1:297th Infantry

```html • Alaska Roots: The 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment (1/297th IN) is a unit of the Alaska Army National Guard, with a lineage tracing back to the early 20th century when Alaska’s militia forces were first organized. • Territorial Defense: The unit's origins are linked to the Alaska Territorial Guard ("Eskimo Scouts"), who played a vital role in defending Alaska during World War II, especially against the threat of Japanese invasion. • Unique Arctic Training: 1/297th Infantry specializes in arctic and cold-weather warfare, training soldiers to operate in some of the world’s harshest environments, including snow, ice, and extreme cold. • Homeland Security: The battalion has played a crucial role in homeland defense and disaster response in Alaska, responding to natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, and earthquakes. • Global Deployments: Members of the 1/297th have deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo, supporting U.S. and coalition operations as part of the Global War on Terrorism and peacekeeping missions. • Modernization: The regiment transitioned from a scout and cavalry focus to infantry in 2006, becoming the 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry, to better serve modern operational requirements. • Community Ties: The battalion is deeply integrated with Alaska’s rural and indigenous communities, with many soldiers hailing from remote villages, continuing the tradition of the Alaska Territorial Guard. • Operation Arctic Care: 1/297th Infantry soldiers regularly support "Operation Arctic Care," a joint military-civilian mission delivering medical and dental care to rural Alaskan communities. • Historic Insignia: The regiment’s insignia features a polar bear, symbolizing its arctic heritage and toughness in extreme conditions. • Presidential Recognition: The Alaska Territorial Guard (the unit’s predecessor) was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2020, recognizing their service and contributions during World War II. ```