Presentation Of 515th Bn Colors

Throughout the period of January to May, 2004, the 1st Cavalry Division deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II, and began serving as Task Force - Baghdad. While in Iraq, the DIVARTY Headquarters served as the headquarters element for the 5th Brigade Combat Team (Provisional), 1st Cavalry Division, taking control of several battalions, which served as motorized task forces. On 06 April 2004,in a Transfer-Of-Authority(TOA) ceremony 2004 the 5th Brigade Combat Team assumed the mission of securing Al-Rashid District, Baghdad from the Division Artillery (DIVARTY) Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, a similarly organized provisional brigade combat team.

The unit is organized with three companies:

• Alpha is the Area Support Company that carries the Bn HQ and staff of all battalion-level command and staff personnel, all battalion food service personnel, and a support operations section. Additionally, it is the supply and service company in the battalion and provides petroleum supply, ration support and general supply support to the 5th Brigade Combat Team.
• Bravo is a medical company that has the mission of treating, holding and evacuating patients from the 5th Brigade Combat Team.
• Charlie is a Forward Support Company that is charged with the direct support repairs and services on equipment in the 5th Brigade Combat Team. The company has the capability of repairing tracked and wheeled equipment, engineer equipment, with emphasis on artillery fire control equipment, and Additionally, the service and recovery section provides metal working support and vehicle recovery support.

On 26 May 2005, following the return from its Operation Iraqi Freedom II deployment, the 515th Support Battalion (FWD), 5th Brigade (Provisional), 1st Cavalry Division was inactivated at Fort Hood, Texas as part of the US Army's transformation towards a modular force.

Although the Battalion is organizationally young, the soldiers have proven, time and time again, that they are the most precious of resources of this battalion and the 1st Cavalry Division.