Merrill Niswonger

**HHB, P S BN, Fort Sill, OK**—Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (HHB), P S Battalion, is a vital command and control element stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Fort Sill has been a cornerstone of U.S. Army artillery training and operations since 1869, playing a key role in field artillery development. HHB provides essential administrative, operational, and logistical support to ensure the battalion’s readiness and effectiveness. Over the years, the unit has supported numerous training missions, deployments, and modernization initiatives, contributing to the Army’s artillery excellence and combat effectiveness.

Service Battery, 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery (SVC BTRY 4/27 FA) was an integral support unit stationed at Baumholder, Germany, during the Cold War and beyond. The unit provided logistical, maintenance, and supply support to the 4th Battalion, enabling the effective operation of its artillery batteries. As part of the 1st Armored Division, SVC BTRY 4/27 FA played a vital role in ensuring the battalion’s readiness for rapid deployment and combat operations within NATO’s forward defense posture. Throughout its tenure in Germany, the unit participated in numerous training exercises and contributed to the defense of Western Europe until its eventual inactivation due to post-Cold War force reductions.

C Battery, 1st Battalion, 11th Field Artillery (C BTRY 1ST BN 11TH FA), was stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii (SCH BKS HI). This unit traces its lineage to the historic 11th Field Artillery Regiment, which was first constituted in 1916. Over the decades, C Battery has served with distinction in numerous conflicts, including World War II and the Vietnam War, providing essential artillery support to maneuver forces. During its time at Schofield Barracks, the battery played a critical role in training and readiness operations in the Pacific region, supporting both peacetime and contingency missions.

A Battery, 1st Battalion, 17th Field Artillery (A BTRY 1/17TH FA) is a distinguished artillery unit in the United States Army, historically based at Fort Sill, Oklahoma—the home of the Field Artillery. The 17th Field Artillery Regiment was originally constituted in 1916 and has participated in numerous major conflicts, including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and operations in the Middle East. A Battery, as a component of the battalion, specializes in providing fire support and artillery expertise, contributing to combined arms operations and force projection. Over the decades, the unit has maintained a reputation for excellence in training, readiness, and the effective employment of modern artillery systems.

The 1st Field Artillery Training Battalion at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, played a crucial role in training U.S. Army artillery personnel during the mid-20th century. Established during the post-World War II era, the battalion provided comprehensive instruction in field artillery tactics, gunnery, and support operations. Fort Chaffee served as a major training center, and the 1st FLD ART TRNG BN was instrumental in preparing soldiers for deployment during the Korean War and early Cold War period. The unit’s legacy is marked by its commitment to excellence in artillery training and its contribution to the readiness of U.S. Army forces.

Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 18th Field Artillery (HHB 1-18 FA) has a distinguished history of service within the United States Army. Stationed in Germany during the Cold War, the unit played a crucial role in supporting NATO operations and providing artillery fire support as part of the U.S. Army Europe’s forward-deployed forces. HHB 1-18 FA participated in numerous training exercises and readiness missions, ensuring rapid response capabilities in the event of conflict. The unit’s presence in Germany reinforced the U.S. commitment to defending allied nations and maintaining peace and stability throughout the region.

A Battery, 1st Battalion, 19th Field Artillery (A BTRY 1ST BN 19TH FA), stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, is a distinguished unit within the U.S. Army’s Field Artillery branch. The 19th Field Artillery Regiment was originally constituted in 1916 and has served in major conflicts including World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, providing crucial fire support to maneuver forces. Today, A Battery primarily serves as part of the Army’s Basic Combat Training mission at Fort Sill, shaping new Soldiers in the fundamentals of Army life and artillery operations. The unit upholds a proud tradition of excellence, discipline, and service to the nation.

A Battery, 1st Battalion, 18th Field Artillery (A BTRY, 1-18 FA) has a distinguished history as part of the U.S. Army's artillery forces stationed in Germany during the Cold War. The battalion was assigned to support various armored and mechanized infantry divisions, providing critical fire support and deterrence as part of NATO’s defensive posture against Warsaw Pact threats. Equipped with self-propelled howitzers, A Battery regularly participated in training exercises and joint operations to maintain readiness and interoperability with allied forces. Their presence in Germany was a key element of the United States’ commitment to European security throughout the latter half of the 20th century.

A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 35th Field Artillery (A BTRY 2BN 35TH FA) has a distinguished history as part of the U.S. Army’s artillery branch, currently stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Activated in various forms since World War I, the 35th Field Artillery has provided crucial fire support in major conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, and operations in the Middle East. At Fort Stewart, A Battery supports the 3rd Infantry Division, delivering timely and accurate artillery fires in training and combat. Renowned for its professionalism and operational excellence, the unit continues to play a vital role in maintaining the Army’s combat readiness.

A Battery, 2nd Cannon Training Battalion, United States Army Field Artillery Training Center (A Btry 2D CN TNG BN USAFATC), located at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, has a rich tradition in artillery training. Established as part of the broader Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, this unit has been instrumental in preparing soldiers for service in both peacetime and combat operations since its inception. Through rigorous instruction in cannon gunnery, fire direction, and artillery tactics, A Battery has supported the development of proficient field artillery crews for the U.S. Army. Over the decades, its graduates have served with distinction in conflicts around the world, upholding the proud legacy of the Field Artillery branch.

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.

The 7th Transportation Battalion, Field Artillery (7TH TSBN FA), is a unit aligned under the 120th Infantry Brigade at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. Historically, the 120th Infantry Brigade has played a key role in training and mobilization operations for the U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard units. The 7TH TSBN FA provides essential logistical and transportation support, enabling the rapid deployment and sustainment of artillery and infantry forces. At Fort Chaffee, the unit has participated in numerous training exercises and mobilization missions, contributing to the brigade's readiness and operational effectiveness. Over the years, the 7TH TSBN FA has built a reputation for professionalism and dedication in support of Army training and operations.

The United States Army Detachment, Student Squadron (USADSS), under the United States Air Force Air Training Command (USAFATC) at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, has a unique history as a joint-service training unit. Established to facilitate Army personnel attending Air Force technical courses, the unit has supported the professional development of soldiers in areas such as air defense artillery, field artillery, and joint fires integration. Throughout its history, USADSS has promoted inter-service cooperation, ensuring Army students receive essential instruction from Air Force experts. The detachment continues to play a vital role in strengthening joint operational capabilities at Fort Sill, a premier training center for the U.S. military.