About this Unit
The 2nd Battalion, 78th Field Artillery Regiment (2/78th FA) traces its origins to the 78th Field Artillery, which was first constituted in the National Army in 1917 and assigned to the 6th Division during World War I. The 2/78th FA has a distinguished lineage, serving in various forms throughout the 20th century, including training and support roles during World War II and the Cold War era. In the modern era, 2/78th FA has primarily functioned as a training battalion at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, responsible for developing and instructing soldiers in field artillery skills. The unit upholds a proud tradition of excellence, contributing significantly to the readiness and effectiveness of the U.S. Army’s Field Artillery forces.
Historical Facts
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World War II Origins: The 2nd Battalion, 78th Field Artillery (2/78th FA) traces its lineage back to the 78th Field Artillery Regiment, which was constituted in the National Army in August 1917.
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Redesignations: Over the decades, the unit has been reorganized and redesignated several times, reflecting changes in army structure and mission requirements.
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European Theater Service: Elements of the 78th Field Artillery served in Europe during World War II, supporting armored and infantry operations.
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Vietnam Era Activation: The 2/78th FA was activated during the Vietnam War period, where it trained and supported artillerymen deploying to Southeast Asia.
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Modern Training Mission: In recent decades, the 2/78th FA has been part of the Army Reserve's training structure, preparing soldiers in artillery skills at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion’s insignia features a gold cannon barrel and a red background, symbolizing the artillery's firepower and tradition.
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Global War on Terror Support: While not deployed as a whole unit, personnel from the 2/78th FA have supported operations in Iraq and Afghanistan through individual mobilizations.
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Part of 95th Division: The 2/78th FA is a training battalion within the 95th Training Division (Initial Entry Training), focusing on artillery instruction for new recruits.
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Community Engagement: The battalion actively participates in local community events and veterans’ activities, fostering strong military-civilian relationships.
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Motto: The 78th Field Artillery’s motto, "Semel et Simul" (At Once and Together), reflects the unit’s emphasis on teamwork and rapid response.
