37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (United States)

37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team shoulder sleeve insignia
Active	1 September 2007 – Present
Country	United States
Allegiance	United States Army
Branch	Infantry
Type	Infantry
Role	Assault/Attack
Size	Brigade
Part of	38th Infantry Division and the Ohio National Guard
Garrison/HQ	Columbus, Ohio
Nickname(s)	Buckeye (Special Designation)
Patron	Saint Maurice, Infantry
Motto(s)	One Team, One Fight
Colors	Blue
Mascot(s)	Dragon
Anniversaries	1 September 2007
Battle honours	Global War on Terror (GWOT), 2001-TBD Kosovo, 2005 Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), 2007–2008 The Surge Campaign Phase – 1 Jan. 2007, to 31 Dec. 2008 Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), 2008
Commanders
Current commander	COL James E. Perry Jr.
Insignia
Distinctive Unit Insignia	File:37InfantryBCTDUI.jpg

The 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team ("Buckeye") is a modular Infantry Brigade of the United States Army National Guard with the Brigade Headquarters and four (4) Battalions stationed throughout Ohio and a Battalion and Cavalry Squadron stationed in Michigan. The 37th IBCT traces it's linage and honors back to the 37th Infantry Division, Ohio.

Background

The 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team is the largest combat arms unit in the Ohio Army National Guard. Part of the 38th Infantry Division, it carries the lineage and honors of the 37th Infantry Division, and is known as the "Buckeye Brigade." Prior to its transformation into an Infantry Brigade Combat Team (1 September 2007) it was the 37th Armor Brigade, Ohio National Guard (6 September 1992 – 31 August 2007) consisting of one Infantry Battalion (1–148th IN) two Tank Battalions (1–107th Armor(CAV), 1–147th Armor), a Cavalry Squadron (2–107th CAV), an Artillery Battalion (1–134th FA) and a Forward Support Battalion (237th FSB). Although the majority of the 37th IBCT units belong to the Ohio Army National Guard, two battalions are based in Michigan and belong to the Michigan National Guard. The 37th IBCT has been called to service for the Global War on Terror, in the theaters of Iraq (OIF) and Afghanistan (OEF).

37th Armor Brigade

The 37th Armor Brigade was originally constituted on 18 July 1917 in the Ohio National Guard as Headquarters, 37th "Buckeye" Division. It organized on 26 August 1917 at Camp Sheridan, AL, and demobilized on 23 June 1919 at Camp Sherman, OH. The unit reorganized and was Federally recognized on 31 May 1923 in the Ohio National Guard at Columbus as Headquarters, 37th Division. It was inducted into Federal service on 15 October 1940 at Columbus before being redesignated on 1 February 1942 as Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division and inactivating on 18 December 1945 at Camp Anza, CA. Reorganized and Federally recognized on 11 November 1946 at Columbus, it was ordered there into active Federal service on 15 January 1952. (Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division [NGUS], was organized and Federally recognized on 15 January 1954 at Columbus). The unit was released on 15 June 1954 from active Federal service and Federal recognition was concurrently withdrawn from Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division (NGUS). It was reorganized and redesignated on 15 February 1968 as Headquarters, 73rd Brigade, 38th Infantry Division; and on 1 March 1977 as Headquarters, 73rd Infantry Brigade, at which point it was relieved from assignment to the 38th Infantry Division. It was redesignated on 6 September 1992 as Headquarters, 37th Infantry Brigade. Reorganized and redesignated on 1 September 1993 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 37th Brigade, 28th Infantry Division, it concurrently relocated to North Canton. It was redesignated on 1 September 1994 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 37th Armor Brigade, 38th Infantry Division. On 1 September 2007 the 37th Armor Brigade was transformed and redesignated 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Ohio Army National Guard.

Past Commanders, 37th Armor Brigade (1992 - 2007)

BG Herbert B. Eagon, 1992 – 1993 (Note 1)

COL David T. Hartley, 1993 – 1994

COL Thomas P. Luczynski, 1994 – 1996

COL Tod J. Carmony, 1996 – 1999

COL Matthew L. Kambic, 1999 – 2002

COL Phillip E. Brondson, 2002 – 2003

COL Jack E. Lee, 2003 – 2005

COL James S. Green, 2005 – 2006

COL Richard T. Curry, 2006 - 2007

Past Commanders, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (1 September 2007)

COL Richard T. Curry, 2007-2009

COL James E. Perry Jr., 2009-Present

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37th Armor Brigade Command Sergeant Majors

CSM Craig R. Huffmann, 1992–1993

CSM Jeffery N. Carter, 1993–1996

CSM Clyde E. Jackson, 1996–1999

CSM David R. Thomas, 1999–2002

CSM Terry T. Dillon, 2002–2005

CSM Lowell K. Shank, 2005–2007

37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Command Sergeants Major

CSM Albert M. Whatmough, 2007–2009

CSM Rodger M. Jones, 2009 – present

37th Armor Brigade Mission to Kosovo

Under the Command of Task Force Falcon Commander Brigadier General Tod J. Carmony (Deputy Commander 38th IN Division) and COL Jack E. Lee (37th Armor Brigade Commander), 1,000 Ohio Army National Guard soldiers mobilized in June 2004 for four months of training prior to a six-month deployment to Kosovo as peacekeepers. Included in the group were 100 members of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company 37th Armor Brigade out of the armory at Akron-Canton Airport. A total of more than 1,000 soldiers in a dozen units across Ohio have been mobilized for the assignment on the NATO-led peacekeeping force in Kosovo. The soldiers first trained at Camp Atterbury, IN., followed by more training in Germany. The soldiers arrived in Kosovo in September 2004 beginning their mission.

In late February 2005 the Ohio Army National Guard welcomed home the 37th Armor Brigade and units after successfully completing the NATO peace keeping operations in Kosovo.

37th IBCT in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)

Soldiers of the 37th IBCT during Pass & Review Ceremony, March 2008, Ft. Hood, Texas prior to deployment in support of OIF

The 37th IBCT deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) 2007–2008{2} included over 2,528 soldiers from Ohio and Michigan, this was at that time the largest deployment since WWII of one single unit from both States. The Brigade was under the Command of Colonel Richard T. Curry and conducted operations throughout the Theater of Iraq and Kuwait. Missions included; SECFOR and Port Security Operations, Convoy Security and Escort, Provincial Reconstruction Team Security, Ramadi Provincial Government Center Security, Base Camp Force Protection and Command & Control, Kabarri Crossing Security, Combat Patrols, QRF (Quick Reaction Force), ARF (Area Reaction Force) and Training of Host Nation Military Forces. Additionally the Brigades Lines of Operations and Efforts included: Military; Personnel and Assets Protected, New Commo Systems integrated (JNN), Improved Life Support Operations, Political; Positive relations with key leaders and stakeholders, Information Engagement; Informed Soldiers and families, Media Awareness and good relations with host nation center of influence, Social; understanding a new culture and respecting it. The Brigade also conducted a communications mission in Afghanistan (OEF) during this deployment beginning September 2008, Company C 37 STB (Signal) was assigned the mission of establishing a Joint Node Network (JNN) throughout that Theater of Operation. This asset or ability to communicate did not exist prior to C/37 STB completion of this mission. The 37th IBCT successfully completed all missions and redeployed to Fort Hood, Texas for demobilization activities and then home to Ohio and Michigan in Mid-December 2008.

COL Curry, at Fort Hood

37th IBCT OIF Battalion Commanders

1st Battalion 125th Infantry – LTC Gregory Durkac

1st Battalion 148th Infantry – LTC Brian Tackett

1st Squadron 126th Cavalry – LTC Clark Barrett

1st Battalion 134 Field Artillery – LTC Craig Baker

37th Special Troops Battalion – LTC John Dernberger

237th Brigade Support Battalion – LTC Gerard Garvey

37th IBCT OIF Complete Events, Operations, Missions and Accomplishments

On 27 January 2007 during the Senior Commanders Conference at the National Guard Professional Education Center, Little Rock, Arkansas MG Greg Wayt, The Ohio Adjutant General, MG Matthew Kambic, Ohio Army Adjutant General and COL Richard Curry, Commander 37 Infantry Brigade Combat Team received the Notification of Sourcing for a mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom for 2008 from the FORSCOM Commander and the NGB Chief, this was a move to the left from the original anticipated date of 2009. The Brigade was notified that it would be part of the historic 4+1 Brigade Combat Team deployment concept; this was a new strategy and for the first time during OIF & OEF the Department of Defense would no longer mobilize individual elements from National Guard Brigades, instead Brigade Combat Teams would mobilize and conduct operations that were once filled by many different individually mobilized battalion/company elements. The 37 IBCT received the Alert Order on 9 April 2007, and mobilized 2 January 2008 and the expected deployment date into Theater scheduled for March 2008, this gave the Brigade time to conduct post mobilization training at FT. Hood, Texas. The missions were initially CONVOY SECURITY OPERATIONS; SECFOR MISSION (Security Force); BASE CAMP OPERATIONS in the Area of Operations of Kuwait and Iraq. Based on the mission the 37th IBCT would mobilize and deploy over 2,528 Soldiers from Ohio and Michigan. Within 30 days after the brigade arrived at FT. Hood the 37 IBCT Commander was informed that it would be given an additional mission in Ar Ramadi, Iraq which would consist of Combat Patrols and a SECFOR Mission; this required COL Curry and his Staff to redevelop the mission plan re-aligning 4 of the 6 battalions to support this and other mission requirements. The 1-125 IN was given the Ramadi Iraq Mission, 1-126 CAV took over the Convoy Security Mission that 1-125 IN was previously assigned, 37 STB & 237 BSB were re-tasked to additionally perform the 1-126 CAV SECFOR, Area Reaction Force and Border Patrol Mission, although on a smaller scale due to not having enough soldiers to perform their own mission and number of soldiers available. After a four day pass the Brigade conducted its Send-Off Ceremony on the parade field in front of the III CORPS Headquarters on FT. Hood. Upon completion of the Ceremony the first 37th IBCT elements departed for Theater, arriving in Kuwait on 27 March 2008.

OIF Mission, Commander's Intent and Mission Endstate for 37th IBCT

Mission: The 37th IBCT provides forces for Staging Base Command & Control, Security Operations, Convoy Security Forces, and Combat Patrols & Security Operations at Ramadi, Iraq to Area Support Group-Kuwait, 1st Theater Support Command, and Multi National Forces-West [Iraq]] within the Kuwait and Iraq Theater of Operations in order to maintain the combat capability of Multi National Forces-Iraq.

Commander’s Intent: The purpose of this mission is to support MNF-I, ASG Kuwait and 1st TSC by providing forces for continuous and effective security, Command and Control (C2) and logistical support to US and coalition forces operating within the Kuwaiti and Iraqi Theater of Operations (ITO)in support of (ISO) the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

ENDSTATE: Mission success is defined in our ability to protect throughput of CSS, receive, stage and onward move forces; and our ability to conduct security, combat patrols and convoy operations to maintain combat capability of forces, provide a secure Area of Operation (AO) with responsive Area Reaction Forces (ARF), and provide continuous operational security.

Major accomplishments of the 37 IBCT by Mission

Headquarters 37th IBCT

File:37InfantryBCTDUI.jpg HQ 37th IBCT

Provided Command and Control for Brigade Deployment Operations

Command & Control, Administrative & Logistical support for over 2,528 soldiers in Theater

Command & Control for SECFOR Operations

Host Nation coordination, relations and engagements

Command & Staff Coordination with Area Support Group Kuwait, 1st Theater Sustainment Command (1st TSC), 4th Sustainment Brigade, Multi National Forces West Iraq (USMC), Multi National Force Iraq (MNF-I)

Supervised, coordinated and executed Host Nation Military Partnering and Training events. Trained over 1,500 Host Nation Military Personnel during the deployment

Oversight of Base Camp Operations

Oversight of Port Security Operations

Command & Control of Re-Deployment & Retrograde Operations

Excellent communication maintained with Brigade Rear Detachment, Ohio/Michigan Joint Force Headquarters and Family Readiness Groups (FRGs), first Brigade to conduct a Brigade Commander and Command Sergeant Major (CSM) teleconference with all the Brigade's FRGs from Theater.

CONVOY SECURITY OPERATIONS (1–148 IN & 1–126 CAV)

1–148th Infantry 1–126th Cavalry

Over 958,000 miles (1,542,000 km) traveled on Iraqi Main Supply Routes and Alternate Supply Routes with no major injuries or loss of IBCT soldier life. Safety record established by both Battalions is outstanding and best by a long shot over previous units conducting same mission. Combat Logistic Patrols have been provided free and clear passage with maximum security by our units accomplishing uninterrupted CSS for the ITO.

RAMADI IRAQ MISSION (1–125 IN)

1–125th Infantry

(COL R. Curry, CDR 37th IBCT (Left) & LTC G. Durkac, CDR 1–125th IN BN, Ramadi, Iraq 2008)

568 Personnel Security Operations accomplished; 407 Joint Patrols with Iraqi Army & Police in and around the Ramadi Provincial Government Center; 561 Missions completed Base OPS/BATS/QRF/Sniper OPS; 24 Sustainment convoys completed to city of Al ASAD, TQ Air Base, Baghdad International Airport & Victory Base; First IBCT to field and conducted operations with the new MRAP, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles in MNF-W.

1–125th IN after Combat Patrol, Ramadi, Iraq 2008

SECFOR MISSION (1–134 FA & G/237 BSB)

1–134th Field Artillery

82,466 Vehicle searches completed at KNB & SPOD; 61,627 TCN Searches completed; 100 SPOT Report submitted; 82 Warehouse Security Missions completed; 135 Route Security Missions; 444 Housing Security Missions completed; Over 50 Host Nation Community Events conducted which has included Children’s Hospitals, Disability Center, Fire Departments and Local Businesses; Over 40 Training Events with Kuwaiti Military conducted.

BASE CAMP OPERATIONS (37 STB, 237 BSB, HHC 37 IBCT)

37th STB File:37InfantryBCTDUI.jpg HHC 37th IBCT

Improvement of all life support operations at all bases; Force Protection execution, no significant breaches in security; Support for RSOI and Theater Gateway; Establishment of good Host Nation Relations; Contract management.

37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Afghanistan 2008

Task Force Dragon Blade ‎

During the 37th IBCT 2008 OIF Mission and within 90 days of the brigades re-deployment to the United States of America it was tasked by CENTCOM and ARCENT (3rd Army) to provide 42 Signal Soldiers and their Joint Nodal Network (Communications) systems to a mission in Afghanistan for the remainder of their tour, C/37 STB (Signal Company), known as Task Force Dragon Blade, performed this mission. The task force was led by the Brigade leadership of MAJ Teri Williams and MSG Christopher Ravis and by the Company leadership of CPT Walt Work and 1SG Ray Tummel. The soldiers accomplished every task asked of them in providing Signal services and filling a vital communication gap that existed in that theater. The entire network was up and operational two days in advance of the DA FRAGO suspense. On 10 December 2008, the 37th IBCT Soldiers redeployed to Kuwait and then to Home Station on 12 December 2008 on schedule with the Brigade Headquarters which was the last 37th IBCT element to re-deploy. The 37th IBCT Soldiers once again proved that they are trained and proficient on the JNN equipment. The Commanding General CSTC-Afghanistan, the 27th IBCT, the 33rd IBCT, and other service members, who were supported by the communications provided in Afghanistan, presented many accolades to the 37th IBCT Task Force (Dragon Blade).

37th IBCT Re-Deployment & Retrograde

The 37 IBCT began to re-deploy to the Continental United States (FT Hood and then HomeStation, Ohio & Michigan) in December 2008, the first battalions departed 2–3 December and the final rear detachment element departed Kuwait on 16 December 2008. The Brigade came home basically the same way it deployed to Theater using the same amount of aircraft & ships. The 37 IBCT remarkably mobilized 2,528 Soldiers for the mission which was the largest deployment of a single unit since WWII, the Brigade returned with all soldiers and no fatalities which is a feat that was not accomplished by a brigade size unit before it or unfortunately the brigade that replaced it in Theater.

37th IBCT OIF Epilogue

The 37 IBCT developed a reputation for being one of the most disciplined, mission focused and professional Brigades to serve in Theater, given high praise by the Commanding General of both Army Central Command, 3rd Army (Patton’s Own) and Multi National Forces Iraq for accomplishment of its mission.

37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Mission to Afghanistan in Support of OEF, 2011

Alert Order

The Ohio National Guard received an alert order{3} for a possible mobilization of the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team to Afghanistan, expected to depart in the late fall of 2011.

An alert order is one step in a process leading to mobilization. The intent of the alert order is to two-fold. First, it gives the individual soldiers the opportunity, along with their families and their employers, to prepare their private lives for their upcoming deployment. Second, it gives the National Guard and the 37th IBCT command the time and resources necessary to meet the training and validation requirements prior to the unit reporting to the mobilization station, a base somewhere inside the United States, to complete their training prior to moving into theater. The full deployment, including the likely 2 months at the mobilization station, will last 1 year.

The 37th will replace the 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, V Corps (US Army Garrison Baumholder in Germany), conducting counter-insurgency operations alongside Afghan National Security Forces. The Ohio National Guard Infantry Brigade Combat Team has six battalions – four are based in Ohio and two in Michigan. While units within the brigade have deployed for various missions at home and abroad, this is the second deployment for the IBCT. The first, in January 2008, sent about 2,528 Soldiers to Kuwait and Iraq in support of OIF.

At some point in the future, the Department of Defense will issue a mobilization order for the 37th BCT. It is possible, though not likely, that the mobilization order will never be issued and the unit will not deploy. Much more likely is that the order will come and it will provide additional clarity as to the exact number of soldiers, missions, etc., for the 37th BCT.

Organization, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1 September 2007 to Present

• Headquarters & Headquarters Company 37th IBCT, Columbus, Ohio
• 1st Battalion 125th Infantry Regiment, Flint, MI (MI NG)
• 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, Walbridge, Ohio
• 1st Squadron 126th Cavalry Regiment, Wyoming, MI (MI NG)
• 1st Battalion 134th Field Artillery Regiment, Columbus, Ohio
• 37th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Springfield, Ohio
• 237th Brigade Support Battalion, Cleveland, Ohio

References

2. http://www.dispatch.com, The Columbus Dispatch, 23 March 2008

3. http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid- 13568

4. http://www.dvidshub.net/units, Ohio Guard closes communications gap in Afghanistan

External links

• 37th Infantry Brigade at the Institute of Heraldry