.gif)
30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team (United States)
Encyclopedia
The 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team ("Old Hickory") is a modular heavy brigade
of the United States Army National Guard.
The unit is composed of units from North Carolina
and West Virginia
. It was formed from the remains of the downsized 30th Infantry Division of World War II
fame. It was nicknamed the "Old Hickory" brigade, in honor of Andrew Jackson
, due to the original division being composed of National Guard units from areas where he lived.
, South Carolina
, and Georgia Army National Guard
s. The 30th Infantry Brigade (Mechanized) from North Carolina
was chosen to carry on the lineage of the 30th Infantry Division.
The brigade took part in Exercise Reforger
in 1984, 1986, 1987, and 1992.
The brigade was affiliated with the 24th Infantry Division on 5 June 1999 during the division's reactivation ceremony as part of the active/reserve component integrated division concept. The headquarters for the division was an active unit located at Fort Riley
, Kansas
while its subordinate units were all National Guard units.
From 2000 to 2001 a few select units from 30th Brigade were chosen to conduct a six month peacekeeping mission in war torn Bosnia and Herzegovina
. The deployment marked the first time that National Guard troops were utilized as front line patrolling forces since the beginning of deployment of combat troops to the region.
In July 2002 the brigade conducted "Operation Hickory Sting '02" at Ft. Riley, Kansas in preparation for the unit's upcoming National Training Center rotation the next year. The unit's 2003 NTC rotation was dubbed "Operation Tarheel Thunder." After successfully completing its NTC rotation, 30th Brigade, along with the 39th Infantry Brigade from Arkansas
, were informed that they would be deployed as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In February 2004 the brigade began a year-long deployment to the Diyala Governorate in Iraq, with the help of an Illinois based unit, Gbtry 202 ADA. With the deployment, 30th Infantry Brigade became the first National Guard Brigade Combat Team to deploy to a war since the Korean War
50 years earlier. The brigade was also the first National Guard brigade to have its own area of operation in Iraq.
(not to be confused with Operation Arrowhead Ripper in 2007) was some of the fiercest fighting that the brigade encountered during its deployment. The battle began at approximately 5:30 am local time as insurgents from the group Al-Tawhid Wal-Jihad
(aka Al-Qaeda in Iraq) attempted to ambush 3rd Platoon
, Company A, 1st Battalion
, 120th Infantry (Mechanized)
with small arms, heavy machine guns, IEDs
and RPG fire. The platoon was able to break through the ambush and attempted to turn the battle around with a counterattack. As the battle wore on, however, battle damage to all three of the platoon's M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles forced the counterattack to halt and once again the advantage lay with the insurgents.
At around 6:00 am reinforcements from Co A, including company commander Captain Christopher Cash, left the unit's Forward Operating Base
and were also ambushed almost immediately. In the process CPT Cash was killed. The Bradley in which CPT Cash was killed as well as one other returned to base, leaving only three Bradleys from 1st Platoon to reinforce 3rd Platoon. As the reinforcements advanced on 3rd Platoon, an RPG struck one of the Bradleys, hitting SPC Daniel Desens and wounding several others. The platoon sergeant, SFC Chad Stephens, moved under fire without body armor or a weapon from his Bradley to SPC Desens' to retrieve the wounded Specialist. As SPC Desens was treated by the platoon medic, SPC Ralph Isabella, the platoon regrouped and continued its march towards 3rd Platoon. As they advanced once again towards 3rd Platoon, SFC Stephens's Bradley was also hit by an RPG, severely wounding his gunner and wounding several others including SFC Stephens.
After SFC Stephens's platoon reached its objective, SPC Desens and six other wounded personnel were evacuated via helicopter and the platoon carried on the fight until 3:00 am the next morning. SPC Desens later died of his wounds. SFC Stephens would ultimately receive a Silver Star
for his actions.
As the well coordinated attack raged on for another eight hours, insurgents were able to overrun two Iraqi police stations as rocket and mortar attacks racked FOB Warhorse, the unit's Forward Operating Base. Ultimately, Coalition forces were able to root out enemy hiding spots and strong points with UAVs
as attack aircraft bombed them. In the end two Soldiers from the 30th Brigade were killed and six wounded. While the actual enemy death toll varies, Coalition forces estimated at least 60 insurgents were killed in the attack. Abu Musab al-Zarqawi
claimed responsibility for the attack although some experts question if Al-Qaeda in Iraq was actually capable of planning and carrying out such an organized attack, despite the fact that Al-Qaeda in Iraq flags were seen being raised by insurgents over the two captured police stations.
Zarqawi claimed victory over the Americans in the battle, although it may have been a Pyrrhic victory as the insurgent death toll was much higher than the Coalition one and the attack neither forced the Americans from the city nor stopped the planned transfer of authority for the city from the Coalition Provisional Authority
to the Iraqi Interim Government
at the end of the month. In the end, Zarqawi was killed in an air attack two years later outside of Baqubah and a year after that Operation Arrowhead Ripper succeeded in forcing a large part of the remaining insurgent forces out of the city.
concept. With the transformation, the brigade disbanded the 119th Infantry Regiment
who's lineage in the North Carolina National Guard can be traced back to before the American Civil War
. The brigade then gained the 1st Squadron (RSTA), 150th Cavalry Regiment (WV ARNG) as the brigade's reconnaissance element. The 1–150th Cavalry had previously deployed with the brigade to Iraq as 1–150th Armor. The brigade also gained the 30th Special Troops Battalion, formed from the 30th Corps Support Group.
In October 2007, the brigade was alerted for deployment once again, to include both the North Carolina and West Virginia Army National Guard assets. In preparation for the upcoming deployment, the brigade attended a 23-day annual training
period at Camp Shelby
, Mississippi
in May 2008. The primary purpose of the training exercise was to complete Bradley Fighting Vehicle New Equipment Training for the scouts on fighting vehicle crews. The crews conducted gunnery through Bradley table VIII, while wheeled scouts performed gunnery with M2 50 caliber machine guns. Other training included Warrior Task Battle drill and individual weapons qualifications. The training exercise went off mostly successful.
In early 2009, 30th HBCT began mobilizing in Camp Shelby, Mississippi to conduct pre-deployment validation training. With training complete, the brigade returned to North Carolina for one last time before the deployment to hold a deployment ceremony on 14 April and to allow Soldiers to say goodbye to their families. By early may, the brigade arrived in Iraq and began the process of taking over for 2nd HBCT, 1st Armored Division
in a process known as "relief in place." Shortly thereafter, the brigade began conducting patrols south of the Baghdad
area as part of Multinational Division – Baghdad.
On 21 May, less than a month after arriving in Iraq, the brigade began to take its first casualties. While making their way to a meeting with local officials in the Doura Market, three Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 252d Armored's civil-military liaison team were killed by a suicide vest improvised explosive device (SVIED) in the Al Rashid district in the southwestern part of Baghdad along with multiple civilians. Major Jason George, 38, from Tehachapi, California
was an Army Reservist and served as the battalion's civil-military officer. 1st Lieutenant Leevi Barnard, 28, from Mount Airy, North Carolina
was a North Carolina Guardsman and served as Major George's assistant. Sergeant Paul Brooks, 34, from Joplin, Missouri
was a Missouri Guardsman who had volunteered for the deployment and served as the team's medic. Alpha Co. also of the 1st Battalion, 252nd Armor was in the market area at the same time that morning when the attack occurred. Their swift response to the incident resulted in the timely treatment and ground evacuation of the remaining coalition casualties to the 10th CSH IBN Sina Hospital and their efforts undoubtedly saved many lives that day.
On the same day, Soldiers from A Battery, 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment
successfully fired the M982 Excalibur precision guided artillery round from FOB Mahmudiyah. This marked the first time that a national guard unit had used the new precision guided munition in Iraq.
A little over a month later the brigade suffered four more casualties, this time from A Company, 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry. They were killed when their HMMWV was struck by an IED on 29 June in the Mahmudiyah area, south of Baghdad. Sergeant 1st Class Edward Kramer, 39 and a father of two, was from Wilmington, North Carolina
and was on his second deployment to Iraq with the battalion. Sergeant Roger Adams Jr., 36, from Jacksonville, North Carolina
had recently joined the National Guard and had previously served in the Marine Corps. Adams was also a father of four. Sergeant Juan Baldeosingh, 30, from Havelock, North Carolina
was a father of three and had been in the National Guard for a little over a year. He had previously served in the Marine Corps. Sergeant Robert Bittaker, 39, from Jacksonville, North Carolina
was a father of two and had served two prior deployments with the battalion, one of which was with the brigade's deployment to Bosnia in 2000. This attack resulted in the single largest loss of life for the brigade since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom. SGT Baldeosingh would later be buried at Arlington National Cemetery
. He would be the first North Carolina Guardsman to be buried at the cemetery since WWII.
Symbolism: The letters “O H” are the initials of “Old Hickory” and the “XXX” is the Roman notation for the number of the organization.
Background: The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved on 23 October 1918 for the 30th Division. It was redesignated for the 30th Infantry Brigade on 20 February 1974. The insignia was redesignated effective 1 September 2004, with description updated, for the 30th Brigade Combat Team, North Carolina Army National Guard.
Symbolism: The hornet’s nest, adapted from the crest of the North Carolina ARNG, is a reference to the unit’s home area. The fleurs-de-lis represent the unit’s participation in five campaigns in Europe during World War II, while the sword with blade in the colors of the Belgium Fourragére refers to that award received for service in Belgium and the Ardennes. The laurel branch and the star denote awards of the French Croix de Guerre with Palm and with Star for service in France during World War II; the scarlet scroll alludes to the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
Background: The distinctive unit insignia was authorized for the noncolor bearing units of the 30th Infantry Brigade on 11 June 1974. The insignia was redesignated effective 1 September 2004, with the description updated, for the 30th Brigade Combat Team, North Carolina Army National Guard.
1st Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment
The 1–120th Infantry was reorganized as a combined arms battalion when the brigade was modularized into a Brigade Unit of Action. The battalion is headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina
and consists of the following companies:
1st Battalion, 252nd Armor Regiment
The 1–252nd Armor was reorganized as a combined arms battalion when the brigade was modularized into a Brigade Unit of Action. The battalion is headquartered in Fayetteville, North Carolina
and consists of the following companies:
and was reorganized from the 1st Battalion, 150th Armor Regiment to become the Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition Squadron for the brigade. The squadron is headquartered in Bluefield, West Virginia
and consists of the following troops:
1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment
1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment was reorganized as a fires battalion when the brigade was modularized into a Brigade Unit of Action
. The battalion is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina
and consists of the following batteries:
and consists of the following companies:
. The battalion is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina
and consists of the following companies:
Brigade
A brigade is a major tactical military formation that is typically composed of two to five battalions, plus supporting elements depending on the era and nationality of a given army and could be perceived as an enlarged/reinforced regiment...
of the United States Army National Guard.
The unit is composed of units from North Carolina
North Carolina Army National Guard
The North Carolina Army National Guard is a component of the United States Army, the United States National Guard, and the North Carolina National Guard. Nationwide, the Army National Guard comprises approximately one half of the US Army's available combat forces and approximately one third of its...
and West Virginia
West Virginia
West Virginia is a state in the Appalachian and Southeastern regions of the United States, bordered by Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, Ohio to the northwest, Pennsylvania to the northeast and Maryland to the east...
. It was formed from the remains of the downsized 30th Infantry Division of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
fame. It was nicknamed the "Old Hickory" brigade, in honor of Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson was the seventh President of the United States . Based in frontier Tennessee, Jackson was a politician and army general who defeated the Creek Indians at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend , and the British at the Battle of New Orleans...
, due to the original division being composed of National Guard units from areas where he lived.
History
In 1974 the 30th Infantry Division ceased to exist and its units were divided amongst the North CarolinaNorth Carolina Army National Guard
The North Carolina Army National Guard is a component of the United States Army, the United States National Guard, and the North Carolina National Guard. Nationwide, the Army National Guard comprises approximately one half of the US Army's available combat forces and approximately one third of its...
, South Carolina
South Carolina Army National Guard
The South Carolina Army National Guard is a component of the United States Army and the United States National Guard. Nationwide, the Army National Guard comprises approximately one half of the US Army's available combat forces and approximately one third of its support organization...
, and Georgia Army National Guard
Georgia Army National Guard
The Georgia Army National Guard is the Army National Guard component of the Georgia National Guard, administratively part of the Georgia Department of Defense. It consists of more than 11,100 Citizen-Soldiers training in more than 79 hometown armories and regional facilities across the state...
s. The 30th Infantry Brigade (Mechanized) from North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
was chosen to carry on the lineage of the 30th Infantry Division.
The brigade took part in Exercise Reforger
Exercise REFORGER
Exercise Reforger was an annual exercise conducted, during the Cold War, by NATO. The exercise was intended to ensure that NATO had the ability to quickly deploy forces to West Germany in the event of a conflict with the Warsaw Pact.The Reforger exercise itself was first conceived in 1967...
in 1984, 1986, 1987, and 1992.
The brigade was affiliated with the 24th Infantry Division on 5 June 1999 during the division's reactivation ceremony as part of the active/reserve component integrated division concept. The headquarters for the division was an active unit located at Fort Riley
Fort Riley
Fort Riley is a United States Army installation located in Northeast Kansas, on the Kansas River, between Junction City and Manhattan. The Fort Riley Military Reservation covers 100,656 acres in Geary and Riley counties and includes two census-designated places: Fort Riley North and Fort...
, Kansas
Kansas
Kansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south...
while its subordinate units were all National Guard units.
From 2000 to 2001 a few select units from 30th Brigade were chosen to conduct a six month peacekeeping mission in war torn Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina , sometimes called Bosnia-Herzegovina or simply Bosnia, is a country in Southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast, Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost landlocked, except for the...
. The deployment marked the first time that National Guard troops were utilized as front line patrolling forces since the beginning of deployment of combat troops to the region.
In July 2002 the brigade conducted "Operation Hickory Sting '02" at Ft. Riley, Kansas in preparation for the unit's upcoming National Training Center rotation the next year. The unit's 2003 NTC rotation was dubbed "Operation Tarheel Thunder." After successfully completing its NTC rotation, 30th Brigade, along with the 39th Infantry Brigade from Arkansas
Arkansas
Arkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. Its name is an Algonquian name of the Quapaw Indians. Arkansas shares borders with six states , and its eastern border is largely defined by the Mississippi River...
, were informed that they would be deployed as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In February 2004 the brigade began a year-long deployment to the Diyala Governorate in Iraq, with the help of an Illinois based unit, Gbtry 202 ADA. With the deployment, 30th Infantry Brigade became the first National Guard Brigade Combat Team to deploy to a war since the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
50 years earlier. The brigade was also the first National Guard brigade to have its own area of operation in Iraq.
The Battle of Baqubah (24 June 2004)
The first Battle of BaqubahBattle of Baqubah
The Battle of Baqubah took place during the Iraq War in the capital of the Iraqi province Diyala, to the north-east of Baghdad...
(not to be confused with Operation Arrowhead Ripper in 2007) was some of the fiercest fighting that the brigade encountered during its deployment. The battle began at approximately 5:30 am local time as insurgents from the group Al-Tawhid Wal-Jihad
Al-Qaeda in Iraq
Al-Qaeda in Iraq is a popular name for the Iraqi division of the international Salafi jihadi militant organization al-Qaeda. It is recognized as a part of the greater Iraqi insurgency....
(aka Al-Qaeda in Iraq) attempted to ambush 3rd Platoon
Platoon
A platoon is a military unit typically composed of two to four sections or squads and containing 16 to 50 soldiers. Platoons are organized into a company, which typically consists of three, four or five platoons. A platoon is typically the smallest military unit led by a commissioned officer—the...
, Company A, 1st Battalion
Battalion
A battalion is a military unit of around 300–1,200 soldiers usually consisting of between two and seven companies and typically commanded by either a Lieutenant Colonel or a Colonel...
, 120th Infantry (Mechanized)
120th Infantry Regiment (United States)
The 120th Infantry Regiment is an infantry regiment of the United States Army National Guard.The unit is an organic element of the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team of the North Carolina Army National Guard...
with small arms, heavy machine guns, IEDs
Improvised explosive device
An improvised explosive device , also known as a roadside bomb, is a homemade bomb constructed and deployed in ways other than in conventional military action...
and RPG fire. The platoon was able to break through the ambush and attempted to turn the battle around with a counterattack. As the battle wore on, however, battle damage to all three of the platoon's M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles forced the counterattack to halt and once again the advantage lay with the insurgents.
At around 6:00 am reinforcements from Co A, including company commander Captain Christopher Cash, left the unit's Forward Operating Base
Forward Operating Base
A forward operating base is any secured forward military position, commonly a military base, that is used to support tactical operations. A FOB may or may not contain an airfield, hospital, or other facilities. The base may be used for an extended period of time. FOBs are traditionally supported...
and were also ambushed almost immediately. In the process CPT Cash was killed. The Bradley in which CPT Cash was killed as well as one other returned to base, leaving only three Bradleys from 1st Platoon to reinforce 3rd Platoon. As the reinforcements advanced on 3rd Platoon, an RPG struck one of the Bradleys, hitting SPC Daniel Desens and wounding several others. The platoon sergeant, SFC Chad Stephens, moved under fire without body armor or a weapon from his Bradley to SPC Desens' to retrieve the wounded Specialist. As SPC Desens was treated by the platoon medic, SPC Ralph Isabella, the platoon regrouped and continued its march towards 3rd Platoon. As they advanced once again towards 3rd Platoon, SFC Stephens's Bradley was also hit by an RPG, severely wounding his gunner and wounding several others including SFC Stephens.
After SFC Stephens's platoon reached its objective, SPC Desens and six other wounded personnel were evacuated via helicopter and the platoon carried on the fight until 3:00 am the next morning. SPC Desens later died of his wounds. SFC Stephens would ultimately receive a Silver Star
Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
for his actions.
As the well coordinated attack raged on for another eight hours, insurgents were able to overrun two Iraqi police stations as rocket and mortar attacks racked FOB Warhorse, the unit's Forward Operating Base. Ultimately, Coalition forces were able to root out enemy hiding spots and strong points with UAVs
Unmanned aerial vehicle
An unmanned aerial vehicle , also known as a unmanned aircraft system , remotely piloted aircraft or unmanned aircraft, is a machine which functions either by the remote control of a navigator or pilot or autonomously, that is, as a self-directing entity...
as attack aircraft bombed them. In the end two Soldiers from the 30th Brigade were killed and six wounded. While the actual enemy death toll varies, Coalition forces estimated at least 60 insurgents were killed in the attack. Abu Musab al-Zarqawi
Abu Musab al-Zarqawi
Abu Musab al-Zarqawi ; October 30, 1966 – June 7, 2006), born Ahmad Fadeel al-Nazal al-Khalayleh was a Jordanian militant Islamist who ran a paramilitary training camp in Afghanistan...
claimed responsibility for the attack although some experts question if Al-Qaeda in Iraq was actually capable of planning and carrying out such an organized attack, despite the fact that Al-Qaeda in Iraq flags were seen being raised by insurgents over the two captured police stations.
Zarqawi claimed victory over the Americans in the battle, although it may have been a Pyrrhic victory as the insurgent death toll was much higher than the Coalition one and the attack neither forced the Americans from the city nor stopped the planned transfer of authority for the city from the Coalition Provisional Authority
Coalition Provisional Authority
The Coalition Provisional Authority was established as a transitional government following the invasion of Iraq by the United States and its allies, members of the Multi-National Force – Iraq which was formed to oust the government of Saddam Hussein in 2003...
to the Iraqi Interim Government
Iraqi Interim Government
The Iraqi Interim Government was created by the United States and its coalition allies as a caretaker government to govern Iraq until the Iraqi Transitional Government was installed following the Iraqi National Assembly election conducted on January 30, 2005...
at the end of the month. In the end, Zarqawi was killed in an air attack two years later outside of Baqubah and a year after that Operation Arrowhead Ripper succeeded in forcing a large part of the remaining insurgent forces out of the city.
Casualties
By the end of the deployment the brigade had lost five Soldiers killed in action:- Specialist Jocelyn L. Carrasquillo: 28, from Wrightsville Beach, North CarolinaWrightsville Beach, North CarolinaWrightsville Beach is a town in New Hanover County, North Carolina, United States. Wrightsville Beach is just east of Wilmington and is part of the Wilmington Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 2,593 at the 2000 census...
, assigned to HHC, 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry120th Infantry Regiment (United States)The 120th Infantry Regiment is an infantry regiment of the United States Army National Guard.The unit is an organic element of the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team of the North Carolina Army National Guard...
. SPC Carrasquillo was killed by an improvised explosive device on 13 March 2004.
- Captain Christopher S. Cash: 36, from Winterville, North CarolinaWinterville, North CarolinaWinterville is a town in Pitt County, North Carolina. The population was 4,791 at the 2000 census. In 2008, the estimated population is 8,586. The town is a part of the Greenville Metropolitan Area.-Geography:...
, Commander of A Company 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry. CPT Cash was killed on 24 June 2004 in the Battle of Baqubah.
- Specialist Daniel Alan Desens Jr.: 20, from Jacksonville, also of A Company 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry. SPC Desens was also killed in the Battle of Baqubah on 24 June 2004.
- Sergeant DeForest L. Talbert: 24, of Charleston, West VirginiaCharleston, West VirginiaCharleston is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of West Virginia. It is located at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha Rivers in Kanawha County. As of the 2010 census, it has a population of 51,400, and its metropolitan area 304,214. It is the county seat of Kanawha County.Early...
, assigned to 1st Battalion, 150th Armor. SGT Talbert died 27 July 2004 in Baladruz, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.
- Staff Sergeant Michael S. Voss: 35, from Aberdeen, North CarolinaAberdeen, North CarolinaAberdeen is a town in Moore County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 3,400 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Aberdeen is located at ....
, assigned to 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry. SSG Voss was killed on 8 October 2004 in Tikrit, Iraq when his convoy was attacked with an improvised explosive device and small arms fire.
Post-deployment and redeployment
In early 2005, as the brigade returned from Iraq, 30th Infantry Brigade transformed into the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team as part of the Army's new Brigade Unit of ActionTransformation of the United States Army
Army Transformation describes the future-concept of the United States Army's plan of modernization. Transformation is a generalized term for the integration of new concepts, organizations, and technology within the armed forces of the United States....
concept. With the transformation, the brigade disbanded the 119th Infantry Regiment
119th Infantry Regiment (United States)
The 119th Infantry Regiment was an infantry regiment of the United States Army.The unit was an organic element of the 30th ID Old Hickory of the United States Army.-Distinctive Unit Insignia:...
who's lineage in the North Carolina National Guard can be traced back to before the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
. The brigade then gained the 1st Squadron (RSTA), 150th Cavalry Regiment (WV ARNG) as the brigade's reconnaissance element. The 1–150th Cavalry had previously deployed with the brigade to Iraq as 1–150th Armor. The brigade also gained the 30th Special Troops Battalion, formed from the 30th Corps Support Group.
In October 2007, the brigade was alerted for deployment once again, to include both the North Carolina and West Virginia Army National Guard assets. In preparation for the upcoming deployment, the brigade attended a 23-day annual training
Annual training
Annual training refers to the yearly training period conducted by all National Guard and Reserve components of the United States military. Usually advertised as two weeks each year that personnel must attend, annual training periods have increased to as much as month-long events during the Iraq...
period at Camp Shelby
Camp Shelby
Camp Shelby is a military post whose North Gate begins at the southern boundary of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on United States Highway 49. It is the largest state owned training site in the nation. During wartime, the camp's mission is to serve as a major, independent mobilization station of the...
, Mississippi
Mississippi
Mississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi...
in May 2008. The primary purpose of the training exercise was to complete Bradley Fighting Vehicle New Equipment Training for the scouts on fighting vehicle crews. The crews conducted gunnery through Bradley table VIII, while wheeled scouts performed gunnery with M2 50 caliber machine guns. Other training included Warrior Task Battle drill and individual weapons qualifications. The training exercise went off mostly successful.
Operation Iraqi Freedom VII
1st Armored Division (United States)
The 1st Armored Division—nicknamed "Old Ironsides"—is a standing armored division of the United States Army with base of operations in Fort Bliss, Texas. It was the first armored division of the U.S...
in a process known as "relief in place." Shortly thereafter, the brigade began conducting patrols south of the Baghdad
Baghdad
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq, as well as the coterminous Baghdad Governorate. The population of Baghdad in 2011 is approximately 7,216,040...
area as part of Multinational Division – Baghdad.
On 21 May, less than a month after arriving in Iraq, the brigade began to take its first casualties. While making their way to a meeting with local officials in the Doura Market, three Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 252d Armored's civil-military liaison team were killed by a suicide vest improvised explosive device (SVIED) in the Al Rashid district in the southwestern part of Baghdad along with multiple civilians. Major Jason George, 38, from Tehachapi, California
Tehachapi, California
Tehachapi is a city incorporated in 1909 located in the Tehachapi Mountains between Bakersfield and Mojave in Kern County, California. Tehachapi is located east-southeast of Bakersfield, at an elevation of...
was an Army Reservist and served as the battalion's civil-military officer. 1st Lieutenant Leevi Barnard, 28, from Mount Airy, North Carolina
Mount Airy, North Carolina
Mount Airy is a city in Surry County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 10,388.-History:Mount Airy was settled in the 1750s as a stagecoach stop on the road between Winston-Salem and Galax, Virginia. It was named for a nearby plantation...
was a North Carolina Guardsman and served as Major George's assistant. Sergeant Paul Brooks, 34, from Joplin, Missouri
Joplin, Missouri
Joplin is a city in southern Jasper County and northern Newton County in the southwestern corner of the US state of Missouri. Joplin is the largest city in Jasper County, though it is not the county seat. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 50,150...
was a Missouri Guardsman who had volunteered for the deployment and served as the team's medic. Alpha Co. also of the 1st Battalion, 252nd Armor was in the market area at the same time that morning when the attack occurred. Their swift response to the incident resulted in the timely treatment and ground evacuation of the remaining coalition casualties to the 10th CSH IBN Sina Hospital and their efforts undoubtedly saved many lives that day.
On the same day, Soldiers from A Battery, 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment
113th Field Artillery Regiment (United States)
The 113th Field Artillery Regiment is a field artillery regiment of the United States Army National Guard.-1st Battalion:1st Battalion is currently an organic unit of the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team of the North Carolina Army National Guard....
successfully fired the M982 Excalibur precision guided artillery round from FOB Mahmudiyah. This marked the first time that a national guard unit had used the new precision guided munition in Iraq.
A little over a month later the brigade suffered four more casualties, this time from A Company, 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry. They were killed when their HMMWV was struck by an IED on 29 June in the Mahmudiyah area, south of Baghdad. Sergeant 1st Class Edward Kramer, 39 and a father of two, was from Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington is a port city in and is the county seat of New Hanover County, North Carolina, United States. The population is 106,476 according to the 2010 Census, making it the eighth most populous city in the state of North Carolina...
and was on his second deployment to Iraq with the battalion. Sergeant Roger Adams Jr., 36, from Jacksonville, North Carolina
Jacksonville, North Carolina
Jacksonville, North Carolina, is a city in Onslow County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2010 United States census, the population stood at 70,145, which makes Jacksonville the 14th largest city in North Carolina...
had recently joined the National Guard and had previously served in the Marine Corps. Adams was also a father of four. Sergeant Juan Baldeosingh, 30, from Havelock, North Carolina
Havelock, North Carolina
Havelock is a city in Craven County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 22,442 at the 2000 census, and estimated to be 21,906 in 2006...
was a father of three and had been in the National Guard for a little over a year. He had previously served in the Marine Corps. Sergeant Robert Bittaker, 39, from Jacksonville, North Carolina
Jacksonville, North Carolina
Jacksonville, North Carolina, is a city in Onslow County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2010 United States census, the population stood at 70,145, which makes Jacksonville the 14th largest city in North Carolina...
was a father of two and had served two prior deployments with the battalion, one of which was with the brigade's deployment to Bosnia in 2000. This attack resulted in the single largest loss of life for the brigade since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom. SGT Baldeosingh would later be buried at Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia, is a military cemetery in the United States of America, established during the American Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, formerly the estate of the family of Confederate general Robert E. Lee's wife Mary Anna Lee, a great...
. He would be the first North Carolina Guardsman to be buried at the cemetery since WWII.
Shoulder sleeve insignia
Description: The letters “O H” blue upon a red background, the “O” forming the elliptical outline of the device long axis to be 2½ inches (6.35 cm) and short axis 1⅝ inches (4.13 cm). The letter “H” within the “O”. The letters “XXX” on the bar of the “H”. The insignia to be worn with long axis vertical.Symbolism: The letters “O H” are the initials of “Old Hickory” and the “XXX” is the Roman notation for the number of the organization.
Background: The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved on 23 October 1918 for the 30th Division. It was redesignated for the 30th Infantry Brigade on 20 February 1974. The insignia was redesignated effective 1 September 2004, with description updated, for the 30th Brigade Combat Team, North Carolina Army National Guard.
Distinctive Unit Insignia
Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1¼ inches (3.18 cm) high overall consisting of a representation of a hornet’s nest in blue enamel charged at top with five gold fleurs-de-lis and in base with a gold five-pointed star, all enclosed by a continuous scarlet enamel scroll inscribed with the words “OLD HICKORY” at top and “BRIGADE” below and crossing at center overall from lower right to upper left a gold branch of laurel beneath a gold sword with point at upper right and hilt at lower left the blade divided in half lengthwise with green enamel above and red enamel below, both ends of sword and laurel branch protruding outside the scroll.Symbolism: The hornet’s nest, adapted from the crest of the North Carolina ARNG, is a reference to the unit’s home area. The fleurs-de-lis represent the unit’s participation in five campaigns in Europe during World War II, while the sword with blade in the colors of the Belgium Fourragére refers to that award received for service in Belgium and the Ardennes. The laurel branch and the star denote awards of the French Croix de Guerre with Palm and with Star for service in France during World War II; the scarlet scroll alludes to the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
Background: The distinctive unit insignia was authorized for the noncolor bearing units of the 30th Infantry Brigade on 11 June 1974. The insignia was redesignated effective 1 September 2004, with the description updated, for the 30th Brigade Combat Team, North Carolina Army National Guard.
Current Organization
1st Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment120th Infantry Regiment (United States)The 120th Infantry Regiment is an infantry regiment of the United States Army National Guard.The unit is an organic element of the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team of the North Carolina Army National Guard...
(Combined Arms Battalion)
The 1–120th Infantry was reorganized as a combined arms battalion when the brigade was modularized into a Brigade Unit of Action. The battalion is headquartered in Wilmington, North CarolinaWilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington is a port city in and is the county seat of New Hanover County, North Carolina, United States. The population is 106,476 according to the 2010 Census, making it the eighth most populous city in the state of North Carolina...
and consists of the following companies:
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) located in Wilmington, North CarolinaWilmington, North CarolinaWilmington is a port city in and is the county seat of New Hanover County, North Carolina, United States. The population is 106,476 according to the 2010 Census, making it the eighth most populous city in the state of North Carolina...
- A Co. (Infantry) located in Jacksonville, North CarolinaJacksonville, North CarolinaJacksonville, North Carolina, is a city in Onslow County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2010 United States census, the population stood at 70,145, which makes Jacksonville the 14th largest city in North Carolina...
- B Co. (Infantry) located in Whiteville, North CarolinaWhiteville, North CarolinaWhiteville is a city in Columbus County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 5,148 at the 2000 census. It is the only city of Columbus County and is the county seat....
- C Co. (Armor) located in Parkton, North CarolinaParkton, North CarolinaParkton is a town in Robeson County, North Carolina, in the Lumberton metro area, in the United States. The town was named because it was a place where farmers tied up their horses while waiting for the train...
- D Co. (Armor) located in Elizabethtown, North CarolinaElizabethtown, North CarolinaElizabethtown is a town in Bladen County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 3,698 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Bladen County.-Geography:Elizabethtown is located at ....
- E Co. (Engineer) located in Hamlet, North CarolinaHamlet, North CarolinaHamlet is a town in Richmond County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 6,018 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Hamlet is located at ....
1st Battalion, 252nd Armor Regiment252nd Armor Regiment (United States)The 252nd Combined Arms Battalion is a unit of the North Carolina Army National Guard. The unit is an organic element of the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team of the North Carolina Army National Guard.- History :...
(Combined Arms Battalion)
The 1–252nd Armor was reorganized as a combined arms battalion when the brigade was modularized into a Brigade Unit of Action. The battalion is headquartered in Fayetteville, North CarolinaFayetteville, North Carolina
Fayetteville is a city located in Cumberland County, North Carolina, United States. It is the county seat of Cumberland County, and is best known as the home of Fort Bragg, a U.S. Army post located northwest of the city....
and consists of the following companies:
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) located in Fayetteville, North CarolinaFayetteville, North CarolinaFayetteville is a city located in Cumberland County, North Carolina, United States. It is the county seat of Cumberland County, and is best known as the home of Fort Bragg, a U.S. Army post located northwest of the city....
- A Co. (Infantry) located in Williamston, North CarolinaWilliamston, North CarolinaWilliamston is a town in Martin County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 5,843 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Martin County. The closest major city is Greenville, approx. 28 mi to the southwest.-Geography:...
- B Co. (Infantry) located in Smithfield, North CarolinaSmithfield, North CarolinaSmithfield is a town in Johnston County, North Carolina, United States. In 2008, the estimated population was 12,965. It is the county seat of Johnston County...
- C Co. (Armor) located in Southern Pines, North CarolinaSouthern Pines, North CarolinaSouthern Pines is a town in Moore County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 10,918 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Southern Pines is located at ....
- D Co. (Armor) located in Sanford, North CarolinaSanford, North CarolinaSanford is a city in Lee County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 23,220 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Lee County.-Geography:Sanford is located at ....
- E Co. (Engineer) located in Wadesboro, North CarolinaWadesboro, North CarolinaWadesboro is a town in Anson County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 5,780 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Anson County.-Geography:Wadesboro is located at ....
1st Squadron, 150th Cavalry Regiment (RSTA)
1st Squadron, 150th Cavalry Regiment is part of the West Virginia Army National GuardWest Virginia Army National Guard
The West Virginia Army National Guard is the United States Army component of the West Virginia National Guard. It has 38 units and activities stationed in 22 counties throughout West Virginia and overseas. The WV ARNG currently has units supporting operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and...
and was reorganized from the 1st Battalion, 150th Armor Regiment to become the Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition Squadron for the brigade. The squadron is headquartered in Bluefield, West Virginia
Bluefield, West Virginia
Bluefield is a city in Mercer County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 10,447 at the 2010 census. It is also the core city of the Bluefield WV-VA micropolitan area which has a population of 107,342.-Geography & Climate:...
and consists of the following troops:
- Headquarters and Headquarters Troop (HHT) located in Bluefield, West VirginiaBluefield, West VirginiaBluefield is a city in Mercer County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 10,447 at the 2010 census. It is also the core city of the Bluefield WV-VA micropolitan area which has a population of 107,342.-Geography & Climate:...
- A Trp. located in Williamson, West VirginiaWilliamson, West VirginiaWilliamson is a city in Mingo County, West Virginia, USA, along the Tug Fork River. The population was 3,414 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Mingo County, and is the county's largest and most populous city. Williamson is home to Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College...
- B Trp. located in Red House, West VirginiaRed House, West VirginiaRed House is a small community located in Putnam County in the U.S. state of West Virginia. The community is divided into two distinct areas: Red House which follows the Kanawha River Valley along WV 62, and Red House Hill along WV 34 which is in the hills just off the Kanawha River Valley.-...
- C Trp. located in Glen Jean, West VirginiaGlen Jean, West VirginiaGlen Jean is an unincorporated census-designated place in Fayette County, West Virginia, United States, near Oak Hill. As of the 2010 census, its population is 210....
1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment113th Field Artillery Regiment (United States)The 113th Field Artillery Regiment is a field artillery regiment of the United States Army National Guard.-1st Battalion:1st Battalion is currently an organic unit of the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team of the North Carolina Army National Guard....
(Fires Battalion)
1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment was reorganized as a fires battalion when the brigade was modularized into a Brigade Unit of ActionTransformation of the United States Army
Army Transformation describes the future-concept of the United States Army's plan of modernization. Transformation is a generalized term for the integration of new concepts, organizations, and technology within the armed forces of the United States....
. The battalion is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Carolina and the seat of Mecklenburg County. In 2010, Charlotte's population according to the US Census Bureau was 731,424, making it the 17th largest city in the United States based on population. The Charlotte metropolitan area had a 2009...
and consists of the following batteries:
- Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (HHB) located in Charlotte, North CarolinaCharlotte, North CarolinaCharlotte is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Carolina and the seat of Mecklenburg County. In 2010, Charlotte's population according to the US Census Bureau was 731,424, making it the 17th largest city in the United States based on population. The Charlotte metropolitan area had a 2009...
- A Btry. located in Lincolnton, North CarolinaLincolnton, North CarolinaLincolnton is a city in Lincoln County, North Carolina, United States, within the Charlotte metropolitan area. The population was 10,683 at the 2010 census. Lincolnton is located northwest of Charlotte, on the South Fork of the Catawba River, and near the junction of State Highway 27 and U.S. Route...
- B Btry. located in Monroe, North CarolinaMonroe, North CarolinaMonroe is a city in Union County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 36,397 as of the 2010 census. It is the seat of government of Union County and is also part of the Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC Metropolitan area.-Geography:...
230th Brigade Support Battalion
The 230th Brigade Support Battalion is headquartered in Goldsboro, North CarolinaGoldsboro, North Carolina
Goldsboro is a city in Wayne County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 37,597 at the 2008 census estimate. It is the principal city of and is included in the Goldsboro, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area. The nearby town of Waynesboro was founded in 1787 and Goldsboro was...
and consists of the following companies:
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) located in Goldsboro, North CarolinaGoldsboro, North CarolinaGoldsboro is a city in Wayne County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 37,597 at the 2008 census estimate. It is the principal city of and is included in the Goldsboro, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area. The nearby town of Waynesboro was founded in 1787 and Goldsboro was...
- A Co. located in Benson, North CarolinaBenson, North CarolinaBenson is a town located in Johnston County, North Carolina. The town lies at the intersection of Interstates 95 and 40. Each year Benson celebrates Mule Days the 4th Saturday of September, a festival that attracts over 60,000 people each year...
- B Co. located in Dunn, North CarolinaDunn, North CarolinaDunn is a city in Harnett County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 9,196 at the 2000 census.It is the birthplace of early an rock and roll guitar player, Link Wray, and General William C. Lee, father of the American Army Airborne. The city's slogan is "It's all right here." The...
- C Co. located in Goldsboro, North CarolinaGoldsboro, North CarolinaGoldsboro is a city in Wayne County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 37,597 at the 2008 census estimate. It is the principal city of and is included in the Goldsboro, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area. The nearby town of Waynesboro was founded in 1787 and Goldsboro was...
- D Co. is part of the West Virginia Army National GuardWest Virginia Army National GuardThe West Virginia Army National Guard is the United States Army component of the West Virginia National Guard. It has 38 units and activities stationed in 22 counties throughout West Virginia and overseas. The WV ARNG currently has units supporting operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and...
and is located in Glen Jean, West VirginiaGlen Jean, West VirginiaGlen Jean is an unincorporated census-designated place in Fayette County, West Virginia, United States, near Oak Hill. As of the 2010 census, its population is 210.... - E Co. is located in Kinston, North CarolinaKinston, North CarolinaKinston is a city in Lenoir County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 23,688 at the 2000 census. The population was estimated at 22,360 in 2008. It has been the county seat of Lenoir County since its formation in 1791 . Kinston is located in North Carolina's Inner Banks...
- F Co. is located in Red Springs, North CarolinaRed Springs, North CarolinaRed Springs is a town in Robeson and Hoke counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. The population was 3,493 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Red Springs is located at ....
- G Co. is located in High Point, North CarolinaHigh Point, North CarolinaHigh Point is a city located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina. As of 2010 the city had a total population of 104,371, according to the US Census Bureau. High Point is currently the eighth-largest municipality in North Carolina....
30th Brigade Special Troops Battalion
On 9 April 2006, HHC 30th Corps Support Group was reflagged HHC 30th Brigade Special Troops Battalion and was attached to 30th HBCT when the brigade was modularized into a Brigade Unit of ActionTransformation of the United States Army
Army Transformation describes the future-concept of the United States Army's plan of modernization. Transformation is a generalized term for the integration of new concepts, organizations, and technology within the armed forces of the United States....
. The battalion is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina
Durham, North Carolina
Durham is a city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the county seat of Durham County and also extends into Wake County. It is the fifth-largest city in the state, and the 85th-largest in the United States by population, with 228,330 residents as of the 2010 United States census...
and consists of the following companies:
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) located in Durham, North CarolinaDurham, North CarolinaDurham is a city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the county seat of Durham County and also extends into Wake County. It is the fifth-largest city in the state, and the 85th-largest in the United States by population, with 228,330 residents as of the 2010 United States census...
- Brigade Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) located in Clinton, North CarolinaClinton, North CarolinaClinton is the county seat of Sampson County, North Carolina, United States. The population of Clinton is 8,639 according to the 2010 US Census. Clinton is named for American Revolution General Richard Clinton.-History:...
(even though 30th BSTB is a subordinate unit of 30th Brigade HHC, for logistical and organizational reasons it is listed as being attached to 30th BSTB) - A Co. (Military Intelligence) located in Burlington, North CarolinaBurlington, North CarolinaBurlington is a city in Alamance and Guilford counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the principal city of the Burlington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of Alamance County, in which most of the city is located. The population was 49,963 at the 2010...
- B Co. (Signal) located in Durham, North CarolinaDurham, North CarolinaDurham is a city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the county seat of Durham County and also extends into Wake County. It is the fifth-largest city in the state, and the 85th-largest in the United States by population, with 228,330 residents as of the 2010 United States census...