Transformations and Deployments
The Big Red One returned to Fort Riley, Kansas, in 2006 after
a 10 year absence. On July 7, 2006, the 1st Infantry
Division cased its colors in Wurzburg, Germany. On August 1,
2006, the Fighting First assumed command and control of Fort
Riley. This event is one of many transformations that the
Division is undergoing to meet the new challenges facing the
US Army.
The 1st Brigade’s new missions highlight the changes facing
the Big Red One. The Brigade will support the US Army’s new
Transition Team project by training Army, Navy and Air Force
personnel to become military advisors to Iraqi and Afghan
forces. The Brigade’s other mission is to provide troops for
the new SECFOR companies. These units will be able to
provide security forces anywhere required by the US Army.
The 1st Infantry Division continues to play a role in
Operation Iraqi Freedom through the deployment of its units.
The 2nd Brigade Combat Team deployed to Iraq in October
2006. The 3rd Brigade Combat Team uncased its colors at Fort
Hood, Texas, in April 2007.
Another aspect of the transformation of the 1st Infantry
Division is the creation of new component units. Some of
these units include the new Combat Aviation Brigade, the new
1st Sustainment Brigade and the 4th Brigade Combat Team. All
three of these units have deployed to Iraq.
Current Command and Deployment
Brigadier General Perry L. Wiggins
Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division
Command Sergeant Major James B. Champagne
1st Infantry Division Command Sergeant Major
1st Infantry Division Headquarters is scheduled to
modularize in Fiscal Year 2008. The $43.1 million
headquarters building was dedicated on November 16, 2007.
Located on 1st Division Road, the 138,000 square-foot
building includes features such as a three-story glass lobby
and a massive joint operations center. This new,
consolidated headquarters building will house the command
group and division staff sections that previously were
located at multiple locations on post.
1st Brigade Combat Team has the lead for the transition team
(TT) training mission. The brigade has approximately 825
soldiers as cadre for this mission. Upon completion of the
TT mission, which has not yet been determined, the brigade
will modularize and grow. Additionally, the brigade’s seven
Security Force companies, which deployed last fall, are
either on their way home or have recently returned.
2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, based out of
Schweinfurt, Germany, began redeploying from Iraq to Germany
in October and November of ’07. The 2nd Brigade will soon be
moving from Schweinfurt, to Graphenwohr, Germany.
3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, is at Fort Hood, Texas. Most
units are conducting the equivalent of squad live fires at
this time. 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery, received its
howitzers and is conducting artillery gunnery. The Special
Troops Battalion is going in many different directions
fielding so much new equipment, including unmanned aerial
systems and armored MP vehicles.
3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division has approximately 3,400
soldiers assigned. Currently, no deployment orders have been
received. The brigade also maintains command and control for
the 70th Engineer Battalion, which is deployed to
Afghanistan. Sometime in the near future, the 2nd Brigade,
1st Infantry Division, in Germany will reflag, and the 3rd
Brigade, 1st Armored Division, at Fort Riley will reflag as
2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division.
Combat Aviation Brigade crews took their helicopters for
flights in Kuwait late September to familiarize themselves
with the unique flying conditions in the desert, including
flying dust. They are at the beginning of their 15-month
tour.
1st Sustainment Brigade has approximately 350 soldiers
currently settled in Iraq for a 15-month rotation.
4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Iraq is in charge of
Rashid District in Baghdad, roughly the size of Orlando, FL,
with a population of 1.2 million.
Currently Deployed to Iraq Out of Fort Riley
- HHD, 97th Military Police Battalion
- Individual elements, 10th Air Support Operations Squadron
- 977th Military Police Company
- 70th Engineer Battalion (Afghanistan)
- 266th Movement Control Team
- 24th Transportation Company
- 2-2 Heavy Equipment Transportation Detachment
- 116th Military Police Company
- F Detachment, 15th Finance Battalion
- 1st Sustainment Brigade
- Combat Aviation Brigade
- 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team:
- Special Troops Battalion
- 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment
- 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment
- 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry
- 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery
- 610th Brigade Support Battalion
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
Recently 500 Transition Team members deployed to Afghanistan
out of Fort Riley for a one year tour.
These deployments are
current as of January 2008.