1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment (United States) is a United States infantry battalion, headquartered at Malvern, Arkansas, assigned to the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Arkansas Army National Guard.[1] The 1–153rd in has deployed companies in support of the Multi-National Security Force (SFOR 9) to Bosnia and to Saudi Arabia as part of Operation Southern Watch. 1–153rd IN has twice deployed as a battalion for Operation Iraqi Freedom, once from 2004–2005 and a second time in 2008. The battalion was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation for the period, 17 March 2004 – 23 March 2005.
| 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment | |
|---|---|
153rd Infantry Regiment, Coat of Arms |
|
| Active | 1917 – present |
| Country | , United States |
| Branch | Arkansas Army National Guard |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Light Infantry |
| Size | Battalion |
| Garrison/HQ | Malvern Arkansas |
| Nickname | Warrior, Tomahawk |
| Motto | Let's Go! |
| Engagements | World War I *Streamer without Inscription World War II *Aleutian Islands Campaign *Iraq Campaign |
| Decorations | Meritorious Unit Citation 17 March 2004 through 23 March 2005 |
| Commanders | |
| Battalion Commander | LTC Ronnie D. Anderson |
| Insignia | |
| Distinctive Unit Insignia | |
| 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team shoulder sleeve insignia | |
The history of the 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry as an individual battalion really begins with the reorganization of the 39th Infantry Division in 1967 and the creation of the 39th Infantry Brigade (Separate). For history of the 1st Battalion prior to 1967, see 153rd Infantry Regiment (United States) and 39th Infantry Division (United States).
In 1967 the 39th Infantry Division was reorganized and redesignated as the 39th Infantry Brigade (Separate) and in 1973 was paired with the US 101st Airborne Division as a training partner and became an air-assault brigade.
In 1994 the 39th was again reorganized and gained its designation as an "Enhanced" brigade.
In 1999, the 39th became part of the 7th Infantry Division under the Army Integrated Division concept which paired National Guard and Reserve brigades with active duty headquarters and support units.[2]
The 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry units conducted numerous overseas training rotations throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.[3]
In May through September 1999, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 153 Infantry, was activated for Operation Southern Watch.[4] B/2-153 deployed to Kuwait. 39th Brigade Soldiers provided security at Patriot Missile Batteries during these deployments. The mission lasted a total of seven months, and was the first "pure" national guard effort in the region.
Company C, 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry carried on the 39th's role in Operation Southern Watch when they replaced B/2-153 IN in September 1999.[5]
In March 2001, Company D, 1–153rd and Company D, 3–153rd deployed to Bosnia as part of the Multinational Stabilization Force (SFOR), Security Force Nine in order to assist with the enforcement of the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH).[5] The companies were attached to 3rd Squadron, 7 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division for the deployment as part of Task Force Eagle. They performed presence patrols outside Forward Operating Base Morgan and Camp McGovern, and participated in the consolidation of weapon storage sites. The soldiers also guarded the sites.[4]
In 2002 the 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment was notified that it would be participating in a rotation to the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) at Fort Polk, LA as a part of the 39th Infantry Brigade (Separate). For National Guard units, a rotation is actually a three year process that provides additional money, resources and training opportunities in order to improve unit readiness before the actual rotation through the JRTC. The battalion was required to complete a Mission Rehearsal Exercise during the Annual Training 2003 which was conducted at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. Less than a month after the completion of this major training milestone, the Battalion received its alert for deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on 28 July 2003.
On 12 October 2003, the Battalion, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Kendall A. Penn, was ordered to federal service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II for a period of up to 18 months. The Battalion would undergo post mobilization training at Fort Hood, Texas from October 2003 until January 2004. In January the Battalion shipped its vehicles and equipment to Iraq from Fort Hood, and then moved to Fort Polk for a Mission Rehearsal Exercise at the JRTC.
When the 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment received its alert for deployment, it was approximately 130 soldiers short of its authorized end strength. This shortage was due in large part to the way new recruits are accounted for in the National Guard. In the active army a new recruit only comes to a unit and is counted on its books after the Soldier has completed Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training. In the National Guard, the new recruit is counted on the unit's strength reports as soon as the Soldier signs his contract. The 39th Brigade had over 500 soldiers who had not completed either Basic or Advanced Individual Training upon alert.
This shortage led to the decision to consolidate the available manning into two infantry battalions that would be supplied for the brigade by the Arkansas National Guard and to ask National Guard Bureau to provide the third infantry battalion. The 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment was selected as one of the two Arkansas infantry battalions which would deploy.
During consolidation of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd battalions 153rd Infantry for OIF II, efforts were made to maintain unit integrity at least the platoon level. The units were consolidated in the following fashion:
| Battalion Headquarters | OIF II Unit | Consolidated Units |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd Battalion, 153rd Infantry | HHC, 3–153rd | HHC, 2–153rd |
| Company A, 3–153rd | Company | |
| Company B, 3–153rd | Company B, 2–153rd | |
| Company C 3–153rd | Company C, | |
| Company D, 3–153rd | Company D, | |
| 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry | HHC, 1–153rd | HHC, 1–153rd |
| Company A 1–153rd | Company A and 2 Plts from B/1-153rd | |
| Company B, 1–153rd | Company B, 3–153rd | |
| Company C, 1–153rd | Company C, 1–153rd | |
| Company D, 1–153rd | Company D, 1–153rd and 1 Plt from D/3-153rd | |
| Company D, 3–153rd | Company D, |
The 39th BCT was task organized with 1–153rd IN being detached to 3rd BCT, 1st Cavalry Brigade, in exchange for the attachment of 2nd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, to the 39th BCT.
1–153 IN was headquartered in the Green Zone in Baghdad with the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.
Task Force (TF) 1–153 Infantry (Inf) was task organized effective 16 March 2004. The task organization included A/1-9 Cavalry and direct support maintenance elements of the 39th Support Battalion. The task force’s assigned strength for the deployment averaged 720 Soldiers during the service period. TF 1–153 Inf conducted a tactical convoy from Kuwait to Baghdad, Iraq, 1–3 April 2004. The convoy consisted of ten serials, totaling over 300 vehicles representing six of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team (BCT), 1st Cavalry Division task forces. Upon arrival in its Area of Responsibility (AOR), the Karradah District of Baghdad, TF 1–153 Inf was charged with securing zones 10, 13, 14W and operating Checkpoint 11, a major point of entry into the International Zone (IZ). On 6 May 2004 a vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attached Checkpoint 11, resulting in one Soldier killed in action (KIA) and two Soldiers wounded in action (WIA). The TF 1–153 Inf Soldiers manning the checkpoint were successful in containing the attack and prevented entry into the IZ. TF 1–153 Inf conducted over 70 raids, 8,280 patrols and 1,440 traffic control points during its deployment, resulting in 120 insurgents captured and numerous RPGs, explosives, and weapons captured. The task force’s effectiveness was reflected in a captured arms dealer’s refusal to bring shipments of heavy weapons into Karradah for fear of capture in one of the many traffic control points established by the task force. The task force was also responsible for securing numerous High Value Assets (HVAs) located in its AOR, including the Japanese, South Korean, Kuwait and Polish Embassies, Baghdad University, and the World Health Organization. In June 2004, the task force participated in a cordon and search operation which resulted in the discovery and disarming of a large IED emplaced to kill the Japanese Charge d ‘Affairs, and the capture of the individuals responsible for its emplacement. In January 2005, the task force responded to a VBIED attack against the Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution of Iraq (SCIRI) headquarters. The attack resulted in 13 dead and over 50 wounded Iraqi civilians. Alpha company and the task force Quick Reaction Force (QRF) cordoned the area against further attack and immediately began rendering aid to wounded Iraqis. The task force later assisted SCIRI as they conducted a force protection assessment and emplaced barriers to harden the facility. Mr. Abdul Aziz Al-Hakim, the head of the party later thanked General Casey for the task force’s quick response and assistance. In total, the task force was attacked by 12 VBIEDs, 27 IEDs, 47 indirect fire attacks, and 53 attacks by small arms. A/1-9 Cav also conducted numerous combat operations on Haifa Street in Zone 8S that resulted in the capture of 114 insurgents, and numerous RPGs, mortars, and explosives. The battalion also trained Company A, 302d Battalion of the Iraqi National Guard to company proficiency. Company A, 302d later acquitted itself well in intense, sustained combat operations on Haifa Street. The task force also implemented over $5.6 million in community improvement projects and projects to restore essential services in Karradah. The money was spent to provide the greatest economic stimulus possible to the Karradah District and resulted in the creation of over 2,000 temporary jobs.
1-153rd IN conducted over 8,200 combat patrols, captured six division targets and contained or disrupted 15 Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attacks in their sector. The Battalion worked to suppress indirect fire attacks on the International Zone during the Transfer of Iraqi Sovereignty and weekly Iraqi National Congress meetings. The 1–153rd battalion commander, LTC Kendall Penn also worked closely with the Karahda District Counsel to oversee over six million dollars of infrastructure and community improvement projects in the battalion's area of operations.
Members of Company C, 1–153 spent weeks fighting as part of TF 1–9 CAV, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry division on the hotly contested area of Haifa Street in Baghdad.
The 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment was relieved in place by the 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry from the California National Guard, on 23 March 2005. During the deployment the Battalion suffered a total of 3 Killed in Action. Members of the 1–153rd IN were awarded dozens of Bronze Stars and Army Accommodation Medal with V device and numerous Purple Heart Medals. In the March 2005, units of the 1–153rd IN started their rotation back to Fort Sill, Oklahoma for demobilization.
The following units were Task Organized under the 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment during Operation Iraqi Freedom II[6]
| Battalion | Company | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Battalion, 153 Infantry Regiment | HHC, 1–153rd In | Arkansas National Guard |
| Company A, 1–153 IN | Arkansas National Guard | |
| Company B, 1–153 IN | Arkansas National Guard | |
| Company C, 1–153 IN | Arkansas National Guard | |
| Company D, 1–153 IN | Arkansas National Guard | |
| Troop A, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry | Fort Hood, Texas |
1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment was Task Organized under 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division during OIF II
Upon redeployment in 2005, the 39th Brigade immediately began a major reorganization that transformed the brigade from an Enhanced Separate Brigade (eSB) to an Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) under the United States Army's new Modular Design. This redesign of the army was intended to make the force more easily deployable by making brigades more self contained and less dependent on support organizations at the division level. Major changes for the 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment included activation of a new Forward Support Company, E, 39th BSB.
After Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana on 31 August 2005, Members of the 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment, along with other 39th IBCT units deployed to New Orleans to support the relief and recovery efforts as part of Operation Katrina.[7] Under tactical control of the Louisiana National Guard, 1–153rd soldiers were given the mission of providing security and food and water. The mission of the 39th IBCT in Louisiana grew to the point that at one time the brigade was responsible for working with local officials in 14 parishes. Members of the 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment and the Arkansas National Guard stayed deployed in Louisiana until February 2006.
In June 2006 the 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment began deploying troops along the Southwest Border with Mexico as part of Operation Jump Start. The 1–153rd manned a sector of the border around Lordsburg, New Mexico. Unit members occupied Observation Posts and reported activity along the border the United States Border Patrol.[8] Various battalions within the 39th Brigade were tasked with supplying volunteer companies during this period. While serving in Operation Jump Start members of the brigade were able to begin preparing for the brigade's second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
It is ironic that the 1st Arkansas Infantry, the parent unit of the 153rd Infantry Regiment were stationed in this same area of New Mexico ninety years earlier during General "Black Jack" Pershing's punitive Mexican Expedition against Pancho Villa.
The 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment and the 39th Brigade Combat Team received an alert for a second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in April 2007.,[9] The battalion had been home almost exactly two years since demobilizing after OIF II.
This deployment would be dramatically different from the first. Instead of deploying as a Battalion conducting full spectrum operations, the Battalion was tasked with filling 6 Unit Requests for Forces (URFs) for Force Protection Companies to support Victory Base Complex, (VBC) in Baghdad, Iraq.[10] Additionally, Instead of an 18-month mobilization, with 12 months actually deployed to Iraq like the first tour, this mobilization would be for a total of 12 months, with approximately 10 months being deployed to the combat theater.
The 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment was placed on duty in October 2007 to prepare for its second deployment to Iraq while still under state control. It began a 90-day pre-mobilization training period at Chaffee Maneuver Training Center (CMTC) on 1 October 2007.[11] This allowed the unit to perform certain tasks in Arkansas and allowed unit members to be closer to their families for a longer period of time.
The 1–153rd was placed in Federal Service in January 2008 and trained at Camp Shelby, Mississippi until it deployed beginning in March 2008 to Iraq.
Due to a conflict with another unit 1–153rd IN was forced to give up its traditional call sign / nickname "Warrior" and instead utilized the call sign "Tomahawk" during its second OIF deployment. 39th IBCT headquarters was tasked with supplying the Base Defense Operations Center for VBC. The 1–153rd IN TOC acted as an Area Defense Operations Center for Camp Slayer, a part of the Victory Base Complex. Task Force 1–153rd IN consisted of a Headquarters Company, a Joint Visitor's Bureau Company, A Personal Security Detachment Troop and two Base Defense Companies. The battalion was responsible for the force protection and defense of Camp Slayer and the Radwiniya Palace Complex within the Victory Base Camp. The 1–153rd IN searched over 10,000 cars and 35,600 Iraqis to ensure no threats penetrated the perimeter. Soldiers assigned to 1–153rd IN executed 996 combat patrols in the area of operations surrounding Camp Slayer and captured six high value targets.
Due to a conflict with another unit 1–153rd IN was forced to give up its traditional call sign / nickname "Warrior" and instead utilized the call sign "Tomahawk" during its second OIF deployment
| Battalion | Company | Station |
|---|---|---|
| HHC, 39th BCT | Camp Victory | |
| 1st Battalion, 153 Infantry Regiment | HHC, 1–153rd In | Camp Victory |
| Company A, 1–153 IN | Camp Victory | |
| Company B, 1–153 IN | Camp Victory | |
| Company C, 1–153 IN | Camp Victory | |
| Troop A, 1–151 CAV | International Zone | |
| Company A, 39th Support Battalion | Camp Liberty |
The 1–153rd IN redeployed to Camp Shelby, Mississippi in December 2008 and demobilized.
|
The 1st Battalion, 1–153rd Infantry is currently scheduled to participate in a rotation at the National Training Center, at Fort Irwin, California in May 2011 and then deploy to Afghanistan with the 39th IBCT in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2012.[15]
| Unit | Station |
|---|---|
| Headquarters and Headquarters Company, | MALVERN |
| Detachment 1 (Fire Support), Headquarters and Headquarters Company | CAMP ROBINSON, NORTH LITTLE ROCK |
| Company A (-) | PRESCOTT |
| Detachment 1, Company A, | ARKADELPHIA |
| Company B (-) | TEXARKANA |
| Detachment 1, Company B, | HOPE |
| Company C (-) | MENA |
| Detachment 1, Company C | DEQUEEN |
| Company D (-) | SHERIDAN |
| Company E, 39 Brigade Support Battalion (1BN FSC) | BENTON |
A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Azure, a bend wavy between a fleur-de-lis and a giant cactus Argent; on a chief of the last a Great Bear's face of the like fimbriated of the first, lips and tongue Gules. Attached below the shield is a blue motto scroll inscribed "LET'S GO" in silver letters.[17]
Symbolism: The shield is blue for Infantry. The wavy bend, representing the Arkansas River, refers to the geographic location of the regiment. The cactus symbolizes service on the Mexican border and the fleur-de-lis service in France during World War I. The Great Bear's face from the shoulder sleeve insignia of the Alaskan Department symbolizes service in that area in World War II.
Background: The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 153rd Regiment infantry on 6 Jan 1930. It was amended on 30 Jun 1930. On 4 Jun 1951 the insignia was amended to show additional war service.
Blazon: Shield: Azure, a bend wavy between a fleur-de-lis and a giant cactus Argent; on a chief of the last a Great Bear's face of the like fimbriated of the first, lips and tongue Gules.[17]
Crest: That for the regiments of the Arkansas National Guard: On a wreath of the colors (Argent and Azure) above two sprays of apple blossoms Proper a diamond Argent charged with four mullets Azure, one in upper point and three in lower, within a border of the last bearing twenty-five mullets of the second.
Symbolism: The shield is blue for Infantry. The wavy bend, representing the Arkansas River, refers to the geographic location of the regiment. The cactus symbolizes service on the Mexican border and the fleur-de-lis service in France during World War I. The Great Bear's face from the shoulder sleeve insignia of the Alaskan Department symbolizes service in that area in World War II.
Background: The coat of arms was originally approved for the 153rd Regiment Infantry on 6 Jan 1930. It was amended on 4 Jun 1951 to show additional war service