1-24 SBCT

• Origins: The 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment (1-24 IN), known as "Deuce Four," traces its lineage back to the original 24th Infantry Regiment, one of the U.S. Army’s historic all-Black regiments formed after the Civil War in 1869. • Stryker Brigade: 1-24 IN is assigned to the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, which was among the first units to field the Stryker armored fighting vehicle, becoming part of a Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) in the early 2000s. • Mosul, Iraq – 2004–2005: 1-24 IN played a pivotal role in securing Mosul during Operation Iraqi Freedom, engaging in intense urban combat and stabilization operations. • “Deuce Four” Nickname: The battalion’s nickname, "Deuce Four," comes from the “24” in its unit designation and has become synonymous with its identity. • Notable Commander: Then-LTC Erik Kurilla, later promoted to General, commanded 1-24 IN during its critical deployment in Mosul and was wounded in action, becoming renowned for leading from the front. • Michael Yon’s Reporting: Embedded journalist Michael Yon brought national attention to 1-24 IN’s experiences in Mosul through his vivid, on-the-ground reporting and photography, particularly the story “Gates of Fire.” • Valor Awards: Members of 1-24 IN received numerous awards for valor during their Iraq deployment, including Silver Stars and Bronze Stars for bravery under fire. • Historic Integration: The 24th Infantry Regiment, from which 1-24 IN descends, was one of the Buffalo Soldier regiments and participated in the Korean War before eventual deactivation and reactivation as part of modern Army restructuring. • Arctic Experience: Stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, 1-24 IN soldiers are trained for operations in extreme cold and arctic conditions, making them part of the Army’s northernmost combat forces. • Recent Deployments: In addition to Iraq, 1-24 IN has deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and has participated in numerous joint training exercises across the Pacific and Arctic regions to maintain combat readiness.