4th Infantry Division Artillery
Encyclopedia
The 4th Fires Brigade, also known as the "Iron Gunners" was the former 4th Infantry Division Artillery, and was the fire support brigade for the 4th Infantry Division
of the United States Army
(also referred to as DIVARTY, for "Divisional Artillery"). On 16 April 2007 the 4th Fires Brigade, (formerly 4th Infantry Division's DIVARTY) reflagged as the 41st Fires Brigade. They are based out of Fort Hood, Texas and their assets included the M270A1 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS).
The unit was reorganized in December 2004 to assign its subordinate units to the Division's four maneuver brigades, giving each of those brigades their own organic artillery for close fire support. Only the 2d Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment remains part of the Fires Brigade directly. Other units can be absorbed as fire support elements as needed for the mission. Assets which had previously been located at the Corps level were now assigned to the Fires Brigade to allow it, and the 4th Infantry Division, to operate more independently. The new brigade commander, Col. Allen Batschelet, was author of the April 2002 study Effects-based operations: A New Operational Model? while a Lt. Colonel. Effects-based operations are defined by the US military in the study as "a process for obtaining a desired strategic outcome or effect on the enemy through the synergistic and cumulative application of the full range of military and non-military capabilities at all levels of conflict," rather than simply focus on causing casualties or physical destruction through offensive fire. The new mission for the Fires Brigade reflected this emerging philosophy of operations.
and non-lethal fire support of the designated division or joint armed forces command. Its non-lethal missions include electronic warfare, psychological operations, offensive information operations and deployment of munitions such as illumination, smoke and riot-control agents.
, participating in the St. Mihiel and Lorraine (1918) Campaigns. Following World War I, the 21st Field Artillery was retired until 6 October 1939 when it was reactivated as part of the 5th Division. As part of the 5th Division, the 21st saw action in the World War II campaigns of Normandy
, Northern France, the Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
The tradition begun in World War II continued in Vietnam as the newly formed 1st Battalion, 21st Field Artillery began its association with the 1st Cavalry Division. During the Vietnam War
, the 1st Battalion, 21st Field Artillery participated in 15 different campaigns including the Tet Counteroffensive and Counteroffensives I-VII. During the war, the battalion earned the Presidential Unit Citation
for action in Pleiku Province, the Valorous Unit Award
for the Fish Hook Campaign, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation
for operations in Vietnam (1967). Additionally, Alpha and Bravo Batteries were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for action in Binh Thaun Province.
The Deep Strike Battalion (2–20 FA) was first constituted 1 July 1916 in the Regular Army as Battery B, 20th Field Artillery and was activated in June 1940 at Fort Benning, Georgia, as an element of the 4th Division, later re-designated as the 4th Infantry Division. In 1957 the battalion was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division and activated in Korea. In 1960 the Battalion was re-designated the 2nd Rocket Howitzer Battalion, 20th Field Artillery until taking its present moniker of 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery in a 1971 redesignation. In 1972, the battalion was relieved from assignment to the 1st Cavalry Division, assigned to the 4th Infantry Division, and activated at Fort Carson, Colorado
. In 1976 the battalion was attached to 8th Infantry Division
in Wiesbaden, Germany, where it would remain until it was deactivated in 1984, subsequently reactivated in 1987 and again deactivated in 1992. On a interesting side note, during this period, specifically 1990 and 1991, 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Battalion was a 8-inch unit, headquartered in Hanau, Germany. During the build up and deployment in support of Operation Desert Storm, individuals from 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Battalion were used to augment units from the 42nd Field Artillery Brigade. Many soldiers from 2/20th fought in Desert Storm, but the battalion itself was not credited for their actions. In September 1998, 9–1 Field Artillery was reflagged as the 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Battalion. In 2001 the battalion supported the Army’s testing and fielding of the M270A1 launcher and became the first M270A1 MLRS unit in the Army. In March 2003 the battalion deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where they performed not only their traditional field artillery tasks, to include firing the division’s first deep missile fires in combat, but performed armed reconnaissance missions, joint security patrols, cordon and searches, raids, and a wide variety of civil military operations. The battalion redeployed in March 2003.
The Divarty took command of FOB Gunner in April 2003 and held the base until February 2004 when they were relieved by elements of the 1st Cavalry Division. The brigade routinely maintained a strong defense through offense by active patrols and show of strength. That brigade had the honor of being the location for the storage and consolidation of enemy arms and equipment to be redistributed to the Iraqi Police and Iraqi Civil Defense Force (ICDF) later the New Iraqi Army (NIA), although the mission was executed by the 751st Quartermaster Company (Army Reserve) out of Mesa, Arizona
. This was the only location in Iraq
to perform this type of mission. The FOB supported units including the 82nd Airborne, the 101st Airborne, the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment (2nd ACR), and the British.
During Iraq the brigade was commanded by Col. Kevin Stramara and was stationed at Taji, Iraq. During this time, the unit and its commander were the subject of internal complaints and investigations by the military for harsh treatment of Iraqi civilians.
In December 2005 the Brigade was sent again to Iraq with most of the Brigade going to Baghdad to conduct FOB Base Defense and 2-20FA(-) going North to support operations of the 101st Airborne and the 18th Airborne Corps. Alpha Battery went west to support Marine operations in the Al Asad
and Fallujah
area.
U.S. 4th Infantry Division
The 4th Infantry Division is a modular division of the United States Army based at Fort Carson, Colorado, with four brigade combat teams. It is a very technically advanced combat division in the U.S. Army....
of the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
(also referred to as DIVARTY, for "Divisional Artillery"). On 16 April 2007 the 4th Fires Brigade, (formerly 4th Infantry Division's DIVARTY) reflagged as the 41st Fires Brigade. They are based out of Fort Hood, Texas and their assets included the M270A1 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS).
The unit was reorganized in December 2004 to assign its subordinate units to the Division's four maneuver brigades, giving each of those brigades their own organic artillery for close fire support. Only the 2d Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment remains part of the Fires Brigade directly. Other units can be absorbed as fire support elements as needed for the mission. Assets which had previously been located at the Corps level were now assigned to the Fires Brigade to allow it, and the 4th Infantry Division, to operate more independently. The new brigade commander, Col. Allen Batschelet, was author of the April 2002 study Effects-based operations: A New Operational Model? while a Lt. Colonel. Effects-based operations are defined by the US military in the study as "a process for obtaining a desired strategic outcome or effect on the enemy through the synergistic and cumulative application of the full range of military and non-military capabilities at all levels of conflict," rather than simply focus on causing casualties or physical destruction through offensive fire. The new mission for the Fires Brigade reflected this emerging philosophy of operations.
Mission
To plan, coordinate, and execute lethalLethal
Lethal is an adjective meaning capable of causing death.Lethal may also refer to:* Lethal , an American heavy metal band* Leigh Matthews, Australian rules footballer nicknamed "Lethal" or "Lethal" Leigh...
and non-lethal fire support of the designated division or joint armed forces command. Its non-lethal missions include electronic warfare, psychological operations, offensive information operations and deployment of munitions such as illumination, smoke and riot-control agents.
History
The 21st Field Artillery was constituted in the Regular Army on 1 July 1916 and organized at Camp Wilson, Texas on 1 June 1917. It was assigned to the 5th Division in 1917 and saw combat in France during World War IWorld War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, participating in the St. Mihiel and Lorraine (1918) Campaigns. Following World War I, the 21st Field Artillery was retired until 6 October 1939 when it was reactivated as part of the 5th Division. As part of the 5th Division, the 21st saw action in the World War II campaigns of Normandy
Normandy
Normandy is a geographical region corresponding to the former Duchy of Normandy. It is in France.The continental territory covers 30,627 km² and forms the preponderant part of Normandy and roughly 5% of the territory of France. It is divided for administrative purposes into two régions:...
, Northern France, the Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
The tradition begun in World War II continued in Vietnam as the newly formed 1st Battalion, 21st Field Artillery began its association with the 1st Cavalry Division. During the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
, the 1st Battalion, 21st Field Artillery participated in 15 different campaigns including the Tet Counteroffensive and Counteroffensives I-VII. During the war, the battalion earned the Presidential Unit Citation
Presidential Unit Citation (US)
The Presidential Unit Citation, originally called the Distinguished Unit Citation, is awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and allies for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy on or after 7 December 1941...
for action in Pleiku Province, the Valorous Unit Award
Valorous Unit Award
The Valorous Unit Award is the second highest unit decoration which may be bestowed upon a U.S. Army unit and is considered the unit equivalent of the Silver Star...
for the Fish Hook Campaign, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation
Meritorious Unit Commendation
The Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions....
for operations in Vietnam (1967). Additionally, Alpha and Bravo Batteries were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for action in Binh Thaun Province.
The Deep Strike Battalion (2–20 FA) was first constituted 1 July 1916 in the Regular Army as Battery B, 20th Field Artillery and was activated in June 1940 at Fort Benning, Georgia, as an element of the 4th Division, later re-designated as the 4th Infantry Division. In 1957 the battalion was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division and activated in Korea. In 1960 the Battalion was re-designated the 2nd Rocket Howitzer Battalion, 20th Field Artillery until taking its present moniker of 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery in a 1971 redesignation. In 1972, the battalion was relieved from assignment to the 1st Cavalry Division, assigned to the 4th Infantry Division, and activated at Fort Carson, Colorado
Fort Carson, Colorado
Fort Carson is a United States Army installation located near Colorado Springs, primarily in El Paso County, Colorado. It is north of Pueblo, Colorado in Pueblo County. The 137,000 acre installation extends south into Pueblo and Fremont counties...
. In 1976 the battalion was attached to 8th Infantry Division
U.S. 8th Infantry Division
The 8th Infantry Division, was an infantry division of the United States Army during the 20th Century. The division served in World War I, World War II, and Operation Desert Storm. Initially activated in January 1918, the unit did not see combat during World War I and returned to the United States...
in Wiesbaden, Germany, where it would remain until it was deactivated in 1984, subsequently reactivated in 1987 and again deactivated in 1992. On a interesting side note, during this period, specifically 1990 and 1991, 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Battalion was a 8-inch unit, headquartered in Hanau, Germany. During the build up and deployment in support of Operation Desert Storm, individuals from 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Battalion were used to augment units from the 42nd Field Artillery Brigade. Many soldiers from 2/20th fought in Desert Storm, but the battalion itself was not credited for their actions. In September 1998, 9–1 Field Artillery was reflagged as the 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Battalion. In 2001 the battalion supported the Army’s testing and fielding of the M270A1 launcher and became the first M270A1 MLRS unit in the Army. In March 2003 the battalion deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where they performed not only their traditional field artillery tasks, to include firing the division’s first deep missile fires in combat, but performed armed reconnaissance missions, joint security patrols, cordon and searches, raids, and a wide variety of civil military operations. The battalion redeployed in March 2003.
Commanders
- Lt Col Allen B. West 2001-2003
- Lt Col Richard French 2003-2004
- Col. Allen Batschelet 2004–2007
- Col. Richard M. Francey JR 2007 – present
Units
- 1st Battalion, 21st Field Artillery1st Battalion, 21st Field Artillery RegimentThe 1st Battalion, 21st Field Artillery Regiment is a field artillery battalion of the United States Army based in Fort Hood, Texas. It is a subordinate unit of the 41st Fires Brigade .-History:...
- 2d Battalion, 20th Field Artillery
- 589th Support Battalion589th Support BattalionThe 589th Brigade Support Battalion was originally constituted 31 July 1944 in the Army of the United States as Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 589th Quartermaster Battalion, Mobile...
The Divarty took command of FOB Gunner in April 2003 and held the base until February 2004 when they were relieved by elements of the 1st Cavalry Division. The brigade routinely maintained a strong defense through offense by active patrols and show of strength. That brigade had the honor of being the location for the storage and consolidation of enemy arms and equipment to be redistributed to the Iraqi Police and Iraqi Civil Defense Force (ICDF) later the New Iraqi Army (NIA), although the mission was executed by the 751st Quartermaster Company (Army Reserve) out of Mesa, Arizona
Mesa, Arizona
According to the 2010 Census, the racial composition of Mesa was as follows:* White: 77.1% * Hispanic or Latino : 26.54%* Black or African American: 3.5%* Two or more races: 3.4%* Native American: 2.4%...
. This was the only location in Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
to perform this type of mission. The FOB supported units including the 82nd Airborne, the 101st Airborne, the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment (2nd ACR), and the British.
During Iraq the brigade was commanded by Col. Kevin Stramara and was stationed at Taji, Iraq. During this time, the unit and its commander were the subject of internal complaints and investigations by the military for harsh treatment of Iraqi civilians.
In December 2005 the Brigade was sent again to Iraq with most of the Brigade going to Baghdad to conduct FOB Base Defense and 2-20FA(-) going North to support operations of the 101st Airborne and the 18th Airborne Corps. Alpha Battery went west to support Marine operations in the Al Asad
Al Asad
Al Asad Airbase is the second largest US military airbase in Iraq and is located in the largely Sunni western Province of Iraq Al Anbar. It was formerly the home of the II Marine Expeditionary Force until January 2010...
and Fallujah
Fallujah
Fallujah is a city in the Iraqi province of Al Anbar, located roughly west of Baghdad on the Euphrates. Fallujah dates from Babylonian times and was host to important Jewish academies for many centuries....
area.