3:157 FA

• Legacy Unit: The 3rd Battalion, 157th Field Artillery (3/157 FA) is a Colorado Army National Guard unit with a lineage dating back to World War I, making it one of the oldest artillery units in the state. • World War II Service: The original 157th Field Artillery Regiment served with distinction in the European Theater, participating in campaigns across France and Germany. • Redlegs Nickname: Soldiers in the battalion are often called “Redlegs,” a traditional nickname for artillerymen, referencing the red stripe on Civil War-era artillery uniforms. • Modern Firepower: 3/157 FA is equipped with the M777A2 155mm howitzer, a highly mobile and accurate artillery piece used by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. • Disaster Response: The unit has been mobilized numerous times for state emergency response, including major wildfire support, flood relief, and civil unrest in Colorado. • Deployment to Iraq: In 2009-2010, 3/157 FA deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing convoy security, base defense, and artillery fire support. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion’s insignia features a coiled rattlesnake and a field cannon, symbolizing readiness and historic ties to the American West. • Training Excellence: 3/157 FA regularly participates in large-scale exercises at Fort Carson and the National Training Center, honing its skills alongside active-duty units. • Community Engagement: The unit is known for its strong community ties, participating in parades, school programs, and veterans’ events throughout Colorado. • Women in Artillery: In recent years, 3/157 FA has integrated female soldiers into all roles, reflecting the Army’s move toward full gender integration in combat arms units.