1st Armored Division Artillery

FA Journal, Nov-Dec, 2004

The 1st Armored Division Artillery, Germany, completed a challenging deployment to Iraq throughout 2003 and half of 2004. Preparation and training for this deployment began in November 2002. The Div Arty arrived in Kuwait in early May 2003 and immediately started preparing equipment and forces for the 400-kilometer road march north to Baghdad. 2-3 FA and 4-27 FA were attached to the 1st and 2d Brigades, respectively, and performed missions in the city of Baghdad.

The Iron Steel Div Arty began arriving in Baghdad in late May with HHB Div Arty and 1-94 FA occupying the Baghdad International Airport (BIAP). The Div Arty had force protection and administrative responsibility for the entire airport complex. To aid the Div Arty, the 1st Division attached 1-4 AD to the Iron Steel Div Arty.

The Soldiers of 1-94 FA spearheaded the success of TF Bullet in hauling and aiding in the destruction of hundreds of tons of captured enemy ammunition (CEA). In addition, 1-94 FA established the BIAP Mayor Cell, monitoring and controlling the quality of life and mission-essential needs of all BIAP residents. In response to the mounting enemy mortar and rocket fires into the BIAP, the Div Arty established Fire Base All-American in support of counterfire operations and reduced the number of rocket/mortar attacks significantly.

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In January 2004, the Div Arty assumed responsibility for combat operations in the Al-Rasheed District of Baghdad, forming the Div Arty Combat Team (DCT) as a maneuver brigade.

1-1 Cav and 2-504 Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) became the newest members of the DCT. The quick-strike and armored capabilities of 1-1 Cav and the paratrooper ethos of 2-504 PIR added additional lethal combat power to the DCT. With its full spectrum of combat units and support elements, the DCT continually took the fight to the enemy, making Al-Rasheed one of the safest districts in Baghdad. The DCT transferred authority to the 1st Cav Division on 6 April 2004. The DCT relocated to BIAP and became the command and control element for the Division QRF on BIAP until redeploying to Germany in July.

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