39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team: Difference between revisions

39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team shoulder sleeve insignia
Active	1967-present (as a separate brigade)
Country	United States of America
Allegiance	United States of America
Branch	United States Army National Guard
Garrison/HQ	Little Rock, Arkansas (headquarters)
Nickname(s)	Arkansas Brigade Bowie Brigade
Engagements	Iraq War *Operation Iraqi Freedom
Insignia
39th Brigade Combat Team Distinctive Unit Insignia

The 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, formerly called the 39th Infantry Brigade (Separate) —nicknamed the Arkansas Brigade— is a combat brigade of the United States Army made up of soldiers from the Arkansas National Guard.

The 39th Brigade completed its second deployment to Iraq in December 2008, after spending a year on active federal duty. Unlike the last deployment to Iraq from 2004–2005, the 39th Brigade Headquarters did not have command and control of all of its subordinate units. Many company sized units of the Brigade have been attached to Regular Army units.

BACKGROUND

The 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) was formerly called The 39th Infantry Brigade (Separate) and is one of 15 National Guard brigades designated as a "BCT". Brigades with this designation receive higher levels of training, more advanced equipment, and higher troop levels than normal National Guard brigades. It also makes these brigades a self-contained combat unit capable of intelligence, reconnaissance, maneuver, fire support, combat service support, and command and control without having to require attachments or detachments during deployments.

The 39th BCT is the largest National Guard command in Arkansas. It is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas. It was placed in federal service on October 12, 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. The 39th was attached to the 1st Cavalry Division and served in and around Baghdad for a year, returning to the United States in March 2005. In late August 2005, after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast of the United States, elements of the 39th, then commanded by Colonel Mike Ross, were among the first military units to provide recovery and relief efforts to citizens of New Orleans, Louisiana. The 39th lead the effort to evacuate an estimated 16,000 people from the New Orleans Convention Center.

FORMATION

The history of the formation has two streams. The 39th Infantry Brigade was active as part of the 20th Division from October 1918 to February 1919, with the 48th and 89th Regiments. However the main antecedent of today's brigade was the 39th Infantry Division, created in 1917, which consisted of troops from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas. The unit served as a training division for troops that would be reassigned to other units for duty overseas during World War I and was demobilized after the war.

In World War II the formation was never activated and its troops were instead parceled out to other fighting units. Many soldiers from the 39th volunteered to fight with the 3rd Armored Division. In 1947 the 39th was transferred to Arkansas and the Louisiana troops were assigned their own command. The unit was briefly federalized in 1957 during the Little Rock Integration Crisis.

In 1967 the division was redesignated as the 39th Infantry Brigade (Separate) and in 1973 was paired with the US 101st Airborne Division as a training partner and became an air-assault brigade.

In 1994 the 39th was again reorganized and gained its designation as an "Enhanced" brigade. Later in 1999, under the Army Integrated Division concept paired National Guard and Reserve brigades with active duty headquarters and support units. At this time the 39th became part of the 7th Infantry Division.

OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH

In the spring of 1999, B Co, 2nd battalion of the 39th was activated for Operation Southern Watch in Kuwait. 39th Brigade Soldiers provided security at Patriot Missle Batteries stationed in Kuwait. The mission lasted a total of seven months, and was the first "pure" national guard effort in the region. C Co of the Brigade's 1st Battalion carried on the 39th's role in Operation Southern Watch when they replaced B Co. in September 1999.

MULTINATIONAL FORCE and OBSERVERS

On October 10, 2001, 2-153 IN "Gunslinger" was activated in support of the Global War on Terror. Second Battalion was sent to Egypt in order to take over the Multinational Force and Observers mission, freeing up regular army infantry units to deploy to Afghanistan.

The 2-153's mission durin the MFO was: "...to supervise the implementation of the security provisions of the Egyptian-Israeli Treaty of Peace and employ best efforts to prevent any violation of its terms." This is mission was accomplished by carrying out four tasks: Operating checkpoints, observation posts and conducting reconnaissance patrols on the international border as well as within Zone C; Verification of the terms of the peace treaty not less than twice a month; Verification of the terms of the peace treaty within 48 hours, upon the request of either partyl Ensuring freedom of international marine navigation in the Strait of Tiran and access to the Gulf of Aqaba

This was the first "pure" National Guard takeover of the MFO mission. 2-153 IN deactivated on October 11, 2003.

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM II

The Ramp Up

In 2002 the 39th Brigade was notified that it would be participating in a rotation to the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) at Fort Polk, LA. For National Guard brigades, a rotation is actually a three year process that provides additional money, resources and training oppertunities in order to improve unit readiness before the actual rotation through the JRTC. The Brigade was required to complete a Mission Rehersal Exercise during the Annual Training 2003 which was conducted at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. Less than a month after the completion of this major training milestone, the Brigade recieved it's alert for deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on 28 July 2003.

Alert, Train, and Man the Brigade

On October 12, 2003, the Brigade, commanded by Brigadier General Ronald Chastain (now Major General), was ordered to federal service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II for a period of up to 18 months. The Brigade would under go post mobilization training at Fort Hood, Texas from October 2003 until January 2004. In January the Brigade shipped it's vehicles and equipment to Iraq from Fort Hood, and then moved to Fort Polk for a Mission Rehearsal Exercise at the JRTC. While there, on February 17, 2004, President George W. Bush visited the 39th and had an MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) lunch in a field mess tent with soldiers. After lunch, President Bush made brief remarks to the soldiers.

When the Brigade received it's alert, it was approximately 700 soldiers short of its authorized end strength. This shortage was due in large part to the way new recruits are accounted for in the National Guard. In the active army a new recruit only comes to a unit and is counted on it's books after the Soldier has completed Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training. In the National Guard, the new recruit is counted on the unit's strength reports as soon as the Soldier signs his contract. The Brigade had over 500 soldiers who had not completed either Basic or Advanced Individual Training upon alert.

This shortage led to the decision to consolidate the available manning into two infantry battalions that would be supplied for the Brigade by Arkansas and to ask National Guard Bureau to provide the third infantry battalion. Because of the 2-153 Infantry Battalion's 2001 deployment to the MFO, the battalion was deemed non deployable, however the Soldiers of the battalion were to deploy. Because of the high experience level of the 2-153 IN, with one MFO rotation and two Operation Southern Watch Rotations to the battalion's credit, the decision was made by BG Chastain to transfer the battalion commander and staff from 2-153 IN to 3-153 Infantry. The 3-153 IN Commander and Staff were transferred to 2-153 and were designated to function as the Brigade's Read Detachment during OIF II. This transfer lead to the 3-153 IN often being referred to as the thirds 2/3 battalion. 3-153rd IN adopted the 2-153rd IN's nick name and call sign, "Gunslingers" for OIF II.

National Guard Bureau met the Brigade's need for additional soldiers by alerting 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry, from the Oregon National Guard; a platoon of Company B, 1st Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment, New York National Guard; a platoon of Company C, 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry Regiment from the Connecticut National Guard; the 1115th Transportation Company and elements of the 642nd Maintenance Company from the New Mexico National Guard; Elements of 629th Military Intelligence Battalion from the Maryland National Guard; Elements of HHSC, 233rd Military Intelligence Company, California National Guard; and, Battery A, 1st Battalion, 103rd Field Artillery, Rhode Island National Guard to round out the brigade and bring it to its full deployment strength.

Operation Bowie Fury

Mission Statement

The 39th Brigade's Mission during Operation Iraqi Freedom was to conduct full-spectrum operations focused on stability and support operations and to secure key terrain in and around Baghdad, supported by focused and fully integrated information [IO] and civil-military operations, in order to enable the progressive transfer of authority to the Iraqi people, their institutions and a legitimate Iraqi national government.

Area of Operations

The Brigade was task organized with 1-153rd IN being detached to 3rd BCT, 1st Cavalry Brigade, in exchange for the attachment of 2nd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, of George Armstrong Custer and LZ Albany fame, to the 39th Brigade. 1-153 IN was headquartered in the Green Zone in Baghdad with the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.

The 39th BCT Headquarters, 239 MI Company, 239 Engineer Company, 2-7th CAV and 1-206th FA were stationed at Camp Cooke in Taji, Iraq.

2-7 CAV controlled a massive area of operations that stretched from just north of the Baghdad City Gate, north along Iraqi Highway 1, (MSR Tampa) to the city of Mushada, bounded on the east by the Tigris River, and stretching west to the boundary with 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, approximately 10 KM east of Fallujah. This Area of Operations was twice assumed by 1-206th FA when 2-7 CAV was detached from the 39th IBCT.

1-206th FA provided fires in support of 39th Brigde Combat Operations from Camp Taji and controlled a small area of operations south of Camp Taji between Iraqi Highway 1 and the Tigris River. On two occasions 1-206th FA became responsible for the entire Area of Operations assigned to the 2-7 CAV.

3-153rd IN was stationed at FOB Gunslinger (aka FOB Solidarity), in the Adhamyah neighborhood of Baghdad which lies immediately to the west of Sadar City. Additionally 3-153 was charged with patrolling a large Area of Operations that stretched north from Baghdad along the east side of the Tigris River, and included the city of Hussainiyah, a town of 500,000 about 12 miles north of Baghdad.

2-162nd IN was stationed at FOB Volunteer in the Rusafa Neighborhood of Baghdad which lies to the south of Sadar City.

Signifigant Combat Actions

In April 2004 the 39th came under rocket attack at Camp Cooke in Taji, resulting in 4 killed in action, all members of the 39th Support Battalion, headquartered in Hazen, Arkansas. April 24 was the highest single day casualty total for Arkansas soldiers since the Korean War.

Members of Company C, 1-153 spent weeks fighting as part of TF 1-9 CAV, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry division on the hotly contested area of Hifa Street in Baghdad.

2-7th CAV was twice detached from the 39th BCT to act as the corps reserve. In August 2004, 2-7 was detached from Multi National Division Baghdad (MND-B)to Multi National Division-South (MND-S) as part of the Battle of Najaf (2004). In November 2004, 2-7 CAV was detached to the 1st Marine Expedionarly Force to take part in the in Operation Al-Fajr, Second Battle of Fallujah.

On 3 October 2004, SSG Christopher Potts (Battery A, 1-103rd FA) and SGT Russell "Doc" Collier were killed in a fire fight with insurgents near the village of Musurraf, south of Camp Taji along the Tigris River. SGT Collier was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his actions when he moved forward under heavy enemy fire in order to render aid to SSG Potts who had shot while attempting to silence an enemy automatic weapon. SSG Potts was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with V Device for his actions.

On 14 November 2004, a patrol of 307th Iraqi National Guard Soldiers with an adviser team from 1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery led by CPT John Vanlandingham, and an escort platoon from B Company, 3-153 IN was ambushed north of Mushada. CPT Vanlandingham received the Silver Star medal for his actions to save several wounded Iraqi Army Soldiers who had become separated from the patrol during the ambush. CPT Vanlandingham repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire in order to carry wounded Iraqi soldiers to safety.

The most coordinated enemy attack the Brigade had seen occurred on 20 November 2004 when twenty-six Soldiers of Company C, 3-153 IN were ambushed near Ft. Apache in North Baghdad. They fended off over 100 insurgents for several hours without ammo resupply or support. The Platoon Leader, 1st Lt. Michael McCarty, despite being wounded, endured intense enemy direct fire and personally neutralized an enemy machine gun emplacement without support. The officer received the Silver Star for going above and beyond the call of duty.

Media Coverage

The members of the brigade's 239th Engineer Company stationed in Camp Cooke and their families back in Arkansas were the subject of a TV documentary series that aired on the Discovery Times channel called Off To War. The 39th was also covered by embedded reporter Amy Schlesing of the Arkansas Democrat Gazette for the entire time in Iraq.

Redeployment

In the spring of 2005, units of the 39th BCT started their rotation back to Fort Carson, Colorado, Fort Hood, Texas, and Fort Sill, Oklahoma for demobilization.

Order of Battle OIF II

The following units were Task Organized under the 39th Brigade Combat Team during Operation Iraqi Freedom II

Battalion	Company	Source
HHC, 39th BCT		Arkansas National Guard
*2nd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment	HHC, 2-7 CAV	Fort Hood, TX
	Troop A, 2-7 CAV	Fort Hood, TX
	Troop B, 2-7 CAV	Fort Hood, TX
	Troop C, 2-7 CAV	Fort Hood, TX
	Company B, 2-162 IN	Oregon National Guard
3rd Battalion, 153 Infantry Regiment	HHC, 3-153 IN	Arkansas National Guard
	Company A, 3-153 IN	Arkansas National Guard
	Company C, 3-153 IN	Arkansas National Guard
	Company D, 3-153 IN	Arkansas National Guard
	Troop E, 151 Cavalry Regiment	Arkansas National Guard
	Elements of Company B, 1st Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment	New York National Guard
	Elements of Company C, 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry Regiment	Connecticut National Guard
2nd Battalion, 162 Infantry Regiment	HHC, 2-162 IN	Oregon National Guard
	Company A, 2-162 IN	Oregon National Guard
	Company C, 2-162 IN	Oregon National Guard
	Company D, 2-162 IN	Oregon National Guard
1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery Regiment	HHSB,1-206th FA	Arkansas National Guard
	Battery A, 1-206th FA	Arkansas National Guard
	Battery B, 1-206th FA	Arkansas National Guard
	Battery C, 1-206th FA	Arkansas National Guard
	Battery A, 1st Battalion, 103rd Field Artillery	Rhode Island National Guard
39th Support Battalion	HHC, 39th SB	Arkansas National Guard
	Company A, 39th SB	Arkansas National Guard
	Company B, 39th SB	Arkansas National Guard
	Company C, 39th SB	Arkansas National Guard
	1115th Transportation Company	New Mexico National Guard
	642nd Maintenance Company	New Mexico National Guard
Separate Units	239th Engineer Company	Arkansas National Guard
	239th Military Intelligence Company	Arkansas National Guard
	Elements of 629th Military Intelligence Battalion	Maryland National Guard
	Elements of HHSC, 233rd Military Intelligence Company	California National Guard
	Battery F, 1st Battalion, 202 Air Defense Artillery Regiment	Illinois National Guard
	Company A, 28th Signal Battalion	Pennsylvania National Guard
**1st Battalion, 153 Infantry Regiment	HHC, 1-153rd In	Arkansas National Guard
	Company A, 1-153 IN	Arkansas National Guard
	Company B, 3-153 IN	Arkansas National Guard
	Company C, 1-153 IN	Arkansas National Guard
	Company D, 1-153 IN	Arkansas National Guard
	Troop A, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry	Fort Hood, Texas

1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment was Task Organized under 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division during OIF II

OPERRATION KATRINA

After Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana in August 2005, elements of the 39th deployed to New Orleans by C-130s from the Little Rock Air Force Base to support the relief and recovery efforts there. Under tactical control of the Louisiana National Guard, 39th soldiers were given the mission of providing security and food and water to an estimated 20,000 people at the New Orleans Convention Center on September 2. By the afternoon of September 3, all individuals staying in and around the Convention Center had been evacuated. The mission of the 39th in Louisiana grew to the point that at one time the brigade was responsible for working with local officials in 14 parishes. Elements of the 39th and the Arkansas National Guard stayed deployed in Louisiana until February 2006.

OPERATION JUMP START

In June 2006 the 39th Brigade began deploying troops along the Southwest Border with Mexico as part of Operation Jump Start. The Brigade manned two sectors of the border around Lordsburg, New Mexico and near Deming, New Mexico. Unit members occupied Observation Posts and reported activity along the border the United States Border Patrol. Various battalions with in the 39th Brigade were tasked with supplying volunteer companies during this period. The HHB, 1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery Manned the Deming station from December 2006 through June 2007. While serving in Operation Jump Start members of the Brigade were able to begin preparing for the Brigade's second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

It is ironic that the 1st Arkansas Infantry and the 3rd Arkansas Infantry, the parent units of the 153rd Infantry Regiment and the 206th Field Artillery Regiment were stationed in these same areas of New Mexico ninety years earlier during General "Black Jack" Pershing's punitive Mexican Expedition against Pancho Villa.

SECOND OIF DEPLOYMENT

The 39th Brigade Combat Team received an alert for a second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in April 2007. The Brigade was placed on duty in October 2007 to prepare for its second deployment to Iraq while still under state control. It began a 90 day pre-mobilization training period, while still under state control at Chaffee Maneuver Training Center (CMTC)on 1 October 2007. This allowed the unit to perform certain tasks in Arkansas and allowed unit members to be closer to their families for a longer period of time.

The Brigade was placed in Federal Service in January 2008 and trained at Camp Shelby, Mississippi until it deployed beginning in March 2008 to Iraq.

The Brigade did not serve together as a Maneuver force during the second deployments. The elements of the Brigade were assigned to various Security Forces missions, including Convoy Security and Force Protection Companies providing security at Installations in Iraq.

The 39th BCT redeployed to Camp Shelby, Mississippi in December 2008 and demobilized.

HONORING THE FALLEN

On April 24, 2005, thousands gathered at the front steps of the Arkansas State Capitol to honor the 33 men who died while serving with the 39th Infantry Brigade in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom II from 2004–2005.

The 39th Infantry Brigade of the Arkansas Army National Guard was part of the 1st Cavalry Division during the yearlong deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. Mobilized for a total of 18 months, the 39th was the largest and longest serving Arkansas Army National Guard unit to be deployed since World War II.

The day’s events started with the “39th Brigade Combat Team Fallen Heroes Memorial Ride” where over two thousand motorcyclists rode from the Clear Channel Metroplex in Little Rock to the front of the State Capitol. Chief Warrant Officer Three (CW3) Dennis Bradley of Benton, Arkansas, had the concept for the memorial while the 39th Infantry Brigade was still in Iraq and opened the memorial event. SGT Tammy Holman of Little Rock sang the National Anthem, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance lead by SPC James Carter. Chaplain (COL) David McLemore of Russellville, who served with the 39th in Iraq, offered the opening prayer.

The honored guests for the memorial program were the family members of those who died. Over 100 relatives of the honored soldiers were present. Brigadier General Ron Chastain, who commanded the 39th while in Iraq, Major General Don C. Morrow, the Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard, and Secretary of State Charlie Daniels were the featured speakers for the memorial program. Colonel Mike Ross of North Little Rock served as the master of ceremonies for the memorial event.

Lieutenant Colonel John Edwards of Little Rock, the Staff Judge Advocate of the 39th in Iraq, read a proclamation by Governor Mike Huckabee naming April 24, 2005, “39th Infantry Brigade Fallen Heroes Day.” Edwards also read the 33 names of those who died in Iraq while Command Sergeant Major Larry Isbell, the highest ranking enlisted member of the 39th Infantry Brigade, assisted family members in ringing the bell from the USS Arkansas in a memorial tribute. Jaelun Felder, the eight year old son of the late Captain Arthur “Bo” Felder of Lewisville, Arkansas, read a poem entitled “My Father the Hero.”

Prior to the event, Secretary of State Daniels hosted a reception in the old Supreme Court Chamber in the State Capitol for the family members of the lost soldiers of the 39th.

39th BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM KILLED IN ACTION

Operation Iraqi Freedom 2004-2005

• Sergeant First Class William W. Labadie Jr. of Bauxite, Age 45. Killed in Action, 4/7/04

• Captain Arthur L. Felder of Lewisville, Age 36. Killed in Action, 4/24/04

• Chief Warrant Officer Patrick W. Kordsmeier of North Little Rock, Age 49. Killed in Action, 4/24/04

• Staff Sergeant Billy J. Orton of Carlisle, Age 41. Killed in Action, 4/24/04

• Staff Sergeant Stacey C. Brandon of Hazen, Age 35. Killed in Action, 4/24/04

• Specialist Kenneth Melton of Batesville, Age 30. Killed in Action, 4/25/04

• Staff Sergeant Hesley Box of Nashville, Age 24. Killed in Action, 5/6/04

• Sergeant First Class Troy Leon Miranda of Wickes, Age 44. Killed in Action, 5/20/04

• Sergeant Russell L. Collier of Harrison, Age 48. Killed in Action, 10/3/04

• Sergeant Ronald Wayne Baker of Cabot, Age 34. Killed in Action, 10/13/04

• Sergeant Michael Smith of Camden, Age 24. Killed in Action, 11/26/04

• Corporal Jimmy Buie of Floral, Age 43. Killed in Action, 1/04/05

• Specialist Joshua Marcum of Evening Shade , Age 33. Killed in Action, 1/04/05

• Specialist Jeremy McHalffey of Mabelvale, Age 28. Killed in Action, 1/04/05

• Specialist Lyle Rymer II of Fort Smith, Age 24. Killed in Action, 1/28/05

• Staff Sergeant William Robbins of North Little Rock, Age 31. Killed in Line of Duty, 2/10/05

Operation Iraqi Freedom 2008

• SFC Anthony Lynn Woodham, Age 37, of Rogers, Ark., Heber Springs, Ark., died July 5, at Camp Adder, Tallil, Iraq, from non-combat related injuries.

• SPC James M. Clay, Age 25, of Mountain Home, Ark.; Little Rock, Ark.; died November 13, 2008 in Anbar province, Iraq, of injuries sustained in a vehicle accident.

UNIT AWARDS

In May 2007, the service of several of the Brigade's units was recognized:

• 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry was awarded a Meritorious Unit Citation (MUC) for the period of 17 March 2004 through 23 March 2005.
• Company C, 3rd Battalion, 153rd Infantry was awarded a Valorous Unit Award (VUA) for the period of 24 March 2004 through 20 January 2005.

CURRENT BRIGADE COMMAND

The 39th is currently commanded by Colonel Kirk VanPelt, succeeding Colonel (P) Kendall Penn. Colonel VanPelt served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom II as the commander of 2nd Battalion, 153rd Infantry. The current Command Sergeant Major is Command Sergeant Major Steven C. Veazey, who also served in OIF II as the Command Sergeant Major of the 1st Battalion, 153d Infantry.

PREVIOUS BRIGADE COMMANDERS

153rd Infantry Regiment
153rd Infantry Regiment, Distinctive Unit Insignia

206th Field Artillery Regiment
206th Field Artillery Regiment, Distinctive Unit Insignia

151 Cavalry Regiment
151 Cavalry Regiment, Distinctive Unit Insignia

39th Brigade Support Battalion
39th Brigade Support Battalion, Distinctive Unit Insignia

39th Special Troops Battalion
39th Special Troops Battalion, Distinctive Unit Insignia

COL Kendall A. Penn, 2007–2009

COL George M. Ross, 2005–2007

MG Ronald S. Chastain, 2001–2005

MG Walter A. Paulson II, 1996–2001

MG Don C. Morrow, 1994–1996

BG Wesley V. Jacobs, 1990–1994

MG Melvin C. Thrash, 1986–1990

MG James A. Ryan, 1984–1986

BG Oliver W. "Dub" Myers, 1981–1984

BG John B. Webb, 1978–1981

MG Harold L Gwatney, 1973–1978

MG Joseph R. Chappell, Jr., 1971–1973

BG Dan Walker, 1967–1971

CURRENT UNITS

Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 39th BCT "Bladerunners": Little Rock, Arkansas

1st Battalion, "Warrior" 153rd Infantry Regiment: Malvern, Arkansas

2nd Battalion, "Gunslinger" 153rd Infantry Regiment: : Searcy, Arkansas

1st Battalion, "Saber" 151st Cavalry Regiment (RSTA): Warren, Arkansas

1st Battalion, "Aleutian" 206th Field Artillery Regiment: Russellville, Arkansas

39th Brigade Support Battalion "Provider": Hazen, Arkansas

39th Brigade Special Troops Battalion "Ready": Conway, Arkansas

INSIGNIA

The unit's shoulder sleeve insignia consists of a Bowie knife over a diamond. The Bowie knife symbolizes the state of Arkansas, where the Bowie knife originated, and close hand-to-hand fighting which is the specialty of the light infantry. The diamond is a reference to a unique aspect of the state of Arkansas which has the only diamond field in North America in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. The red and blue colors are the colors of the Arkansas flag and represent both their loyalty (blue) and the blood (red) that its soldiers have shed for both the state of Arkansas, and the United States in its operations. The brigade motto is "Courage".

External links

• Global Security.org (outdated)
• 39th BCT (outdated)
• Fallen Arkansans
• [1]
• Secretary of State Official Press Release
• 153rd Infantry at the Institute of Heraldry
• 206th Artillery at the Institute of Heraldry
• 39th Special Troops Battalion at the Institute of Heraldry
• 39th Brigade Combat Team at the Institute of Heraldry
• "Campaign, War Service, & Unit Award Sreamers"
• "Department of the Army listing of approved unit awards"
• Public Affairs News Article