197th FA

• Origins in World War I: The 197th Field Artillery (FA) was originally constituted in 1917 as part of the New Hampshire National Guard, serving in World War I as the 197th Artillery, Coast Artillery Corps. • Nickname "Concord Volunteers": The unit is nicknamed the "Concord Volunteers," reflecting its deep roots in Concord, New Hampshire. • World War II Service: The 197th FA served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in campaigns in New Guinea, the Philippines, and Luzon. • Redesignation and Modernization: Over its history, the unit has been redesignated multiple times, evolving from a Coast Artillery unit to a Field Artillery battalion equipped with modern rocket and missile systems. • HIMARS Capability: Today, the 197th FA is equipped with the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), providing rapid, precise long-range fire support. • Global War on Terror Deployments: Members of the 197th FA have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. • Historic Armory: The unit's historic armory in Concord is a local landmark and has been used for community events as well as military operations. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The 197th’s insignia features a red shield and a gold cannon, symbolizing artillery heritage and the defense of New Hampshire. • Community Support: The unit is known for its strong ties to New Hampshire, frequently participating in parades, disaster response, and community service activities. • International Training Exercises: The 197th FA regularly participates in joint training with allied forces, including exercises in Europe and Asia to strengthen interoperability and readiness.