About this Unit
The 187th Ordnance Battalion was first constituted on 18 October 1927 in the Regular Army and has a distinguished history of service. Activated at various times and locations, the battalion has participated in major conflicts, including World War II and the Korean War, providing vital ordnance support such as ammunition supply and munitions maintenance. Currently stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, the 187th Ordnance Battalion is responsible for training and developing Ordnance Soldiers, ensuring they are prepared for worldwide deployment. The unit continues its legacy of excellence by supporting the Army's mission with professionalism and technical expertise.
Historical Facts
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World War II Origins: The 187th Ordnance Battalion was originally constituted on 18 March 1943, during World War II, as the 187th Ordnance Battalion, Heavy Maintenance, and was activated at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
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European Theater Service: During World War II, the battalion served in the European Theater, supporting the Allies with vehicle and equipment maintenance, playing a vital logistics role in campaigns across France and Germany.
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Post-War Inactivation and Reactivation: After WWII, the battalion was inactivated in 1946 in Germany, but reactivated multiple times during the Cold War in response to evolving military needs.
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Vietnam War Service: The 187th Ordnance Battalion was deployed to Vietnam, where it provided crucial ammunition and explosive ordnance support, often working under hazardous combat conditions.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion’s insignia displays a flaming bomb and a gear, symbolizing its ordnance and maintenance missions. The colors crimson and yellow represent the Ordnance Corps.
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Fort Jackson Mission: Stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, the 187th Ordnance Battalion is a key training unit, responsible for developing new Ordnance soldiers in various specialties, including ammunition, explosives, and maintenance.
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Training Excellence: The battalion oversees Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for thousands of soldiers annually, making it one of the Army’s primary sources for skilled Ordnance personnel.
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Modernization Initiatives: The 187th Ordnance Battalion integrates new technology and training methods, such as virtual simulations and robotics, to prepare soldiers for modern battlefield challenges.
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Community Engagement: The unit frequently participates in community outreach and support events at Fort Jackson, strengthening ties with local civilians and veterans’ organizations.
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Motto “Support to Victory”: Living up to its motto, the 187th Ordnance Battalion’s history is marked by a legacy of support—whether maintaining tanks in WWII, handling explosives in Vietnam, or training today’s soldiers for tomorrow’s wars.
