1st Brigade - 10th Mountain Division
"Warrior Brigade"
The mission of 1st Brigade, the core element of "Task Force Warrior," is to deploy rapidly anywhere in the world and be able to fight and win upon arrival. One of five major subordinate commands within the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), 1st Brigade has three light infantry battalions and a headquarters company permanently assigned. The three battalions are the 1-32 Infantry, 1-87 Infantry, and 2-22 Infantry.
The brigade serves as the nucleus for Task Force Warrior that is habitually task organized with divisional combat, combat support and combat service support units that bring the task force strength to approximately 3,200 soldiers. The principal units that have been assigned to TF Warrior during Division Ready Brigade missions, off post deployments, and major exercises have been the 3-6th Field Artillery, 10th Forward Support Battalion, A/3-62nd Air Defense Artillery, A/41st Engineer, A/110th Military Intelligence, A/10th Signal Battalion, and 1st PLT/10th Military Police Battalion.
The organization of our brigade provides the flexibility to accomplish global missions on different types of terrain and against a variety of threats. Light infantry brigades differ from other infantry brigades in both design and concept of employment. The light infantry brigade is one of the most rapid and strategically deployable brigade of the various types of infantry and armor brigades. Although employed as a unit, the brigade is trained to disperse widely throughout a large area and conduct synchronized operations, primarily at night or during periods of limited visibility. It achieves mass through the combined effects of small unit operations with integrated indirect fires rather than through the physical concentration of forces on the battlefield.
Limitations of the brigade include a lack of heavy weapons, motorized mobility, and the means to conduct long term sustained operations. Normally, an aviation task force with lift and attack helicopters is assigned to Task Force Warrior adding to the brigade's combat power and mobility.
The First Brigade has a key role in the 10th Mountain Division's history. 1st Bde was activated April 11, 1986 at Fort Drum, New York. The 1st Brigade is the Command and Control Headquarters for Task Force Warrior, consisting of its organic battalions 1-32nd Infantry, 1-87th Infantry, and 2-22nd Infantry.
Task Force units from the brigade have deployed in exercises both overseas and throughout the country to include Honduras, Panama, the National Training Center (Fort Erwin, CA), the Joint Readiness Training Center (Fort Polk, LA), REFORGER 88 and 90. The brigade also participated in DESERT STORM and routinely sends a battalion to the Multinational Force and Observers mission in the Sinai.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew in December 1992, TF Warrior deployed to southern Florida where it conducted disaster relief operations. Shortly following its return to Fort Drum, the Task Force deployed to Somalia, Africa where it participated in humanitarian relief and combat operations in support of Operations Restore Hope and Continue Hope.
In early August 1994, political rhetoric was stiffening against the outlaw government of Haiti. In a Fort Drum, New York, training area, preparations for forced-entry operations were accelerating for the 1st Brigade (Warrior Brigade) combat team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry). On 13 September, the Warrior Brigade assault package, consisting of two light infantry battalions, the 10th FSB, and elements of the 10th Aviation Brigade deployed to Haiti aboard the aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower (the "Ike"). The brigade led the Division into Operation Uphold Democracy, air assaulting from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower into Port-Au-Prince, Haiti in order to participate in peacekeeping operations from September 1994 to January 1995. The National Command Authority designated 19 September as D-day. Last-minute negotiations transformed the intervention in Haiti from nonpermissive entry to permissive entry operations.
The brigade spent most of spring 1997 conducting individual training, marksmanship, squad live fire exercises and preparing to support cadet summer training at the United States Military Academy. The brigade also conducted expert infantry and field medical testing while training and certifying three rifle companies for deployment to Bosnia, Pakistan, and Germany. It also executed live fire support coordination exercises which integrated close air support, artillery, and attack helicopters in April 1997, and conducted convoy live fire exercises for all headquarters companies. This training ensured the brigade maintained its live fire focus and proficiency.
Summer 1997 training highlights included training assistance support to the United States Military Academy at West Point and a special rotation of one company team preparing for Bosnia to the Joint Readiness Training Center. Most of the brigade enjoyed a two week block leave period in July. The brigade and battalion tactical operation centers conducted command post exercises with embedded squad and platoon field training (multi-echelon training) throughout the summer in preparation for Task Force Warrior's main field training exercise (Warrior Peak) in September 1997.
Warrior Peak was a highly productive training exercise that focused on day and night platoon live fire exercises, and blank and live fire exercises in a Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) environment. Each battalion conducted an air assault operation to maintain the brigade's proficiency using army aircraft for tactical mobility. In October and November, the brigade supported the division's field training exercise (Mountain Peak) with opposing forces and observers/controllers.
Additionally, the brigade participated in the United States Atlantic Command's joint training exercise (Unified Endeavor) which the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) served as the Army Forces headquarters. In November, the brigade executed company level combined day and night live fire training (CALFEX) and platoon external evaluations. These CALFEXs integrated every combat system within the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry). This was a tremendous exercise conducted non-stop over two weeks. Each company in the brigade conducted an air assault, employed Air Force close air support and reconnaissance, artillery, mortars and attack helicopters, culminating the exercise with a live fire MOUT attack. December 1997 began with a Task Force Warrior command post exercise to prepare us for an upcoming joint field training exercise (Purple Dragon) in January 1998. The brigade ended 1997 with a two week Christmas block leave.
The brigade returned from leave on 4 January 1998 and were faced with disaster relief operations from 8 January to mid-February 1998 due to a major ice storm devastating northern New York. In a combined division and installation staff effort, the remainder of the division (less 2d Bde, already deployed to the Joint Readiness Training Center) was fully committed to support relief operations in northern New York. Described as the worst natural disaster to hit northern New York in 65 years, President Clinton declared a federal state of emergency in the three counties that surround Fort Drum. At the peak of operations, the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum provided: 161 generators of various sizes, 15 water trailers, 77 cargo trucks, 93 heaters, over 125,000 sandbags, 9 mobile kitchens, 26 chainsaws, 2 forklifts, and over 2,500 soldiers (over 600,000 man hours) in a myriad of relief activities ranging from volunteer work to medical support (27 teams) to liaison support in various county and state emergency operations centers.
A readiness assessment of 1st Brigade, using data as of 1 March 1998, indicates that while the brigade was ready to deploy and conduct its wartime mission, personnel shortages had affected the brigade's overall readiness. Shortages of infantry sergeants and captains had a major impact on training readiness. Shortages in low density support military occupational skills degraded the brigade's logistical, food service, maintenance, and communication capabilities. A third of the infantry squads and all of the company anti-tank sections were unmanned. Although the Brigade had begun re-forming the third squads in some platoons and had trained infantrymen in the operation of the Dragon anti-tank weapon, certainly these shortages affect the ability to effectively maneuver at platoon level and anti-armor capability. Additionally, the reorganization of 2-22 Infantry to fill one of its companies to full personnel strength for deployment to Bosnia, significantly affected the readiness of this battalion. Over 60 percent of the company was reassigned to bring the unit up to authorized strength and to meet deployability criteria. While the brigade could still accomplish its wartime mission, personnel shortages have the largest negative impact on readiness.
The brigade's equipment was fully mission capable and well maintained as of March 1998. Some equipment shortages within the brigade had a slight affect on readiness. The shortage of 18 squad radios restricted communication within platoons. Shortages of ¾ ton trailers degraded cargo transportation capability, and shortages of infrared aiming lights hampered night fighting capability. Additionally, equipment sent with Alpha Company to Bosnia impacted on the equipment readiness of the 2-22 Infantry Battalion. The shortages of infrared aiming lights and squad radios were corrected by the summer of 1999.
The brigade has supported operations in the Balkans since October 1997 and was scheduled to continue doing so through 2002 with varying missions.
The brigade's latest major task was participating in the Army's Joint Contingency Force Advanced Warfighting Experiment [JCF AWE]. The ten month period from January-October 2000 culminated in a Joint Readiness Center Rotation where Task Force Warrior tested numerous "digital" concepts and items of equipment to help pave the way into the future for the Light Infantry.
The JCF AWE equiped and trained a Digitized Light Infantry Brigade Task Force, centered on the 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, with XVIII Corps and 4th ID(M) components, to execute forced and early entry operations. Four main "fights" were executed: forced and early entry using EMPRS; the digitized brigade fight with the bulk of information technology enablers; the dismounted digital fight centered around ABCS, dismounted FBCB2, and Land Warrior; and the overarching joint execution of Millennium Challenge. Each fight provided the environment-working systems, trained soldiers, and a tactically realistic scenario-to support a credible assessment of each system's operational impact.
Following execution of the forced entry using the EMPRS, the 3-325 Infantry executed a battle handover to the 1st Brigade Task Force, which executed a typical series of JRTC engagements to allow for baseline comparison. This included search and attack, defend, low-intensity conflict, and MOUT, including Land Warrior participation in several phases. Using a cost-efficient architecture, only nine of the tactical operations centers (TOCs) involved were functioning as rolling, tactical TOCs. The balance operated from fixed sites or from buildings, providing the surrogate capability to examine the effects of information technology enablers while minimizing the development and infrastructure costs for the experiment.
Task Force Warrior, composed of units from the 1st Brigade Combat Team began deploying to Afghanistan for combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in June 2003. The 4,000 members of TF Warrior, led by Col. Burke Garrett and Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Grippe, replaced over the summer months, units of the 82nd Airborne Division. The TF led the coalition effort to defeat al Qaeda, Taliban and other hostile forces in order to establish conditions for stability and reconstruction. In preparation for this challenging mission, soldiers of TF Warrior began training intensively on the critical individual and collective skills needed to ensure they can accomplish the mission. Daily operations included everything from helicopter-borne raids and long-range foot patrols to armed convoy escort. They conducted these operations over the inhospitable terrain and widely varying extremes of temperature and altitude that mark the desolate landscape of Afghanistan, a country the size of Texas.
By late 2003 Task Force 1-32 was operating out of Forward Operating Base Chosin near Iskandariyah, Iraq, about 25 miles south of Baghdad. They conducted operations resulting in the capture of numerous enemy personnel and weapons, as covered by FOX News. In addition to combat operations, TF 1-32 also conducted joint patrols with the Iraqi police to assist them in gaining the trust and credibility of the Iraqi people. Next, they began recruiting for the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps. Due to their 12-month tour in Iraq, soldiers from TF 1-32 had the opportunity to take mid-tour leave back in the United States.
By late 2003 Task Force 1-87 operated in the central area of Afghanistan, conducting patrols and continuous offensive operations from Orgun-E and Shkin firebases. Conditions at the firebases were still austere, but had recently improved the connectivity to families via the Internet. Soldiers also installed a video teleconference (VTC) system at each firebase just in time for the holidays. The VTC systems allow families at Fort Drum to see and talk to their soldiers live on the firebases. TF 1-87 hosted "Geraldo," "60 Minutes II," and the New York Times.
Task Force 2-22 completed a combat operation in the high mountain region of northeastern Afghanistan. This operation occurred hundreds of miles from TF 2-22's home base at Kandahar Airfield in southern Afghanistan. During one phase of the operation, TF 2-22 maneuvered by foot over 37 miles of extremely steep terrain in seven days, culminating in a 3,000 foot climb to the final objective. By their deeds, TF Courage added another chapter to the proud history of the 22d Infantry and truly put the "mountain" in the 10th Mountain Division.
Task Force 2-87 relinquished responsibility for the security of Bagram airfield to a Marine battalion while simultaneously conducting combat operations. They engaged in an operation to deny enemy sanctuary in northeastern Afghanistan. The Catamounts achieved very impressive results thus far-detaining a number of terrorists, disrupting the enemy's operations, and capturing large amounts of enemy weapons and equipment. TF 2-87's mailing address and base of operations at Bagram remained the same while they are deployed forward.
By late 2003 Task Force 1-501 was fully established at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Salerno, vicinity the city of Khowst near the eastern border of Afghanistan. To get there, the Geronimos deployed all the way from Alaska, gathered their vehicles and equipment at Bagram, and then proceeded to drive to FOB Salerno over 150 miles of some of the most treacherous roads on earth. TF 1-501 conducted combat operations in the vicinity of FOB Salerno and will soon expand to a much larger area. The Geronimos were a much-welcomed addition to the 1st Brigade Combat Team.
3d Battalion, 6th Field Artillery provided fire support to coalition forces across Afghanistan. The Centaurs are at the point of the spear in every engagement, massing timely and accurate indirect fires in close support of our soldiers. They have also fired numerous counter-fire missions to protect bases from enemy rocket and mortar attack. As seen on CNN, the Centaurs excelled in providing decisive firepower and daily demonstrate why they are the "King of Battle."
10th Forward Support Battalion is the workhorse of the Brigade. Not only did they provide uninterrupted support to six US battalions, a Romanian battalion, and a French task group, they also supported other coalition forces operating in southern Afghanistan. They did all of the work that people rarely appreciate until they need help. Thanks to the Sherpas for their consistently outstanding support.
The Brigade received support from A Company, 10th Military Police Battalion; A Company, 41st Engineer Battalion; A Battery, 3d Battalion, 62d Air Defense Artillery; A Company, 10th Signal Battalion; A Company, 110th Military Intelligence Battalion; and the Long Range Surveillance Detachment. Small in number but high in demand, these soldiers typically operate across Afghanistan-performing difficult tasks in very demanding situations. Their skills and contributions are invaluable and much appreciated by everyone. Likewise, the soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade continue to apply their many talents to keep the whole operation moving forward.
Family members and friends filled the bleachers of Magrath Gym during welcome home ceremonies for more than 1,400 Soldiers returning to Fort Drum from Afghanistan in mid-May 2004. Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment; 1st Infantry Brigade; 10th Military Police Battalion; 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, and the 10th Signal Battalion received a rousing welcome from onlookers as they entered the gym to the victory theme from "Rocky," played by the 10th Mountain Division Band. The weekend was filled with reunions, as Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 62nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment and 41st Engineer Battalion received a welcome home with the other units in six ceremonies throughout the weekend. Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Infantry Brigade; 10th Forward Support Battalion; 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment; 110th Military Intelligence Battalion; 41st Engineer Battalion, and 10th Soldier Support Battalion, reunited with family members, fellow Soldiers and friends during a ceremony welcoming them home from a nine-month deployment.
Although home for the break, the 10th Mountain Division 1st Brigade eventually arrived back in Iraq at Camp Liberty in late summer 2005. This was after several days of training and acclimatization in Kuwait.
