3rd Brigade - 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized)
"Sledgehammer Brigade"
The 3rd Brigade, one of four in the Army's 3rd Infantry Division, has about 3,600 soldiers overall. The Brigade is located on Kelley Hill, six miles from the Main Post.
The mission of the brigade is to alert, upload and deploy by air, sea, and land anywhere in the world to conduct mobile, combined arms offensive and defensive operations. As part of the XVIII Airborne Corps, the 3rd Brigade stands ready to move at a moments notice.
Previously flagged as the 197th Infantry Brigade, the Fort Benning brigade took part in the Gulf War but did not engage Iraq's heavy mechanized units. The 3d Brigade was the only part of the 3d Infantry Division to deploy for participation in Desert Shield/Storm. It served under the 1st Armored Division, replacing that organization's 1st Brigade.
The 3d "Phantom" Brigade, 3d Infantry Distinguished itself as the Advanced Guard Brigade of the 1st Armored Division during offensive operations against the Iraqi Republican Guard Forces Command (RGFC) during Operation Desert Storm from 24 to 28 February 1991. As an attached Brigade consisting of 1/7th Infantry, 4/7th, 4/66th Armor, 1/1st Cavalry, 2/41st Field Artillery, 16th Engineer Battalion, and 26th Forward Support Battalion, the 3d Brigade led the 1st Armored Division and VII Corps' main attack against the RGFC. On 25 February, the Brigade conduced a 110km movement to contact to destroy elements of the 26th Infantry Division resulting in the capture of 299 Enemy Prisoners of War (EPW's). On February 26, the Brigade was ordered to attack east to gain contact with and destroy the RGCE in zone. The 3d Brigade began an aggressive and continuous movement to contact which covered 74km in 12 ½ hours, while fighting multiple engagements throughout the day and night with elements of the 52d, 17th, Adnan, and Tawakalna Divisions.
During one engagement with the Tawakalna Division the Brigade destroyed 27 Soviet T-72's which had established a hasty defense to cover the Iraqi forces withdrawing from the Kuwaiti Theater of Operation. On 27 February, the 3d Brigade was ordered to transition to pursuit operations to establish contact with and destroy the RGFC forces in zone. As the Brigade attacked and fought through the Adnan Division, securing a RGFC major logistics base, it captured 465 EPW's and made contact with the Medinah Armored Division, which was augmented by elements of four other Iraqi divisions. A fierce battle ensued culminating in the destruction of 82 tanks, 31 Armored Personnel Carriers, 11 artillery pieces, 48 trucks, 3 AAA guns and captured 72 EPW's with the loss of 2 Bradley Cavalry vehicles, 30 WIA's and 1 KIA.
The history of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) begins in Camp Greene, North Carolina, 1917. It was one of the first American units to see action in World War I. Fighting in France, the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division would earn its nickname, "Rock of the Marne", for its epic stand against superior German forces during the battle of the Marne in 1918.
Twenty years later the 3rd Infantry Division was again deployed in combat. During World War II the 3rd fought in some of the most bitter battles of the war including Sicily, Anzio, Rome, and the Ardennes. For its heroic performance, the 3rd Infantry Division earned its second nickname, "the Dogface Soldiers" which is immortalized in the Division song.
During the Cold War, the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division fought throughout the entire Korean Conflict before being stationed in Wuerzburg, Germany in April 1958. There it held the distinction of being the first forward American Unit to deploy the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank.
In 1996, the 3rd Brigade, 24th Infantry Division changed names to the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division.
The 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division (Mech) deployed to the country of Kuwait in support of Operation Desert Spring. While deployed to Kuwait, the Hammer Team concluded its BCT Movement to Contact LFX on 21 August 2002. Awe-inspiring is the sentiment that most accurately describes the experience. All six of the battalions, deployed across a 15 x 35 km area of operations, executed their combat missions under the most realistic conditions possible, and demonstrating to any in observance the lethality of this BCT.
The Hammer BCT battle staff provided operational and training C2 for ongoing missions, while operating split-based- the main effort CR2 operations for the BCT (-) in Doha , while concurrently supporting EIB and TF gunnery in the desert. The BCT main effort in August 2002 was obviously final preparation, rehearsals and execution of the BCT LFX. The LFX provided a great opportunity to challenge our ability to provide cohesive C2 of the BCT during the execution of a realistic mission across extended ranges. Simultaneously with the LFX planning/execution, logistics planners prepared the entire BCT for commencement of phased-redeployment to Doha for CR2, which began within 24 hours of LFX conclusion.
Task Force 1-15 IN (M), Dragons, including B/1-64 AR, enjoyed the honor of initiating the first TF breach during the BCT LFX. A combined arms operation executed at combat speed with absolute precision--truly textbook execution, and inspiring to witness. The Dragons' close maneuver coordination of their attack with TF Stalwart on their flank demonstrated their high level of readiness and expertise. Immediately upon redeployment from the LFX, TF Dragon executed comprehensive after operations maintenance (AOM), while their infantry Soldiers conducted final preparation for their EIB training/testing. Concurrently, Dragon leaders and units are executing preparation for upcoming level I/II gunnery and platoon LFXs. The TF staff is also coordinating for B Company's execution of Operation Inspired Gambit, an inter-theater training exercise for our dismounted infantry soldiers. Next week, A/1-15 will conduct a CoC ceremony, as CPT Mike Taylor relinquishes command to CPT Todd Ballou.
Task Force 1-41IN(M), Straight & Stalwart, from Ft Riley, KS served as the BCT's initial main effort for the BCT LFX. Firing the initial direct fire salvo within minutes of crossing the line of departure, TF Stalwart demonstrated their lethality and combat power throughout the subsequent attack. Initiating their breach minutes after TF Dragon, Stalwart's tanks and bradleys provided withering direct fires at the point of breach to augment the massed suppression & obscuration fires of TF Rock. Shortly after exploiting the breach, TF Stalwart seized critical attack by fire positions that suppressed the enemy's second echelon defenses, in direct support of TF Panther's subsequent attack on the BCT's western flank. Immediately after redeployment, Stalwart executed AOM, prep for EIB, and preliminary gunnery training. They concluded Bradley level I gunnery, amidst some challenging mid-day sandstorms, and began level I tank gunnery.
TF 2-69 AR, Panthers, the BCT main effort for the final phase of the BCT LFX, lived up to their Regimental motto of "Speed and Power". Upon destruction of the enemy's first echelon forces and identification of the enemy's combined arms reserve(CAR), TF Panther initiated a 20+ km attack into the exposed flank of the CAR. Preceding TF Panther's attack, the BCT "softened" up the enemy formation with an attack by our newly-joined attack aviation brothers, 7-6 CAV from Conroe , TX. The Panthers enjoyed a ring-side view of the awesome firepower and lethality of an Apache company in the attack as they simultaneously maneuvered to complete the CARs destruction. Enroute they also executed a near-flawless TF breach and rapidly passed their fearsome combat power through the point of penetration and into positions to complete the enemy's destruction with direct and indirect fires and dismounted infantry maneuver. Literally hours after completing their redeployment from the LFX, elements of TF Panther initiated movement back to Cp Doha as the lead TF in the latest battle, CR2. With typical professionalism and superb leadership at every level, they transitioned from combat operations to recovery/prep for future combat operations.
Task Force 1-10 FA, Rock's Support, including attached batteries from A/4-1 FA (FRKS) and C/1-39 FA (FSGA) and TAB (FSGA) provided very close fire support. The Soldiers of the Rock Support Battalion safely and accurately delivered over 900 rounds of cannon and rocket artillery in support of the BCT attack.. It's important to note, that the MLRS battery, Charlie "Warriors" executed this LFX just one week after arriving in country-a demonstration of their flexibility, aggressive leadership, and readiness to fight upon arrival and win. TF Rock continued split-based operations as A/4-1 continued to support TF 1-41 and A/1-10 provides continued DS support to TF 1-15, while the BN(-) redeployed to Doha for CR2 operations.
317th ENG, TF Buffalo provided the essential mobility and counter-mobility support during the BCT LFX, once again demonstrating the superb expertise and high level of readiness the combined arms teams have attained during this deployment. The Engineer companies each executed a live MICLIC and multiple bangalore breaches in support of their habitual TFs. Under the thick cover of effective suppression and obscuration fires from Rock's Support, our superb Sappers rapidly reduced the complex obstacles supporting each enemy defensive position and enabled the TF maneuver to continue virtually unabated. Throughout the BCT LFX, Buffaloes with near flawless precision fired 8 live MICLICs and as many bangalores to facilitate maneuver mobility. As TF Panther initiated its flanking maneuver against the CAR, the A&O platoon deployed into action and emplaced volcano minefields to protect the BCT's western flank as it transitioned to a Hasty Defensive posture in preparation for follow on operations. TF Buffalo was in the midst of split-based operations as C/317th continues to support TF 1-15 while B/70th remained at NY Kabal to support TF 1-41, and the Bn(-) tackled the CR2 fight with typical vigor and professionalism. The engineer battle staff continued to assist the BCT staff in ongoing planning and preparation for future operations and leader development.
203rd FSB, Eagles closed out the ODS mission with a string of training and continuous support to the Hammer Team. As the BCT conducted final preparation for the BCT LFX, the Eagles deployed elements of the BSA to the field to conduct a Night Defense LFX, replicating a realistic scenario where elements of the BSA would defend their position against bypassed enemy elements attempting to infiltrate the BCT rear area. Under extremely limited visibility conditions, the Eagles and BSA teammates executed this challenging LFX with disciplined expertise and spirited aggression, echeloning elements of TF Eagle during this week-long exercise. TF Eagle then spearheaded the BCT's movement toward its LFX TAA, conducting a Convoy Defense LFX during the echeloned movement to field sites. With detailed planning, rehearsals and execution, each march column executed this realistic LFX with outstanding results. A highlight of this LFX was the opportunity for each convoy commander to call for and adjust mortar fires in support of the LFX. During the LFX, the Eagles provided comprehensive maintenance, fuel, ammunition, life support and medical support to the deployed BCT. The medical team from Charlie Med, along with PROFIS Docs were echeloned forward for responsive support, and participated with several exercise casualties, to include a rehearsed-exercise Medevac during the BFX. Another extraordinary month for the Eagles; executing this aggressive training regimen while concurrently posturing the BCT for seamless transition to CR2 operations at Doha.
The Brigade's Separate Companies continue to provide responsive support contributing to our operational effectiveness. HHC/Bde provided comprehensive C2 operations for the BCT LFX, they continue to support C2 of kabal operations, and are aggressively executing CR2 operations in Doha. C/1-3 ADA continued to provide "clear skies" over the BCT's combat operations, while simultaneously honing their combat readiness. C/103 MI provided invaluable daily linguist and GSR support to ongoing training efforts across the BCT. Concurrently, Team Cyclone concluded their operational mission training this month, gaining invaluable experience and expertise. The Cougars of C/123d Signal demonstrated their tireless expertise and flexibility by keeping the BCT "talking" on all operational nets during the BCT LFX, while concurrently providing communications infrastructure in the Kabals-and email and MWR links back to you. D/10 Cav concluded a very challenging Reconnaissance and Surveillance Exeval and provided an essential flank screen to the BCT during the BCT LFX. 3/3 MP provided responsive support to BCT convoy and security escort missions ISO both field and garrison activities.
The focus as of early September 2002 was the continued support of TF 1-41 IN and TF 1-15 as they continue to execute the ODS mission; execution of CR2 operations for the BCT(-), and final preparation for transition and relief in place operations with the Spartan BCT.
A report from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, dated Sept. 24, 2002, indicated that the 3rd Brigade was beginning to return to the US from Kuwait. According to the story, the 110th Field Artillery Bn returned to the US on Sept 23rd and was expected to be joined by the rest of the brigade in the coming weeks.
A report from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, dated Oct. 15, 2002 indicates that elements of the 3rd Brigade had departed Kuwait around Oct. 14 for military exercises in Pakistan. Roughly 115 soldiers from the 1-15th Infantry Regiment were the first to arrive, and it is believed that additional soldiers will also be sent to Pakistan before returning to the United States.
The 3rd Brigade Combat Team raced across southern Iraq to seize the 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized)'s first objectives in and around Tallil Air Base March 21.
The brigade followed the 1st Brigade Combat Team through lanes in the berm that separated Kuwait from Iraq before 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment; 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment; and 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment attacked Objectives Firebird, Clay and Liberty, which consisted of the air base and several key roads and bridges in its immediate area. Moving in behind preparatory fires from 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, Task Force 2-69 seized the Highway 1 bridge that led to An Nasiriyah to prevent enemy reinforcements. Despite initial resistance, many Iraqis surrendered as Task Forces 1-15 and 1-30 fought in and around the airfield.
After securing the objectives, the brigade allowed the rest of the division to pass it and move toward As Samawah. It was relieved in place by the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.
Task Force 1-15 involved in fighting around As Samawah, but 3rd BCT's next major action was the containment of Karbala April 1 as 1st BCT moved through the Karbala Gap toward Objective Peach, the Euphrates River crossing just south of Baghdad. 3rd BCT Soldiers surrounded the city, allowing the rest of the division to pass through the area.
Task Force 1/15, attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team during the battle for Objective Saints, took the intersection of Highways 1 and 8 south of Baghdad. Scouts from TF 1-15 led the way through tight roads and potentially dangerous towns between Objectives Peach and Saints.
After 1st BCT seized Baghdad International Airport, 3rd BCT conducted a forward passage of lines with 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment April 6 and attacked to the northwest of Baghdad, known as Objective Titans. They defended several bridges and kept Iraqi reinforcements from entering the city as 2nd BCT conducted the Thunder Run April 7. The brigade fought off several Iraqi counterattacks, including an attack on its tactical operations center, over the course of April 6 and 7.
The brigade was supported throughout the war by 203rd Main Support Battalion, which made sure the front line troops got the food and supplies they needed, and 317th Engineer Battalion.
As of April 2004 there no change to the warning order received in February announcing that the 3rd Infantry Division will return to Iraq in the November 2004 to February 2005 timeframe in support of OIF 3. They continue to train and maintain their equipment so that they can respond at any time.
