inserted members into the demonstration area. The same Infantry unit demonstrated “fire & movement” with various small calibre weapons. All the small calibre weapons used were demonstrated individually in full view of the crowd. The small calibre demonstrations presented in two separate areas in order to cater for the large capacity crowd were very well received by the visitors.