2nd Battalion - 116th Infantry Regiment
Maj. Gen. Claude Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, announced on October 1, 2002 that the 2nd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment had been mobilized for active federal duty. These units entered active federal service beginning Nov. 1, 2002. They began pre-mobilization training October 1 in preparation for entry on federal active duty. The pre-mobilization training took place at the units' home armories as well as Fort Pickett, which is located in Blackstone, Va. This mobilization was in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the United States' response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Beginning in January 2003, the 2nd Battalion, 116th Infantry Battalion from the Virginia Army National secured the detention area in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The primary mission for the Infantry soldiers of Joint Task Force Guantanamo is providing security and a quick reaction force to deal with any threats. The on ground force also uses the time for training and skills enhancement. During the 2/116th tour of duty ran the first Expert Infantry Badge (EIB) course on Guantanamo Bay and 12 soldiers earned the coveted badge. Physical fitness training and professional development by correspondence also contributed to unit and solider readiness.
On September 19, 2003 the 2nd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment transferred authority and the mission to the 1st Infantry Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment of the Massachusetts Army National Guard.
