U.S. Army

The Army Reserve Training Center in Fairfield, Connecticut, has served as a vital hub for the training and readiness of Army Reserve units in the region. Established during the post-World War II era, the center provided essential facilities for soldiers to conduct drills, classroom instruction, and equipment maintenance. Over the decades, it has supported various reserve units, adapting to changing military needs and missions. The Fairfield center has contributed to the preparedness of soldiers for both domestic and overseas deployments, playing a key role in sustaining the operational effectiveness of the U.S. Army Reserve in Connecticut.

The Army School of Music Staff, located at the Naval Amphibious Base in Norfolk, Virginia, serves as the primary training and administrative unit for Army musicians on the East Coast. Established in the mid-20th century, the school provides advanced musical instruction, leadership development, and ceremonial training for Army band personnel. Its unique location alongside Navy facilities fosters joint-service cooperation and offers students exposure to a diverse range of military traditions. Over the decades, the staff has played a crucial role in upholding the Army’s musical excellence and supporting ceremonial, morale, and public outreach missions nationwide.

The 31st Support Battalion is a unit within the Army National Guard (ARNG) that traces its lineage to the support elements of the historic 31st Infantry Division, known as the “Dixie Division.” Activated during World War II, the battalion provided vital logistical, supply, and maintenance support to division operations in the Pacific Theater. Over the decades, the 31st Support Battalion has adapted to changing military needs, supporting both state and federal missions, including disaster response and overseas deployments. Today, the unit continues its legacy of excellence, ensuring operational readiness and sustainment for National Guard forces.

The Army National Guard of West Virginia (ARNG of W VA) traces its origins to the colonial militia companies formed in the early 18th century to defend frontier settlements. The unit was formally organized as part of the state militia system after West Virginia achieved statehood in 1863 during the Civil War, with its members serving both Union and national interests. Throughout the 20th century, West Virginia Army National Guard units were mobilized for both World Wars, the Korean War, and various domestic emergencies, including disaster relief. Today, the West Virginia Army National Guard continues its dual mission of supporting federal military operations overseas and providing critical assistance within the state during crises and natural disasters.

The Army National Guard of Hawaii (HIARNG) traces its origins to the late 19th century, when local militia units were formed during the Kingdom of Hawaii era. Following annexation by the United States in 1898, these units were reorganized into the Hawaii National Guard in 1899. Throughout World War II, the HIARNG played a critical home defense role, especially during and after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. In recent decades, HIARNG units have served both in state emergencies—such as natural disasters—and overseas deployments, supporting operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and throughout the Indo-Pacific.

ARPAC Larson Barracks, located in Kitzingen, Germany, was a key installation for the United States Army in Europe during the Cold War era. Originally established by the German military, it was taken over by U.S. forces after World War II and named after Private First Class James D. Larson, a Medal of Honor recipient. The barracks served as a base for various units, including elements of the 3rd Infantry Division and Army Personnel Center (ARPAC), supporting NATO operations and European defense. Larson Barracks remained active until its closure in 2007, after which the site was returned to the German government.

The Artillery Reserve of Akron, Ohio, traces its roots to the early 20th century when local National Guard units were reorganized to provide vital artillery support for U.S. military operations. During World War I, Akron artillerymen trained at regional camps before deploying to France, where they supported infantry advances with coordinated fire missions. The unit was reactivated and modernized for World War II, participating in training exercises and preparing replacements for overseas combat. Throughout the Cold War, the Artillery Reserve maintained readiness as part of the Ohio National Guard, standing ready to mobilize in support of national defense and disaster response.

The 512th Heavy Equipment Maintenance Company (ASCOM) has a distinguished history of providing critical maintenance support for heavy military vehicles and engineering equipment. Activated during the post-Korean War era, the unit played a vital role in sustaining U.S. Army operations in the Korean Peninsula, operating out of the Army Support Command (ASCOM) complex. Throughout its service, the 512th ensured the operational readiness of armored vehicles, construction machinery, and other essential assets by performing in-depth repairs and overhauls. The company’s skilled technicians and mechanics contributed significantly to the logistical strength and mission success of U.S. and allied forces in the region.

The Ascom Korea Military Police was a United States Army unit stationed at the Ascom City Base (also known as Camp Ascom) near Bupyeong, South Korea, during the Korean War and the postwar years. Established to provide security and law enforcement within the sprawling logistics hub, the unit was responsible for maintaining order among U.S. and allied personnel, as well as overseeing the movement of supplies through the Ascom complex. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Ascom Korea Military Police played a vital role in traffic control, criminal investigations, and the detention of offenders within the base. Their efforts ensured the smooth operation of one of the most important logistical centers supporting United Nations forces on the Korean Peninsula.

The Assault & Obstacle Platoon was established in 2006 as a specialized unit within the brigade engineer battalion, tasked with breaching enemy defenses and clearing obstacles for advancing forces. Drawing on expertise in demolitions, mobility, and close-quarters combat, the platoon played a pivotal role during Operation Iron Shield, successfully conducting rapid breach operations under fire. Over the years, the unit has integrated advanced robotics and explosive technologies, enhancing its capability to neutralize improvised explosive devices and fortified positions. Renowned for its adaptability and courage, the Assault & Obstacle Platoon remains a vital asset in combined arms operations, ensuring freedom of maneuver for friendly forces.

**ATCLSC-PAC** stands for **Army Theater Command Logistics Support Center-Pacific**. Established in the early 2000s as part of broader Army transformation efforts, ATCLSC-PAC was created to centralize and streamline logistics support for U.S. Army operations throughout the Pacific theater. The unit’s mission encompasses supply, maintenance, transportation, and sustainment functions, ensuring rapid and reliable support to forward-deployed forces and joint operations. Over the years, ATCLSC-PAC has played a critical role in major exercises, humanitarian assistance missions, and contingency operations across the Indo-Pacific, bolstering the Army’s operational readiness in a strategically vital region.

AVDAC Long Binh was an Aviation Detachment and Aircraft Control unit operated by the United States Army during the Vietnam War, stationed at Long Binh Post, South Vietnam. Established to provide vital aviation logistical support, AVDAC (Aviation Direct Aircraft Support Command) was responsible for aircraft maintenance, supply, and technical assistance for Army aviation assets in the III Corps Tactical Zone. At its operational peak, AVDAC Long Binh played a critical role in ensuring the readiness and sustainability of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, which were essential for combat and support missions. The unit remained active until the drawdown of American forces, contributing significantly to the overall air mobility and effectiveness of U.S. operations in Vietnam.

**AVEL North** (Aviation Electronics, Vietnam, North) was a key component of the U.S. Army's aviation support infrastructure during the Vietnam War. Established to provide depot-level maintenance and repair for avionics and electronic equipment, AVEL North was headquartered at Red Beach, Da Nang, and supported aviation units throughout I Corps in northern South Vietnam. **614th Light Equipment Repair Company** worked in tandem with AVEL North, specializing in the maintenance and repair of ground support and light engineering equipment, ensuring operational readiness for aviation and ground units. Together, these units played a crucial role in sustaining the U.S. Army's combat effectiveness by maintaining vital equipment under challenging combat conditions from the mid-1960s until U.S. withdrawal.

B Company, 1st Battalion, 152nd Infantry (Mechanized), known as B 1/152 IN (Mech), is a unit of the Indiana Army National Guard with a proud lineage dating back to the 19th century. The battalion traces its heritage to the Indiana Volunteer Infantry and has served in major conflicts including World War II, where elements fought in the Pacific Theater. During the Cold War, B 1/152 IN (Mech) was reorganized as a mechanized infantry company, providing armored mobility and firepower. In recent decades, the unit has deployed overseas in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, demonstrating adaptability and professionalism in modern combat operations.

B Battery, 2nd Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment (B 2/1 ADA) has a distinguished history within the U.S. Army's air defense community. Originating from the 1st Regiment of Artillery, which was constituted in 1821, the unit has served in numerous conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, and more recent operations in the Middle East. Over the years, B 2/1 ADA has transitioned through various air defense systems, from Nike Hercules missiles to the modern Patriot missile system, reflecting advancements in technology and shifting defense priorities. Today, B 2/1 ADA continues its mission of protecting critical assets and forces from aerial threats, upholding a legacy of vigilance and excellence.

B Battery, 2nd Battalion, 61st Air Defense Artillery Regiment (B 2/61st ADA) traces its origins to the 61st Coast Artillery, which was first activated in 1918. The 2nd Battalion, as part of the 61st ADA, has served in various air defense roles, including the operation of Nike Hercules and later Patriot missile systems. Throughout the Cold War, B 2/61st ADA played a critical role in the defense of key strategic areas in Europe and the United States against aerial threats. The unit has participated in numerous exercises and deployments, adapting to evolving air defense technologies and missions as part of the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery branch.

B 3/63 was a U.S. Army unit stationed in Augsburg, Germany, during the Cold War. The designation typically refers to Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, part of the 1st Infantry Division. The unit was responsible for armored warfare and played a key role in NATO’s forward defense strategy against potential Warsaw Pact aggression. Throughout their deployment in Augsburg, B 3/63 conducted regular training exercises and participated in joint maneuvers to maintain readiness and demonstrate the U.S. commitment to European security.

B Battery, 1st Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery (B Btry, 1-3 FA), served as a key artillery unit within the 2d Armored Division, "Hell on Wheels." Originally constituted in 1812, the 3rd Field Artillery has a distinguished lineage, with B Battery seeing action in major campaigns during World War II, including the invasion of North Africa, Sicily, and the Normandy landings. During the Cold War, B Battery supported armored operations in Germany, providing fire support and deterrence as part of NATO forces. The unit continued to serve with distinction until the inactivation of the 2d Armored Division in the mid-1990s, leaving a legacy of excellence in artillery operations.

B Battery, 1st Battalion, 80th Field Artillery, part of the 72nd Brigade, traces its lineage to the early 20th century as a component of the United States Army’s expanding field artillery forces. The unit gained distinction in World War II, providing vital fire support during key operations in the European Theater. In the postwar era, B Battery continued to serve in various capacities, including support roles during the Korean War and in Cold War deployments. Throughout its history, the battery has been recognized for its professionalism, adaptability, and consistent excellence in artillery operations.

B Battery, 5th Battalion, 77th Field Artillery (B/5-77 FA) traces its lineage to the historic 77th Field Artillery Regiment, first constituted in 1916. Throughout its service, B Battery has supported various U.S. Army divisions, providing critical artillery fire support in major conflicts, including Vietnam, where the 5th Battalion was attached to the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). In Vietnam, B Battery earned distinction for its mobility and effectiveness in supporting infantry operations, often deploying by helicopter to provide rapid, close fire support. After Vietnam, the unit continued to serve in various capacities during the Cold War, adapting to evolving military technologies and doctrines before eventual inactivation as part of Army restructuring.

B Battery, 1st Battalion, 17th Field Artillery (B BTRY 1ST BN 17TH FA) is a storied unit within the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, the home of the Field Artillery. The 17th Field Artillery Regiment was originally constituted in 1916 and has participated in major conflicts, including World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terrorism. Throughout its history, B Battery has provided critical fire support to maneuver forces, earning multiple unit citations and campaign streamers for its distinguished service. At Fort Sill, B Battery continues to train and maintain readiness to deploy worldwide in support of U.S. Army missions.

Bravo Company, 324th Support Battalion (B Co, 324th SPT BN) traces its origins to the U.S. Army’s reorganization during the late 20th century, supporting combat units with vital logistical and maintenance operations. Assigned to various divisions over time, the company provided transportation, supply, and field maintenance, ensuring operational readiness during both training exercises and deployments. B Co played a critical role during overseas operations, including support missions in the Middle East during Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. Its commitment to excellence has earned it commendations for outstanding service and adaptability in complex environments.

Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment (B Co, 1-184 IN), also historically referenced as Bravo Company, 40th Infantry Division, 240th Infantry Regiment, is a unit of the California Army National Guard. The company traces its lineage to the 240th Infantry Regiment, which was part of the California National Guard and federally recognized after World War II, serving in various state and federal missions. Over the decades, the unit has participated in domestic emergency responses, training exercises, and deployments in support of U.S. military operations both at home and abroad. Today, its legacy continues as a component of the modern California ARNG, supporting both state and national defense missions.

B Company, 54th Support Battalion was stationed in Friedberg, West Germany, during the Cold War era as part of the U.S. Army’s commitment to NATO defense. The unit provided critical logistical and maintenance support to combat units of the 3rd Armored Division, ensuring operational readiness in the face of potential Soviet aggression. Throughout its deployment, B Company conducted routine supply, transport, and repair missions, playing a vital role in sustaining frontline forces. Its presence in Friedberg underscored the importance of support elements in maintaining deterrence and peace in Europe during a period of heightened East-West tensions.