Fort Drum is hosting its annual Mountain Peak exercise, meaning soldiers from all brigades will be out and about on the installation — practicing real life scenarios. That includes helicopter pilots, working on both flying and firing weapons.

The work helps the pilots not only keep themselves safe, but also those on the ground below.

Fort Drum’s 10th Combat Aviation Brigade is hosting a training event on Fort Drum with its Apache Helicopters and pilots.

“It’s rare that we get full brigade training events together. It’s great to operate with someone outside your own aircraft platform," 10th Combat Aviation Brigade Pilot 1st Lt. Nicholas Kane said.

On this day, the training involves real ammunition.

“Today, they’re shooting a lot of 30mm, which is going to be the gun. Then there are PD rockets, which are going to be your normal rockets coming out that we typically use for our practice rounds. Then for this training we also have Flechette Rockets, which will release nails prior to them hitting the ground," Kane said.

First Lieutenant Nicholas Kane is one of 10th Mountain Division Combat Aviation Brigade pilots honing their skills, focusing on — what downrange — would be enemy targets.

“When we are called in by a ground force commander or whoever it may be, we’re called in to clear a bridge or disrupt a convoy - any kind of disruption measure really," he said.

A mission, much needed practice for pilots yes, but also for the communication teams up in the tower.

“Communication is probably the biggest thing, not just between the front seat and the back seat, but we also have four radios running in there," Kane added.

It is critical work because downrange, these Apache pilots are not only focusing on the mission, and their own safety, as they’re also playing a vital role in the protection of ground troops down below.

“Whatever best helps dictate them and support their mission is our ultimate factor in that fight," Kane added.

Working together, for each other, to achieve the ultimate goal.

Because Mountain Peak can be so expansive and frankly, loud — Fort Drum wanted to thank its community neighbors for understanding the work that needs to be done.