About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 30th Field Artillery Regiment (1/30th FA) was originally constituted in 1918 as part of the National Army and has a distinguished history of service in major conflicts, including World War II and the Korean War. During World War II, the battalion provided critical artillery support for Allied operations in the European Theater, earning campaign streamers for its actions. In the Korean War, 1/30th FA played a vital role in supporting infantry advances and defensive operations under challenging conditions. Today, the unit is stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, serving as a key training battalion for Field Artillery officers and soldiers, upholding its legacy of excellence and readiness.
Historical Facts
• Formation and Early Years: The 1st Battalion, 30th Field Artillery Regiment (1/30th FA) was first constituted on July 5, 1918, during World War I as the 30th Field Artillery, part of the National Army.
• World War II Service: The unit was reactivated during World War II and participated in key campaigns in the European Theater, notably supporting the liberation of France and the push into Germany.
• Cold War Role: During the Cold War, 1/30th FA was stationed in Germany as part of the U.S. Army's deterrence posture against the Soviet Union, providing artillery support for NATO forces.
• Redesignations: The battalion has undergone several redesignations, including service as a howitzer battalion and later as a training battalion, reflecting changes in Army organization and needs.
• Vietnam War Support: While not deployed as a battalion, individual soldiers and elements from the regiment served in Vietnam, contributing to U.S. artillery efforts there.
• Training Mission: Since the 1980s, 1/30th FA has been stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, serving as a key training unit for Field Artillery officers and soldiers, shaping the future of the branch.
• Symbolism: The unit's distinctive unit insignia features a gold lion and a red field, symbolizing courage and artillery tradition, while the motto "STRIKE" emphasizes their mission.
• Women in Artillery: 1/30th FA has played a role in integrating women into the Field Artillery branch, training some of the first female officers and soldiers in artillery roles at Fort Sill.
• Modernization: The battalion is at the forefront of artillery modernization, incorporating advanced fire direction systems and digital targeting into its training curriculum.
• Legacy of Leadership: Many high-ranking Army leaders, including general officers, began their careers with training at or assignments to 1/30th FA, marking it as a foundational unit for the Field Artillery community.
