April 2001

This year the Big Red One Reunion is scheduled in Nashville, TN on 17-21 August. Make reservations through the Society. For information, please contact Jennifer Sanford at the Society Office: 1933 Morris Rd, Blue Bell, PA 19422. Ph: 1-888-324-4733 (Toll free), or E-mail: soc1ID@aol.com
 

The 82nd Annual Dinner of the Officers of the First Division will be held on Saturday, 28 April 2001, at the Crystal City Hyatt Regency Hotel in Arlington, VA. Meet the new 1-18 INF commander, LTC Robert Botters, Friday night at the 18th Infantry CP in room 1811. For information contact Phil Pryor, E-mail: Ppryor58@aol.com
 

It is time for the 18th Infantry Regiment Association election of officers. The election will be held at our annual meeting on 18 August. If you wish to run for an office, or have a nomination, please contact Louis Johnson, 3664 Wallfield Rd, Houlka, MS 38850. Tel: 662-568-7726.
 
 

A limited number of 18th Infantry golf shirts, long-sleeve T-shirts, baseball hats, unit crests and miniature unit crests are still available. See our photo gallery page for details. Get yours now (please allow up to 30 days for delivery). Place your order with Larry Van Kuran, 6378 Jamieson Ave, Encino, CA 91316.
 
 
  

At 1500 on the 24th of February 1991 the ground war began for the soldiers of the 197th Infantry Brigade. We were the soldiers of TF 2-18, leading the Brigade's attack on the left, with the words from the attack order written by our Division Commander, General Barry R. McCaffrey ringing in their ears: "Soldiers of the VICTORY DIVISION -- we now begin a great battle to destroy an aggressor Army and free two million Kuwaiti people. We will fight under the American flag..... There will be no turning back when we attack into battle. One hundred thousand American and French soldiers of the XVIII Airborne Corps will fight on our flanks. We have the weapons and the military training equal to the task. We pray that our courage and skill will bring this war to a speedy close."

The attack lasted through the night and progressed without any incident. By midnight we were about 125 km into Iraq. Just prior to daybreak, the TF held up in attack positions overlooking Objective BROWN (our intermediate objective) where we had reports that the Iraqi 45th Infantry Division had taken up positions. This was also where we hoped to link up with the 101st Airborne Division on our left flank. We controlled air strikes into the vicinity of OBJ BROWN and observed several secondary explosions, indicating that there were in fact some military positions in the area. When we rolled across the objective we received scattered small arms fire and virtually no real resistance. TF 2-18 was credited with taking 11 prisoners at the close of the engagement, all of whom were evacuated and interrogated. Later we were to find out that these soldiers  came from an air defense unit, and that the majority of the fighting forces of the Iraqi 45th Division had displaced to the French sector. That afternoon I personally traveled west from OBJ BROWN on a road that led to As Salman to see who I could find on our left flank. With no little surprise, I was able to make contact with and do face to face coordination with my West Point classmate who was the battalion commander from the 101st unit on our left flank.

We declared OBJ BROWN secure at about 1000 hours on 25 February and began to prepare for the continuation of the attack into the Euphrates River Valley. The plan called for a night move into attack positions some 70 km away. By  nightfall a heavy rain was falling and the winds had increased dramatically. Though there was no enemy contact anywhere in the Division sector as we moved into attack positions, the movement was slow and extremely difficult. It wasn't until 0800, 26 February, that the TF was closed in attack positions and prepared to continue the attack. In the attack position, I pulled leaders together for a quick huddle to discuss the upcoming attack to our final objectives. From higher we had received very erratic intelligence reports of several battalion size elements in our sector of the Euphrates River Valley, but no clear picture of where they were or what types of division they had come from. Additionally we had no good information on the nature of the terrain that lay ahead, a factor that would come to significantly bear on the conduct of operations over the next 24 hours. We quickly shared information, did some hasty planning, and prepared for the attack, which we commenced in a blinding sandstorm at 1400 hours, 25 February

We had planned to attack in a task force diamond formation, with a mechanized infantry team (reinforced with tanks) moving in the lead, and infantry teams on the flanks. Our tank team would trail, prepared to "flex" either right or left in reaction to contact with the enemy. The task force formation would be preceded by the scout platoon who would gather intelligence and provide early warning. By nightfall, weather conditions and terrain would conspire to foil our initial plans. The trafficability was so poor that the TF reformed into a single column of vehicles that attempted to wind its way on a trail through dry desert lake beds (sahbkas). On this trail, I was following Team D, our lead company sized element, who was preceded by the Scout platoon. At the time I was receiving reports from 1-18 IN, our sister battalion on the right, that they  were making relatively good progress towards the Euphrates River Valley. They had stopped prior to the final assault to allow the Brigade's DS artillery battalion the time to get into position to provide supporting fires for the assault. Just as I was receiving this report, word came back to me from the TF Scouts that conditions on our trail were deteriorating. I myself had noticed that my command vehicle, an M113 Armored Personnel Carrier, was laboring to make its way through the thickening mud. Time had come for a decision about continuing to make our way along this trail, or turning the TF around and trying  an alternate route. 

At this precise moment I monitored a report that the TF 1-18 Scouts were under fire. They had gone out ahead of TF l-18 into the river valley to find a good approach and had made contact. Two men were wounded. The TF commander, my West Point classmate LTC Bill Chamberlain, was calling for artillery fire to support them, but the DS battalion was not yet set. He felt that it would be impossible to continue to advance his TF without artillery support. For me, turning the TF around at this critical time was no longer an option since it would leave the 1-18 Scouts -- the only US forces in the Euphrates River Valley for miles -- alone without hope of protection or reinforcement should their situation worsen. I gave my executive officer the order to take command of the portion of the TF that was behind me, about 3 companies, and to find an alternate route into the valley. The TF Scouts, Team Delta, and I continued to work our way north towards the Euphrates.

The first indication that we were entering our objective area came from the TF scouts. They began reporting sightings of numerous trucks and personnel on the ground in a complex of revetments and bunkers. As they moved into position to better observe, the lead scout vehicles reported that they thought that they were being fired at by small arms. I told the scout platoon leader to hold firm until he was certain that he was in contact with enemy forces. My fear was that we could possibly be engaging civilians (there were numerous Bedouin bands in the area) or, worse, that we might have made contact with elements of our sister task force's scout platoon, who we knew had already reached the river valley. Despite the repeated requests from my Scout PL I had him hold fire as I worked my way to the front of the formation to assess the situation myself. I arrived on the scene at the same time that the scouts made positive identification of enemy vehicles and positions who were firing rockets and small arms at us. I gave the order to open fire and began to move my tanks and infantry carriers forward to join the fight. We were to find out later that the enemy positions we were attacking were manned by the 3d Commando regiment of the Iraqi RGFC. Their soldiers were mostly dismounted and firing at us from bunkers although we spotted several vehicles placed between the bunkers. We attacked the troops and vehicles with small arms and grenades launched from MK-19 automatic launchers that we had mounted on our M113's, 2 per platoon. Eventually the Team D commander moved his tanks forward and engaged the enemy vehicles with effective main gun fires. The TF FSO who was in my command track called for supporting artillery fires which arrived almost immediately and was quickly adjusted onto the objective area, with devastating effect. For approximately 2 hours we battled the enemy in this fashion, attacking by fire and moving only to secure better firing positions. Gradually the enemy resistance weakened, and at about midnight I gave the order to dismount our infantry soldiers and completely clear the objective. The rest of the night was spent clearing bunkers, the majority of which were abandoned or undefended, or manned by Iraqis who proved more than willing to surrender. By daybreak, the remainder of the task force, commanded by my XO, had worked its way along an alternate route and joined us on the objective. We had counted 50 enemy soldiers killed in action and taken no friendly casualties.

In the early morning hours of the 27th as the sun rose over the Euphrates, we reorganized the task force and established a hasty defense facing west prepared to defend the Division's rear as forces moved into the river valley and turned east, prepared to continue the attack towards Basrah. Supplies were moved up, refueling commenced, and a hasty planning process began as word came down that we would indeed be continuing the attack. Some were able to get some much needed rest, as most of us had gone 3 days without any significant sleep. Little did we know that there would be fewer than 24 hours left to fight. In that time the 19th Infantry Brigade would conduct a major attack on an Iraqi airfield at Tallil (executed by TF 2-69 who passed through our formation to execute the attack). The 24th ID(M) would conduct two more major operations -- an attack on Jalibah airfield and a counterattack against retreating Republican Guards forces that would result in the destruction of the better part of 2 RGFC divisions. But for TF 2-18 the fight was essentially over. We would follow and support the attack to the east and did significant duty in taking prisoners and destroying enemy equipment. After the cease fire, we supported several civil affairs operations until we were withdrawn from Iraq on 9 March to arrive back in Saudi Arabia to prepare for redeployment.
 

Editor's note: During the Gulf War, 1-18 INF and 2-18 INF were mechanized infantry battalions, but still equipped with the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier, while 4-18 INF and 5-18 INF were mechanized infantry battalions equipped with the new Bradley Fighting Vehicle. As a result of their outstanding performance in the Gulf, the 197th Infantry Brigade (Separate), including 1-18 INF and 2-18 INF, was redesignated as the 3rd Brigade, 24th Infantry Division, with home base at Fort Benning, Georgia.
  

February 2001: Upon closure of all personnel and equipment at Hohenfels, the battalion returned to Schweinfurt for a well deserved 3-day pass and break from training. From there, we boarded busses and moved back to Hohenfels for the first ever Platoon and Company Level Situational Training Exercises (STX) conducted at CMTC. Fantastic concept, and the common theme coming from the soldiers is that it is the best training they have seen in a long time. Every platoon in the battalion got multiple iterations on training lanes that emphasized: hasty breach of a mined wire obstacle, contact with a moving enemy, attack against a defending enemy, and military operations in urban terrain (city fighting).

After four days of platoon training we moved right into company level STX training and all three companies got multiple iterations on: contact with a moving enemy, deliberate attack against a defending enemy, and movement to/establishment of a hasty defense against an attacking enemy. Overall a fantastic training event/opportunity for our junior leaders (both NCOs and officers) as it gave them a chance to maneuver and command their units on difficult terrain against a very well trained and proficient opposing force. After a safe redeployment to Schweinfurt, the rest of February was spent conducting After-Operations-Recovery (AOR) to get our equipment back into good fighting shape.

January and the first half of February were very demanding on both our soldiers and our equipment - we put an average of almost 300 miles on each Bradley Fighting Vehicle!  Does not sound like much until you consider that, on average, the "typical" infantry battalion only puts about 800 miles on a Bradley Fighting Vehicle in an entire year.

March 2001: A month dedicated to taking care of our equipment. The old adage "if you take good care of your equipment it will take good care of you" holds true today and this was our month to emphasis it. Six Bradley Platoons completed a two-week service on their equipment (vehicles, weapons, radios, NBC gear, night vision devices) and did so in an outstanding manner. It is amazing how much "gear" a Bradley Platoon has .. two solid weeks of working until 1900-2000 every night just to get everything cleaned and serviced. The rest of the battalion focused on supporting these six platoons and on getting some much needed "house-cleaning" done. Even with the emphasis on maintenance, the companies managed to squeeze in some fantastic squad level training and the Battle Staff completed a simulation exercise where we fought two missions, a Task Force Defense and a Task Force Movement to Contact.

As I come to the end of my tour with 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry I would like to close out this article by, first and foremost, thanking the Association for the absolutely superb support they provide our soldiers. I have been in a lot
of different units and I have never seen another association even come close!  This battalion is full of fantastic young men and you should be extremely proud that they call themselves Vanguards. I know, for a fact, that they are proud
to call themselves members of the 18th Infantry Regiment. No matter what you hear or read about the "ills" of today's Army, leaders, and soldiers -- let me assure you -- that if called upon the Vanguard Soldier stands ready, willing, and able to fight and win this nation's battles. These soldiers know their heritage and they will uphold it and make you proud! This is the finest group of soldiers I have ever served with and it will be extremely difficult to say good-bye to them on 15 May. The only comforting thought is that I will hand the colors to LTC "Butch" Botters, an outstanding infantryman who will lead this battalion to continued success. Finally, a personal thanks to COL(R) Phil Pryor, CSM(R) Johnson and George Gentry for the support, counsel, and guidance they have given me over the last two years -- an outstanding group of "old soldiers" that have represented us all in an outstanding manner. And last, but certainly not least, a personal and professional thanks to my soldiers. Everything I have accomplished I have done so on the shoulders of my soldiers, NCOS, and officers -- a finer group of combat infantryman you will not find. I leave them with a sad heart but extremely fortunate and proud to have been a part of their battalion for the last two years.

FIRST TO BATTLE!  LTC John M. Murray, Vanguard 6

Editor's note: Next month's issue will focus on the command changes, with biographies and reports on the ceremonies. LTC Murray's next assignment is as the 10 Infantry Division G-3. A great assignment for a great soldier! Congratulations and best wishes!  LTC Botters will hit the road running -- CMTC from 22 May to 16 June, and GTA from 5 July to about 1 August. Welcome to the 18th Infantry family.
 

Excerpts from a letter written by Captain Jason T. Garkey, commander C-1-18

"Charlie Rock" has been very busy since I took command on 28 June 00. Our missions have been varied from training to real world. In August, we deployed to Kosovo as part of the U.S. Army Europe's (USAREUR) Immediate Ready Force (IRF). The company was alerted and in less than 48 hours departed Ramstein Air Force Base with all equipment and personnel for Kosovo. This was an unprecedented event for a mechanized infantry company in Europe. We spent approximately 45 days providing peace and stability support as part of the U.S. peacekeeping effort known as Task Force Falcon. Upon redeployment, we promptly recovered our equipment and embarked on an October gunnery density. One of our crews took the honor of the Battalion "Top Gun" for firing the highest score on Bradley Table VIII (Bradley Crew Qualification). November was spent recovering equipment and December provided training for the dismounted squads. In January, we were back at Grafenwohr and gunnery. We not only took the Battalion "Top Gun" crew, but we were the Battalion "Top Gun" company as well. Our rifle squads had a great squad live-fire program allowing them to maneuver and fire their weapons in a tactical scenario (squad attack, knock out bunker). The culminating point for gunnery was Bradley Table XII (Bradley Platoon Qualification). Bradley Table XII combines mounted and dismounted movement to accomplish a platoon attack mission. The platoon leader maneuvers the dismounted section while the platoon sergeant directs the mounted actions of 4 Bradley Fighting Vehicles. After a two day pass, we went to the Combined Maneuver Training Center (CMTC) for platoon and company situational training exercises (STX). The company did very well and learned a lot of valuable lessons about platoon maneuver against an active opposing force (OPFOR). The OPFOR quickly learned the Vanguards are a force to be reckoned with. During aggressive squad actions, the rifle squads destroyed a tank and armored personnel carrier with anti-armor weapons. This is not typical for infantry squads at CMTC and set our infantrymen apart from the rest. We returned to Schweinfurt last Monday (19 Feb) to wrap up the 45-day training cycle. Once again our primary mission is recovery while we prepare for our next mission. As you can see, the current members of Charlie Company are actively keeping the fighting spirit of the company alive. I hope this note sheds some light on the activities of C/1-1 8 IN today. I want to thank you for your continued participation in C/1-1 8 IN, keeping alive the history and brotherhood of the infantry.

Very Respectfully, Rock 6, First to Battle, Rock Solid!  CPT JASON T. GARKEY CDR, C/1 -1 8 IN

Editor's Note: The unit pride is obvious. Our soldiers work hard to uphold l8th Infantry standards and traditions.
 
 
 

I must say that my time in this position has been personally gratifying and rewarding. I am proud of our association and its members who support our active duty soldiers in such a grand manner. You have provided a strong link to our past great history and a model for all to follow. Life has never been easy for the active duty force. It is especially tough for our men and women and their families as they serve so far away from home and only a moments notice from harm's way. Both the spiritual and physical support that the 18th Infantry Regiment Association and its members have given has proven that we are one family - the 18th Infantry family and the Big Red One family!

I am proud to have been associated with all the members of the Regiment, both past and present. In the future, I will do whatever I can to continue to promote the very best for our soldiers and the Association. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. God Speed.

In Omnia Paratus!  Duty First!  Phil Pryor