Reconstitution For Operation Iraqi Freedom VI
The 1st Cavalry Division transformed to the Army's new modular design in the
Spring and Summer of 2005 after returning from Iraq where they participated
in Operation Iraqi Freedom II. This transformation changed the structure of
the Army from a division-based force to a brigade-based force by making each
brigade a self-sufficient unit that is readily deployable and able to provide
interchangeable, increased combat power for the commander.
During the most recent deployment in Iraq, several reconstitutional changes
were studied, considered and since the return of the Division to Ft. Hood, TX.
from Operation Freedom IV, are now being implemented to be ready and more
prepared for their next deployment. The more recent changes made since their
return are:
The 1st Cavalry Division of Today is depicted in the organizational chart
below:
In separate ceremonies at Cooper Field, the major commanders of the Combat
Team Brigades, Battalions and subordinate units, who served recently in Iraq,
relinquished their commands to newly appointed officers who will lead them,
making their own contribution to the legacy of the Division. The dates of
command changes were:
On 10 April, President Bush announced an overall change in the deployment
policy for active components of Army units designated to be assigned to the
CENTCOM area of operations after 01 August, 2008. This policy, which reflects
the improved security situation in Iraq. reduces the "Boots On The Ground"
time to no more than 12 months. The return to 12 months deployments will have
no effect on the "dwell time" extended to each unit, which is currently 12
months to reset and allow soldiers and families to reconnect.
On 11 April, the 4th Combat Brigade returned home from the Joint Readiness
Training Center at Fort Polk, LA. and is continuing their preparation for its
upcoming summer deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. They spent
almost a month at the light infantry training center learning how to operate
as small teams. The Long Knife Brigade is putting the final touches on its
deployment schedule integrating new equipment and preparing their Soldiers for
the combat zone. The unit is scheduled to receive new vehicles and equipment,
including the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles in addition to
new weapons including the fielding of M-4. The M-4 carbine is a shorter weapon
that is more compatible for military operations in urban environments.
Conversely, the Long Knives are scheduled to transfer unarmored vehicles and
older equipment to units remaining at Ft. Hood.
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On 15 April, a unit that was specifically tailored to provide the 1st
Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, 1st Brigade Combat Team much needed maneuver
capabilities on the battlefield, Troop "D", was deactivated,disbanded and
their colors were cased during a ceremony at Ft. Hood. This unit was
different. It wasn't a traditional field artillery battery, but rather, was
designated a troop - a unit mixed with field artillery men, tankers and fire
support teams organized from platoons throughout the 1st "Ironhorse" Brigade
Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
The "D" Troop (Daggers) had been activated on 10 March, 2006 as a Provisional
unit specifically tailored to provide the Battalion and the Brigade much
needed maneuver capabilities on the battlefield. The unit, who sometimes took
on missions normally reserved for infantrymen, brought peace to Fallajuh, Iraq
by reducing attacks against Coalition forces in their area by 98 percent,
carried out over 1,300 combat missions and 250 humanitarian aid missions and
successfully brought every member of their group back home. Following the
formal ceremony, the Soldiers that trained, deployed and fought with "D" Troop
gathered, hugged, laughed and sadly wished each other luck as they dispersed
to their separate parent organizations.
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On 29 April, the cycle of changes of command for the 1st Cavalry Division were
finally completed in a ceremony conducted at 1000 hours on Cooper Field,
Major General Daniel P. Bolger took command of the First Team replacing
Brigadier General Vincent K. Brooks, who was the interim commander of the
Division. The Division Change of Command of today wrapped up a month long set
of organizational changes that saw every commander position from the Battalion
level, through Brigade and to the Division accept their new assignments.
The Troopers in the First Team Band are happy to have this month behind them.
Along with the Honor Guard and the Horse Cavalry Detachment they were key
parts of every ceremony and they all really performed to their experienced
levels, doing a great job on every one of them. There is nothing better than
a colorful Cavalry ceremony held on Cooper Field!
Although official orders for the deployment have not been published as yet,
the first order of business of the new commander will be the finalizing of
plans for another successful tour of duty for Operation Iraqi Freedom VI.
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| Unit Colors Were Posted Around Operation Freedom Memorial |
On 16 May, the Soldiers of the 1st Cavalry Division, understanding the losses
of battle, gathered with Gold Star families, friends and fellow warriors for a
rededication of the Memorial of Operation Iraqi Freedom at Cooper Field
Parade Grounds. As the unit colors of the 1st Cavalry Division were carried
around the Operation Iraqi Freedom Memorial to begin the rededication
ceremony, the 1st Cavalry Division paid tribute to the fallen heroes of the
most recent deployment with a 21-gun salute.
When the memorial was originally dedicated on 04 April, 2006, after the first
Iraq deployment of the Division, 168 Soldier’s names were etched into the
black granite stone. Today an additional 493 were memorialized, whose Units
were organized under the Multi-National Division - Baghdad and gave the
ultimate sacrifice for freedom. They represented 29 different brigades of
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division
who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08.
On 19 May, the Department of Defense announced the deployment of over 6,000
Army and National Guard Troops in Texas for duty in the Middle East. The 72nd
Brigade Combat Team is one of the four Army National Guard units tasked to
follow the regular army deployments. The 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division is
named among 25,000 designated to replace units in Iraq that are scheduled to
return by the end of the year.
This most recent deployment, which will maintain a level of 15 brigades
(roughly 140,000 troops) will mark the third time that the 3rd Brigade has
been sent to the Middle East, following tours in Baghdad and Diyala Providence
in 2006. A large number of the 3,500 troops of the Brigade have been
previously deployed in combat areas - although not all with the 3rd Combat
Brigade Team.
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On 04 June the 4th (Longknives) Combat Brigade Team began an initial step in
their anticipated 15th month deployment by casing their colors in a ceremony
at Cooper Field Parade Grounds. Although an advanced party left Central Texas
for Iraq four days ago, the entire Brigade is not scheduled to deploy for
Operation Iraqi Freedom - VI until mid June. This deployment comes after the
soldiers of the Brigade have been undergoing extensive training for the last
18 months, including rotations to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin,
CA in November 2007 and the Joint Readiness Training Center in March 2008.
Previously the "Long Knife" Brigade was part of the 4th Infantry Division and
deployed with it to Iraq in late 2005. As part of a reorganization between
Fort Hood, TX, Fort Bliss, TX and Fort Carson, CO the brigade was re-flagged
as a 1st Cavalry Division unit on 07 March. The former 4th Infantry soldiers
stayed at Fort Hood, but adopted the unit designations of the 1st Cavalry
Brigade, which transferred its colors from Fort Bliss, TX. The unit flags that
were cased during the ceremony of Wednesday will be unfurled in Iraq when the
unit officially assumes responsibility for the areas currently under the
control of the 82nd Airborne Brigade.
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Since 07 June, soldiers of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
have boarded chartered aircraft at Robert Gray Army Airfield that routinely
depart for Camp Buehring, Kuwait. Camp Buehring, formerly named Camp Udairi,
is an offloading and staging post for US Military troops heading north into
Iraq. It is located in the northwestern desert of Kuwait, just 15 miles from
the southern border of Iraq. The area surrounding Camp Buehring, known as the
Udairi Range Complex which is used for live fire training, is largely
uninhabited, but for a few nomadic Bedouin tribes raising camels, goats and
sheep. After adaptation to the extreme climates of the desert environments and
operational desert training in Kuwait, the Long Knife Brigade will join with
their equipment and move forward to the interior of Iraq where they will
conduct combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom - VI.
On 16 June, the last of the main body of the 4th "Long Knife" Brigade Combat
Team, 1st Cavalry Division flight took off from Ft. Hood, Texas without a
hitch carrying its passengers to a 15-month deployment in Iraq. The nearly 60
Long Knife Soldiers from the 2nd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment onboard the
flight to Kuwait, along with others of the brigade, will be conducting various
combat skills training to include weapon ranges before moving from Camp
Buehring, Kuwait to Iraq.
The flight marked the last large movement of 4th BCT troops to the combat zone
for their deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom Rotation 08-10. With this last
main body departure, only a small trailing flight of a handful of Long Knife
Troops remain and will follow the other more than 3,500 4th BCT Soldiers to
Kuwait sometime within the next week. The training and conditioning of the 4th
at Camp Buehring, Kuwait will continue throughout the rest of June and into
early July which schedules all of the brigade to be in Iraq by mid-July as
planned.
On 30 June, the Department of Defense announced that the 1st and 2nd Brigade
Combat Teams of the 1st Cavalry Division will be deploying to Iraq in early
2009 to conduct a full spectrum of operations. The announcement reflected
the continued commitment of the United States to the security of the Iraqi
people, and provides replacement forces required to maintain the current
level of effort in Iraq. The release also explained that "any subsequent
deployment orders will be issued based on force level decisions made in the
future."
Prior to the announcement dates of actual deployment, both the Ironhorse
Brigade and Black Jack Brigade will continue their focus on combined training.
The Ironhorse Brigade is scheduled for training at the National Training
Center in Fort Irwin, CA. while the Black Jack Brigade will conduct their
training at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, LA. Other units
of the Division will continue to train and concentrate on one of the most
important elements of readiness; updating their knowledge and skills required
to support and operation of newly acquired equipments.
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On 19 July, the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade received the first of their new XH-47
Chinook, heavy lift helicopters. From the outside the "F" Model does not look
significantly different from their predecessors aside from the new paint job,
but making that observation is like judging a book by its cover. This new
model is the latest chapter in a long history dating all the way back to the
Vietnam War. Now these new, technologically advanced, twin-rotor, heavy-lift
helicopters are in the able hands of pilots and flight engineers from "B"
Company, 2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade who
are the third unit in the Army to field them.
The "F" Model definitely has a cleaner look and smell, but there is more to
this aircraft than external appearances. The "F" Model has a plethora of new
advancements that affects the way crew chiefs and flight engineers do their
job. The new radio communication system allows the crew chiefs to communicate
within their aircraft as well with other in-flight aircraft or the ground. If
something were to happen in combat where one pilot got hit, the remaining
pilot can concentrate on flying while a more senior flight engineer can take
some of the radio traffic for him.
The main differences are in the cockpit and obviously in the frame. It's got a
lot of new features that are mainly for the pilots, but anything that makes
the pilots flight easier makes the job a little easier too. Then new Chinooks
have a Common Architectural Aviation System, which is an upgraded cockpit
layout that will be common throughout Chinooks and UH-60 Black Hawks. The
multi-functional displays give the pilots the ability to track their position
and plot their course on interactive maps. making that wrinkled old paper map
nearly extinct.
One of these advancements that will help them while deployed to Iraq is the
Horizontal Situation Display (HSD). When pilots land in a dusty environment,
as may be encountered in the middle of the desert, they experience something
they call brown-out. This is where their rotors kick up so much dust that the
ground cannot be seen; this is even more difficult at night wearing night
vision goggles. The HSD is basically a hover reference and it will identify
exactly where the aircraft is drifting and what we need to do as pilots to
correct it, eliminating the need for ground reference at all to land the
aircraft under zero visibility conditions.
Along with the internal systems, there are some changes to the structure of
the aircraft and has a new system that allows for the aft pylon, the structure
at the rear of the aircraft that the houses the rear rotor, to be taken down
more quickly. The lengthy process of taking the aft pylon off so that it can
be strategically moved has been shortened significantly. When "B" Company
returned from Iraq, it took an entire week to break down five aircraft. Now,
with the new design, it would only take two days to do the same task. The
"F" Models have opened a new chapter in the history of both the Chinook airframe
and the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade which is being written by the pilots and
crewmembers.
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On 29 July, the Soldiers of the 1st “Dragons” Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery
Regiment, got a first hand look at several new weapons systems with a live
fire exercise to test the products before the weapons are released to the
infantry schools. Weapon engineers from the Executive Office Soldier Program
joined in with the "Dragon" troopers and received feedback about the design of
the weapons during the exercise which will be incorporated into the weapons
system. The engineers started the morning with a brief review of the weapons
followed by a question and answer session.
Among the several weapons systems tested was the XM 320 40 MM Grenade launcher
that will start being issued in February of 2009. The new XM 320 grenade
launcher comes with improved features such as the sighting system designed to
lessen interference with rifle and carbine sights. The new grenade launcher
also eliminates the need to re-zero after reattaching to a weapon. It is
constructed of light weight composition materials for improved durability.
Another of the systems in the experimental stage is the Lightweight 0.50
caliber Machine gun which is a variant of the Enhanced 0.50 caliber Machine
Gun. It is being built for Special Forces now and in the near future for
infantry schools. The new design system can fire all of the current 0.50
caliber ammunition in the inventory. It has a significant reduction in weight
and recoil force. The new design reduces the recoil by at least 60 percent and
also allows for a vehicle to become more lethal but still maintain the light
weight. Other weapons tested during the exercise were the M26 12 Gauge Modular
Accessory Shotgun System and the new M107 Semi-automatic Long Range Sniper
Rifle. These, like many of the weapon’s multi-systems are still in the design
stage and will require several years before they are used Army wide.
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On 31 July, the Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st
Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team conducted a special
training exercise on one of their most recent additions to their motor pool,
the Fox M93 Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) Vehicle. The training
consisted of testing the amphibious characteristics of the vehicles by
swimming them for the first time since their return to their home station.
Troopers use the Fox as a mobile NBC reconnaissance laboratory.
The Fox, designed to survive a chemical, biological, or radiological attack,
executes its mission through an enhanced sensor suite consisting of the M21
Remote Sensing Chemical Agent Alarm (RSCAAL), MM1 Mobile Mass Spectrometer,
Chemical Agent Monitor/Improved Chemical Agent Monitor (CAM/ICAM), AN/VDR-2
Beta Radiac, and M22 Automatic Chemical Agent Detector/Alarm (ACADA). The NBC
sensor suite is digitally linked to the communications and navigation systems
by a dual-purpose central processor system known as the Multipurpose
Integrated Chemical Agent Detector (MICAD). The MICAD processes and fully
automates NBC warning and reporting functions while providing the crew
commander with full situational awareness of the NBC sensors, navigation, and
communications systems. It is also equipped with a Global Positioning System
(GPS) an Autonomous Navigation System (ANAV) that enables the system to
accurately locate and report agent contamination. It is equipped with an
over-pressure filtration system that permits the crew to operate in a
shirt-sleeve environment that is fully protected from the effects of NBC
agents and contamination outside the vehicle.
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On 13 September, as the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division began
the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) Rotation 08-10 at Fort Polk, LA.,
their first opposing force came in the form of the high and low pressure
system that drove hurricane Ike toward the Gulf of Mexico near the
Texas/Louisiana boarder. A few tornadoes near the 15th Brigade Support
Battalion and attached unit, the 3rd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment's
forward operating base was not enough to thwart the goal of Black Jack during
their JRTC rotation.
Inasmuch as training would press through any storm, the main goal during the
JRTC rotation would remain "team building". The brigade come together as a
team to accomplish the mission, whether it is the training objectives inherent
to the Situational Training Exercise (STX) lanes, or force-on-force. This
exercise is the last major training event for the 2nd BCT before their
deployment to Iraq which is scheduled early next year. The JRTC and its staff
at Fort Polk provided the 2nd "Black Jack" Brigade with real-to-life training'
that allows units to take full advantage of the facilities which simulates a
deployment to Iraq with all the challenges and variables that a unit may face.
The attention to detail was evident in the rubble piles lining the roads
throughout the training area that hide Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and
the native role players that Soldiers will encounter during training who may
or may not be the enemy.
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On 30 September, the Department of Defense announced that the 1st Cavalry
Division Headquarters will deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in
early 2009. The more than 1,100 Soldiers serving in the division headquarters
will provide command and control, intelligence, communications and logistical
support among many other capabilities while conducting stability and security
operations in cooperation with Iraqi Security Forces and local governments.
The upcoming deployment will mark the third time that the 1st Cavalry Division
Headquarters has deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The Soldiers of the Division Headquarters are gearing up for a Mission
Rehearsal Exercise in late October which will simulate the types of situations
they will encounter in Iraq while working as members of a headquarters staff.
The 4th "Long Knife" Brigade Combat Team (BCT) of the division has been on the
ground for nearly four months, in central and eastern Iraq. Most of the other
Brigade Combat Teams of the division have already received notice that they
will be deploying either by the end of the year or in early 2009. A Pentagon
announcement in May explained that the 3rd BCT would deploy to Iraq "to
replace troops scheduled to come home by the year’s end," whereas, in late
June, the Pentagon announced that the 1st and 2nd BCTs of the division would
be deploying to Iraq in early 2009.
The 3rd "Greywolf" BCT is currently conducting combined training at the
National Training Center (NTC) in Fort Irwin, CA. while the 2nd "Black Jack"
BCT is conducting its training scenarios at the Joint Readiness Training
Center at Fort Polk, LA. Soldiers with the 1st "Ironhorse" BCT will be
training at NTC throughout the month of October. Most of the Soldiers
deploying with the division should have "boots on the ground" in Iraq by the
spring of 2009.
On 17 October, two companies from 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd
Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division performed individual weapons field
qualifications at the reflexive fire range on Fort Hood. Among the Soldiers
at the range, several were brand new to the unit and had missed the summer
field exercise of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, "Greywolf Prowl", as well
as their deployment to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, CA. The
pre-deployment exercises of today were just one of many requirements along
with a personal fitness review that all in the battalion must accomplish
before the Brigade is fully qualified for deployment to Iraq this winter.
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On October 22, the booming sounds of mobile armor bombard the ears of Soldiers
from the various companies that make up 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment,
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, at Sugarloaf Multi-Use Range
located at Ft. Hood, TX. The Soldiers are on the range once again in
preparation for their coming deployment to Iraq. The Soldiers and their
leadership find the training to be of utmost importance with the deployment
looming so close. For the new Soldiers, it provides a different platform for
training. The atmosphere is more relaxed with an emphasis on fine tuning their
skills as well as building a sense of teamwork.
With so many Soldiers manning so many vital roles inside of such a small space
it emphasizes why training events of this nature are so important for crews.
It gives them a chance to get to know fellow troopers they will be working
elbow to elbow with for a year. It helps teach new Soldiers how to use the
new weapon systems. It also builds crew cohesion and gives ample time to build
on any deficiencies crews might have. With multiple deployments under their
belts, many of the "Black Jack" troopers find it easy to teach new soldiers
who have just joined their ranks. Different scenarios have been replicated to
help bring this range into line with the current conflict. Rocket-propelled
grenade teams have been set up as targets to make it more realistic. This is
an opportunity for everyone to learn from the tank commander down to the
loader, and it gives the tankers a chance to shoot at various types of
targets.
This multipurpose objective training also helps Soldiers test their equipment
before they take them into conflict. With this final pre-deployment tank
training completed, new "Black Jack" Soldiers are being given the opportunity
to learn from the experienced leaders and crewmembers that will accompany them
to Iraq. Even those who have undergone this training many times before have
been given a chance to hone their tanker skills and practice working with the
new Soldiers. They can expect this training to come in hand once their boots
touch ground in Iraq.
On 03 November, the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade (ACB) "Warriors" began the
introduction of the newly reconstructed operational unit, the "Blues Platoon"
which is modeled from information gathered the roots of their weathered past
operating in the jungles of Vietnam. A Blues Platoon is a platoon of ground
Soldiers that are attached to an aviation unit to conduct deliberate and hasty
operations, enabling the aviation units to react to a multitude of missions
quicker than before. There will be a total of three Blues platoons within the
1st ACB – all will be attached to the 3rd "Spearhead" Battalion, 227th
Aviation Regiment, 1st ACB. "Spearhead"is an assault helicopter battalion made
up of about 30 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.
One of the Blues Platoons from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry
Division has already arrived for training The other two will come from the 1st
Brigade Combat Team. The Blues Platoon will take part in many operations
ranging from downed aircraft recovery, unmanned aerial vehicle recovery, hasty
checkpoints, air assaults and more. In assuming these new missions the former
tankers will be giving up their tanks to mount up on their new steeds "Black
Hawks" and CH-47F Chinooks. Because these are the new operational vehicles to
the tankers, there will be extensive training sessions which will lead up to a
rotation at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA., and ultimately
their deployment to Iraq.
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On 11 November, hundreds of spectators gathered as the 615th "Cold Steel"
Aviation Support Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division
marched through the streets of Waco, TX, during their annual Veteran’s Day
Parade. Most branches of service were in some way represented in the parade;
however, Cold Steel was at the very front of the long procession representing
the Army and Ft. Hood. Following the march through the streets of Waco, the
Soldiers of the 615th Aviation Support Battalion were treated to some hot food
at the Veteran's of Foreign Wars Post 6008 in Hewitt, TX. who has sponsored
them since they were deployed in 2006 to Iraq.
On 18 November, Soldiers from the Special Troop Battalions, Brigade Combat
Teams, 1st Calvary Division were provided orientation and training in team
pre-deployment on Toxic Industrial Chemical Protection and Detection Equipment
(TICPDE) and hazardous material identification at Hunter Army Airfield by the
2nd Chemical Battalion, 48th Chemical Brigade stationed at Ft. Hood. TX. For
the 30 Special Troop Battalion Soldiers involved, the training and
familiarization with the equipment became extremely important due to a high
volume of chlorine and other Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TIC) detected in Iraq
during the last deployment of the Division. Following that deployment, the
Department of the Army approved and issued a directive to develop and provide
specialized equipment and training in order to safely mitigate the hazards of
dealing with TIC.
It can take up to 3 to 4 minutes for the system breathing apparatus to be
fully operational, prior to conducting any mission. This makes the buddy
system, of helping each other to get into their protective gear, both a time
and life saver for all troops under chemical response operations. A key change
in making the equipment lighter, approximately 6 to 22 pounds; just a couple
of pounds lighter than the previous equipment used in theater.
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Soldiers were divided into groups where they donned two different suits to
include Level "A", a neon yellow, fully encapsulated suit used for chemical
reconnaissance, and Level "B", a beige coverall suit used for decontamination.
In addition to suiting up in Level "A" suits, several soldiers conducted a
simulated training exercise to include chemical response operations using the
HazMat ID. This device is a key feature for pre-deployment training. Its
digital console can detect a range of both liquid and solid chemical agents
using a built in digital library. It can also divide any agent into sections
utilizing its computerized sensor and diamond plate where substances are
placed for testing.
After the situational training exercise, all Soldiers in Level "B" suits
assisted Soldiers in Level "A" suits to a full step-by-step decontamination
process to ensure safety to those not exposed to the contaminated area.
Chemical troops from the 2nd Battalion, Ft. Hood will continue to conduct
situational training for all Special Troops Battalions for the 1st Cavalry
Division until the end of November.
On 05 December, members of the 1st Brigade Combat Team began the implementation
of a pre-deployment operation detail work plan of securing, bracing, packing
and shipping preparations along with the preparation of manifest lists of
their essential and necessary equipment stored in the secured containers in
readiness for their upcoming deployment to Iraq. Execution of the plans will
make them to be more fully operational in the least time when they arrive in
Iraq.
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On 12 December, at the tail end of a set intensive mission rehearsal exercises
at Ft. Hood, TX, the Commander of the 1st Cavalry Division, Major General Dan
Bolger began its official return to Operation Iraqi Freedom - VI. The 1st
Cavalry Division hosted a colors-casing ceremony for its Headquarters, Special
Troops Battalion along with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Brigade Combat Teams hours
before its first flight of soldiers left for Iraq. Leaders from each battalion
and brigade rolled their unit flags up and placed them in protective covers, a
symbolic final step in their preparation to deploy. Those unit flags will be
unfurled once the soldiers arrive in Iraq. At the close of the ceremony, in
the traditional "Charge", members of the 1st Cavalry Division Horse Detachment
were joined in a "flyover" by Blackhawk, Apache and Chinook helicopters from
units of the Combat Aviation Brigade.
Following the ceremony the first deployment flights of soldiers assigned to
the 3rd Brigade Combat Team began. Leaving Ft. Hood for the Middle East, these
units are the first of what the Army calls the "Main Body". Members of the
Advance-Party have already left to prepare for the arrival of the main bodies.
Today marks the departure of more than 1,000 First Team soldiers that follows
the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division who are already in Iraq,
having already served six months of an expected 15-month deployment under the
10th Mountain Division as part of Multinational Division-Center and operating
in southern Iraq.
Overseas flights, loaded with First Team Solders, from Robert Gray Army
Airfield located at West Ft. Hood will remain steady this month and extend
into January and February. Although a specific deployment schedule has not
been publically released, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team will follow the 3rd
Brigade Combat Team. The Division Headquarters Group is expected to leave
sometime in January. The last of the Main Body units will consist mostly of
the 1st Brigade Combat Team along with specific unit fill-ins.
This is the 3rd deployment to Iraq for the 1st Cavalry Division. Their
mission will focus on improving what they have previously accomplished in
their last two deployments. In military terms, is known as tactical oversight,
and the leaders within the division expect that they be doing much the same
throughout 2009 and into the early part of 2010. 1st Cavalry Division will
switch out the command of Multinational Division-Baghdad with the 4th Infantry
Division, led by Major General Jeffery Hammond. The 1st and 2nd Brigades will
be stationed in Baghdad with the Headquarters and Special Troops Battalion
while the 3rd Brigade will move north to the Mosul area. Other units, in Iraq,
that will be reattached to the division include the 82nd Airborne Division,
1st Infantry Division and 1st Armored Division Brigades, and the 56th Stryker
Brigade Combat Team (SBCT), 28th Infantry Division, a National Guard unit from
Pennsylvania.
On 13 December, nearly 900 soldiers from the Special Troops Battalion; Brigade
Support Battalion; 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment; and 2nd Battalion, 82nd
Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Combat Brigade left Saturday, a day after the
Division cased its colors and sent out its first flights of soldiers. More
than 800 others from the Special Troops Battalion; 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry;
and 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Combat Brigade are scheduled to
leave Sunday, the 14th of December.
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On 16 December, just before sunset, scouts from the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry
Regiment and the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment gathered in a field near
the Hargrove Platoon Military Operations/Urban Terrain facility to prepare to
conduct a training raid on a time sensitive target. This air assault raid was
the culmination of six months of training with assistance from the Asymmetric
Warfighting Group (WAG) from Ft. Meade, MD. which provided an opportunity to
iron out all the kinks and refine standard operation procedures before
deployment. The AWG team then joins the deployed Soldiers and stays with them
during initial operations to ensure that they are properly employing the
techniques.
The WAG training program was developed based on successful lessons learned
from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is different because it is more
in depth and more standardized. It gives Soldiers a full picture of basic and
combat marksmanship and how to conduct cordon and search missions better along
with the ability to capture or contain high value targets, and conduct site
sensitive exploitation.
With the addition of two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from the "A" Troop, 3rd
Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, the training puts
together all the aspects of different training classes they have received.
Using the available sunlight, the Soldiers put on their gear and completed
their pre-combat checks and inspections. Then, once the UH-60 Blackhawks
landed, the teams rehearsed loading and unloading the aircraft under the
supervision of the crew chiefs. As the sun set, team leaders met with the
pilots to conduct a hasty planning session.
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Also on 16 December, Soldiers of the 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd
Brigade Combat Team, were introduced to the fact that a pair of spurs is more
than just something you wear on your boots. The spurs are a source of pride,
and they show to the world that the Soldiers wearing them have heart. That is
why some of the Soldiers of 4th squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment took part in
what is known as a "Spur Ride". The "Spur Ride" consists of an Army physical
fitness test, in which the Soldier must score a 250 or higher on the
appropriate age scale.
On the previous days, the Soldiers wake up early for a 6-mile road march. They
had to complete the march in less than two hours to continue on. The Soldiers
then go through various mission scenarios testing everything from their
ability to detect and react to an improvised explosive device to disassembling
and reassembling their weapons. The event is a longstanding tradition for
cavalrymen.
Before cavalry troops rode on armored vehicles, their major mode of fighting
was on horses. The spurs were presented to Soldiers who had mastered riding,
swordsmanship and marksmanship. This is where the modern-day "Spur Ride" finds
its roots. But, before attempting a "Spur Ride" Soldiers will need one thing
to carry them through the endurance tests- "heart" After two grueling days all
the troops of "Dark Horse" gathered to applaud the Soldiers who had conquered
the "Spur Ride" and as the results were compiled at the Soldiers were are
presented their well-deserved spurs in a ceremony, knowing that they were
earned instead of having it given to them.
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On 03 January, 2009 more than 600 soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team,
1st Cavalry Division left Ft. Hood departing at night for their OPERATION
Iraqi Freedom - VI assignment and another 250 are scheduled to depart
tomorrow on 04 January. The soldiers who deployed Saturday gathered at
Howze Auditorium to drop off their equipment and took advantage to hang out
with the other family members and say their last emotional goodbye before
being transported to Robert Gray Army Airfield.
On 07 January, Soldiers from the 3rd element of the "main body" of the 1st
Cavalry Division, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, arrived at Camp Buehring,
Kuwait, signaling the completion of its deployment to the Central Command
Theater of operations. The Soldiers are here on temporary assignment, to
conduct environmental conditioning, training and briefings that will prepare
them for their eventual deployment destination: Iraq. It is a vital stop for
the Soldiers of 2nd Brigade and other units preparing to move into Iraq.
The training in Kuwait includes mandatory events such as roll-over drills, in
which a humvee simulator is flipped over with the crew who practices various
ways to escape the vehicle. The Soldiers also go through counter-Improvised
Explosive Device (IED) training and have a chance to familiarize with the
components of the different vehicles they will be using in Iraq. In addition,
they will also have a chance to attend optional training including: convoy,
live-fire practice; sniper training; and counter-insurgency training, amongst
other things.
The living conditions and amenities at Camp Buehring, which include a variety
of American eating facilities like Taco Bell and Burger King. While Kuwait
might not be the final destination for the 2nd BCT Soldiers, the mission here
is no less important. The training the Soldiers receive here will save lives
and improve the mission readiness of the unit.
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On 07 January, Soldiers of the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade (ACB) 1st Cavalry
Division, began gearing up for a month-long rotation to the National Training
Center (NTC) at Ft. Irwin, CA. The initial staging activity began at the
Division Rapid Reaction Field (DRRF) and railhead yard where their support
vehicles were moved. Before deploying to the NTC, the Soldiers of the 1st
Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st ACB, along with
other supporting units from the 1st ACB, began preparation of 90 vehicles at
the DRRF site for movement to the railhead.
The DRRF is an area where deploying units stage vehicles and make all the
necessary preparations for transportation. Once complete, the vehicles are
moved to the railhead to be loaded onto a train for movement across country.
In conducting these preparatory operations, safety is a big focus. As a safety
measure, all Soldiers in the rail yard are required to wear road guard vests
as well as their helmets. The Soldiers also have to be especially careful
about moving on and off the railcars because they're six feet off the ground.
After two days of tedious vehicle movement, the operation was completed safely
with no injuries.
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On 08 January, as two flights departed the Ft. Hood Robert Gray Army Airfield
with more than 400 Soldiers from the 2nd "BlackJack" Combat Brigade to begin
their year-long deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 08-10,
the 1st Cavalry Division continued to move closer to its goal of having all
of its boots of the brigades on the ground in Iraq.
The Soldiers will be joining their fellow Cavalry troopers from the 3rd and
4th brigades who are currently serving in Iraq and departed from Ft. Hood in
mid to late 2008. Filling out the full Division of approximately 19,000
troops, the headquarters staff sections will be departing in mid and late
January, with the 1st Brigade Combat Team following shortly after in February.
The last party to deploy will be Soldiers from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade
who, fresh from their NTC training, will have boots on the ground by early
summer 2009.
As with the other units of the 1st Cavalry Division who have deployed, the
departing Black Jack troopers will stage, for at least a week, to perform some
final combat skills training at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, and then will be moving
on to their designated forward operating bases in Iraq. One of the main goals
of the Black Jack Brigade is to assist the Security Forces of Iraq to continue
working toward their full transformation in taking responsibility for all the
security of Iraq.
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On 10 January, Soldiers from the 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 227th
Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, continuing their preparation for
the National Training exercises, begin loading an AH-64D Apache attack
helicopter on an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, at Robert Gray Army Airfield,
Ft. Hood, TX. Loading of a single Apache on the C-17 requires extensive
mechanical and electrical support skills as the 4 main rotor blades,
stabilator and all radio antennas must be removed from the helicopter before
being loaded into the aircraft. The Apache is being loaded onto the C-17 as
training en route to Ft. Irwin, CA. for a month-long rotation at the National
Training Center.
On 09 February, major modifications to helicopter weapons systems to provide
better defense and targeting systems for aviators began. However, modifications
for pilots usually pose an addition challenge - these aircraft must be
available to facilitate training for the pilots prior to deployment. As
preparation for the upcoming deployment to Iraq, AH-64D Apaches in 4th Attack
Reconnaissance Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade are
going through an extensive modification process that involve a great deal of
coordination between the military and civilian contractors performing the
modifications. The modifications vary in their role for the Apaches:
On 16 March, the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, began port
operations in final preparation for their upcoming deployment in support of
OPERATION Iraqi Freedom - IV. AH-64D Apache attack helicopters of the 1st
Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division were the first units
to depart for the port of Beaumont, TX. As in one massive air assault, the
Apaches and Black Hawks arrived in formation and landed to fill the shipping
docks at the Port of Beaumont.
Following final inspection, they will be loaded for transport to Kuwait. This
is the last stage of equipment preparation for the Air Cavalry Brigade before
taking their deployment step overseas. The inspected aircraft are turned over
to contractors who breaks down each helicopter into shippable disassemblies,
carefully packs and loads each onto the transport vessel destined for the port
of Ash Shuabyah, just 20 miles south of Kuwait City, Kuwait.
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On 25 March, the threatening sprinkles of rain and clouds that hovered over
Cooper Field in ominous circumstances could not deter the 1st Air Cavalry
Brigade from holding their color casing ceremony as a closing event of their
final preparations for their upcoming deployment in support of OPERATION Iraq
Freedom - IV.
Spectators were treated to the colorful horse detachment's pageantry of the
historical "cavalry charge" which coincided with the modern flyover of AH-64D
Apache and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. They also had the opportunity see the
time honored tradition of casing the unit's colors, an event marked by
tradition, honor, respect and sacrifice. Adding the ceremony also symbolized
the very soul of the 1st ACB. The Colors of the brigade will not be unfurled
until the 1st ACB reaches Iraq and assumes authority for operations.
The Air Cavalry Brigade, in undertaking their third deployment since 2004,
preparers to join the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Brigade Combat Teams of the 1st
Cavalry Division who are already "in theater". The Brigade's Soldiers started
on their road to deployment nearly a year ago with detailed preparation,
realistic training along with an aggressive team building program, that
included rotations to combat training centers, establishing an air-ground
integration program for the division, multiple gunneries, hurricane relief
operations, resetting and retrofitting the entire aircraft fleet and an
extensive training exercise at Fort Rucker, AL.
Though the training and preparation was important in preparing for overseas
deployment, it was essential to build a team with chemistry and mental
toughness through high standards and discipline. The situation in Iraq is
still critical and troops are still experiencing violence that represents a
dangerous and critical time for the brigade to transition responsibility for
security to the Iraqi government. Some may call this effort peacekeeping or
peacemaking or peace enforcement, but carrying out those responsibilities is
still work for the brigade. The soldiers will enter a different, challenging
and dangerous environment but they are up to the challenge.
On 31 March, the 1st Cavalry Division officials addressed soldiers and family
members during the division's first town hall meeting night, tackling topics
from deployment lengths to recreation facilities for deployed soldiers. The
meeting was led by Lt. Col. (promotable) Jeffrey Sauer, the division's rear
detachment commander, at Ft. Hood while Major General Daniel Bolger and
Command Sgt. Major Rory Malloy gave updates and answered questions live from
Baghdad, Iraq.
During the meeting, it was confirmed that the 4th Brigade Combat Team is
scheduled to come home in June, 12 months after they soldiers left Ft. Hood
and block leave for the brigade's soldiers will begin 20 June. None of the
soldiers, currently in Iraq, will be sent to Afghanistan to complete their
deployments that are currently scheduled for 12 months.
The information officers did provide some information about the organization
of the Division throughout Iraq. The Special Troops Battalion and 1st Brigade
Combat Team are in the capital where the Division serves as head of
Multinational Division-Baghdad. The 2nd Brigade Combat Team is in Kirkuk, the
3rd Brigade Combat Team is in Mosul, and the 4th Brigade Combat Team is
located in the southeastern part of Iraq.
The Special Troops Battalion and 1st Brigade are the only two 1st Cavalry
units in Multinational Division-Baghdad. The 2nd and 3rd Brigades are
operating under the control of the 25th Infantry Division, and the 4th Brigade
reports to the 10th Mountain Division with over half the units located on
small patrol bases, combat outposts or joint security stations.
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On 20 April, the first flights of 1st Air Cavalry Brigade Soldiers, the last
brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division to deploy, left Robert Gray Airfield for
Iraq this week amid a cheering crowd of family members and friends. More than
250 Soldiers were in the "Torch" or advance party of the brigade. The advanced
party includes the lead elements of the 615th Aviation Support Battalion who
will be in charge of the port operations of helicopter assembly, test and
inspection in Kuwait.
Four of the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade five battalions, based in Taji and one
operating out of Tallil will replace the Combat Aviation Brigade of the 4th
Infantry Division, which is scheduled to return in early summer. Their mission
is to support ground maneuver brigades, something in which the troopers are
well trained
Although training and orientation was given top priority which consumed the
majority of the pre-deployment activities of the brigade, they were able to
spend some time with their family members before deploying, thanks to the
leadership at Ft. Hood and the brigade. Before previous deployments, soldiers
were working around the clock right up until they departed for Iraq. This time
leaders ensured everything got done on a pre-determined, time-lined schedule
so soldiers could spend their last weeks states side with their families.
On 24 April, Friday, more than 350 Soldiers from every battalion deployed,
This echelon of troops were followed by more than 300 from the 2nd Battalion,
227th Aviation Regiment and the balance of the 615th Aviation Support
Battalion who left on Saturday, the 25th. More than 350 soldiers from the
Brigade's 3rd and 4th Aviation regiments and 615th Aviation Support Battalion
departed Ft. Hood for Iraq on the 28th Additional deployment flights for the
Brigade will continue through the end of April.
On 01 May, the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division closed out its
departure schedule for the Middle East. Among the 160 to leave early that
morning were Zack Owen and Jim Cody, radio DJs for the country-music station
Waco 100. This is the second trip to Iraq for Owen and Cody, who will
broadcast their morning radio show for 10 days, featuring 1st Cavalry Division
along with other Fort Hood soldiers in Iraq.
The pair made a similar trip more than a year ago when they spent time in
Baghdad featuring 4th Infantry Division soldiers on their morning radio
program, "The Zack and Jim Show." The two left Fort Hood Friday wearing 4th
Infantry combat patches on their Army Combat Uniforms. The show will be
broadcast from 600 hours to 1000 hours on 99.9 FM through late next week.
Now, with the deployment of the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, the barrack areas and
training areas of the 1st Cavalry Division are quiet, with the exception of
the echoes of prior departure ceremonies and sober activities of the Rear
Detachment of the Division. The main goal of the Rear Detachment, at this
period of the deployments, is to prepare soldiers and their families for the
long separation. That effort includes everything from making sure the soldiers
have completed last-minute training to organizing the farewells and flights
out.
The rear detachment wants the departure of the soldiers from Ft. Hood and the
arrival in theater to be as effortless and painless as possible. Part of that
process begins at the West Fort Hood Gym as soldiers and their Division
Families say their final goodbyes and continues through a communications link
maintained throughout and between the battle zones of Iraq.
However, Ft. Hood will not remain quiet for long as on 23 April, it was
announced that the 4th Brigade Combat Team, located at Contingency Operating
Base, Adder, near Nasiriyah, Iraq, following its year-long tour in Iraq. will
begin re-deployment to Ft. Hood in late May. The versatility of the Rear
Detachment will stretched to convert the operation into an all-out
homecoming mode.
As you journey through the history of the 1st Cavalry Division and its
assigned elements, you may find it interesting enough to send a message to
your friends and extend them an invitation for the opportunity to review the
rich history of the Division. We have made it easy for you to do. All that is
required is for you to click on the Push Button below, fill in their eMail
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