About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 78th Field Artillery Regiment (1/78th FA) traces its lineage to the 78th Field Artillery, originally constituted in 1916 as part of the Regular Army. The unit participated in major conflicts including World War II, providing crucial artillery support in the European Theater. In the postwar era, the 1/78th FA served various roles, adapting to the Army’s evolving needs and supporting both training and operational missions. Currently, the battalion is stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where it functions as a key training unit for artillery soldiers in the U.S. Army.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The 1st Battalion, 78th Field Artillery Regiment (1/78th FA) traces its lineage back to the original 78th Field Artillery, which was constituted in the National Army in 1917 during World War I.
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World War I Service: Although organized during World War I, the 78th Field Artillery did not deploy overseas, serving primarily in a training and support role during the conflict.
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World War II Reorganization: The unit underwent several reorganizations, and elements of the 78th Field Artillery served in various forms during World War II, providing essential fire support.
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Modern Mission: Today, 1/78th FA serves as a basic combat training battalion at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, training thousands of new Army recruits each year in the fundamentals of soldiering and artillery skills.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The unit’s insignia features a gold cannon and a red background, symbolizing the artillery branch, with the motto "Semel et Simul" meaning "At Once and Together."
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Training Legacy: 1/78th FA has played a significant role in the Army’s One-Station Unit Training (OSUT), where soldiers receive both basic training and advanced individual training in a single continuous course.
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Awards: Throughout its history, the 78th Field Artillery and its battalions have received multiple unit awards and commendations for their service and excellence in training.
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Community Engagement: The battalion is known for its strong involvement in the Fort Sill community, participating in outreach programs and public events to strengthen ties with local civilians.
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International Cooperation: 1/78th FA has trained soldiers from allied nations as part of various international military exchange and partnership programs.
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Modernization: The battalion continually updates its training curriculum to reflect the latest in Army doctrine, technology, and tactics, preparing new generations of soldiers for modern warfare.
