About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment (1-29 IN) was originally constituted in the Regular Army in 1917 and has a long legacy of service. The battalion has participated in major conflicts, including World War II, where the 29th Infantry Regiment played a vital role in the defense of the Pacific. In the modern era, 1-29 IN is stationed at Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), Georgia, where it serves as a key training unit for the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, specializing in infantry tactics and tactics instruction. The unit's motto, "We Lead the Way," reflects its ongoing commitment to training and readiness within the Army.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The 1st Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment (1-29 IN) traces its lineage back to the 29th Infantry Regiment, which was constituted in 1813 during the War of 1812 and reconstituted several times throughout U.S. military history.
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World War II Service: The 29th Infantry Regiment was activated at Fort Benning, Georgia, in 1940, and the 1st Battalion participated in training and defense operations throughout World War II, though it did not deploy overseas as a unit.
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Korean War Training: During the Korean War, 1-29 IN played a critical role at Fort Benning in training soldiers for combat, serving as an essential part of the U.S. Army’s Infantry School.
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Fort Benning Legacy: For decades, 1-29 IN has been based at Fort Benning (now Fort Moore), Georgia, where it has served as a primary training unit, instructing soldiers in infantry tactics, weapons proficiency, and combat skills.
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Specialized Training: The battalion is known for running the U.S. Army’s Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle and Abrams Tank training courses, qualifying thousands of soldiers on these critical platforms.
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Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB): 1-29 IN is one of the key units responsible for overseeing the rigorous testing and awarding of the coveted EIB, a mark of excellence among infantrymen.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The regiment’s insignia features a blue shield with a demi-gryphon, symbolizing vigilance and readiness, and the motto “We Lead the Way.”
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Vietnam War: Elements of the 29th Infantry Regiment deployed to Vietnam, though the 1st Battalion itself remained stateside, continuing its critical training mission.
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Modern Era Contributions: In recent years, 1-29 IN has supported the Maneuver Center of Excellence by testing and evaluating new infantry technologies, tactics, and doctrine for the U.S. Army.
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Legacy of Leadership: Many prominent Army leaders have served with 1-29 IN, including Medal of Honor recipients and future generals, cementing the unit’s reputation as a “schoolhouse of leaders” for the infantry branch.
